[Claim for Relocation Expenses by Civil Service Employee]

An advance decision was requested as to whether a civilian employee of the Army was entitled to relocation expenses. While working for a nonappropriated fund activity, the employee accepted a civil service appointment with the Army. Because of an administrative error, the employee received a travel authorization and assurance that the government would pay his relocation expenses. However, after he reported for duty, the employee was informed that his expenses would not be paid because his previous position had been with a nonappropriated fund activity. GAO found that the employee was not entitled to relocation expenses, because federal regulations prohibit such payments to employees who are transferring from nonappropriated fund activities to agencies. Accordingly, the employee's claim for relocation expenses may not be paid.