Understanding Per Diem Rates and How They Affect Your TDY Budget
Per diem is the daily allowance provided to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during TDY travel. Knowing how per diem works helps you plan your finances and avoid unexpected costs during your assignment.
The Defense Travel Management Office sets per diem rates based on location. CONUS (Continental United States) rates vary by city and county, while OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) rates differ by country and sometimes by specific cities within those countries.
What Per Diem Covers
Your daily per diem breaks down into two components. The lodging portion reimburses actual lodging costs up to a maximum rate. The meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) portion provides a fixed daily amount regardless of what you actually spend.
Checking Current Rates
Before any TDY, check the current per diem rates for your destination on the GSA website for CONUS travel or the State Department website for OCONUS locations. Rates change annually, usually in October for CONUS locations.
Understanding per diem ensures you can select appropriate lodging, plan your meal budget, and know exactly what reimbursement to expect when you file your travel voucher after returning home.
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