GSA annually would set miscellaneous expense allowance lump-sum rates much as it annually sets per diem and mileage rates. Image: Ms. Li/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe GSA has proposed changes to policies on reimbursing federal employees for expenses when they are permanently relocated in the interests of the government or when being sent to and returning from a temporary assignment, in a way that would in general increase those payments somewhat.
Rules in the January 23 Federal Register would revise the “miscellaneous expense allowance” for costs such as such as fees for disconnecting and connecting appliances, utility fees or deposits that not eligible for refunds, changing automobile registration, and the like.
Under current policy, employees may choose to submit actual expenses, payable up to a cap, or take a lump sum payment. That amount is the lower of $650 or one week’s basic gross pay for singles and twice that if immediate family members also are relocating.
The proposal would eliminate those set amounts; instead, the GSA annually would set miscellaneous expense allowance lump-sum rates much as it annually sets per diem and mileage rates. “Agencies are advised that the relocation MEA lump sum amounts are expected to increase since they were last updated in 2011,” it says.
The rules also would update the types of expenses that may and may not be claimed if itemizing and would make various technical changes.
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