You are eligible for a per diem or actual expense allowance when you perform official travel away from your official station. Image: melissamn/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffIf past practice is followed, the GSA likely will soon announce the new per diem rates for federal employees traveling on official business for the fiscal year starting October 1.
That annual announcement is closely watched by federal employees who are regular travelers, who often complain that the amounts are inadequate and that they end up paying the difference out of their own pockets.
There are just above 300 destinations with specific rates, some of which vary seasonally. The highest lodging rates currently are around $400 a day (in-season at several ski areas) although the large majority are much lower. The daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) portion for destinations with their own lodging rates currently ranges from $68 to $92, with destinations having higher lodging rates also typically having higher M&IE rates.
Standard rates apply for other locations: currently $110 a day for lodging and $68 per day for the M&IE portion.
Compared with fiscal 2024, the fiscal 2025 $110 standard lodging rate was an increase from the prior rate of $107, while the M&IE rate range increased from the prior range of between $59 and $79; many of the lodging rates at destinations with specific rates also increased.
Per diem expense allowances – You are eligible for a per diem or actual expense allowance when you perform official travel away from your official station, incur per diem expenses on that travel and are in a travel status for more than 12 hours. Per diem expenses will be reimbursed by one of these methods: lodgings-plus; actual expenses; or reduced per diem rate.
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