Meal Allowance


Meals and Incidentals Expense for Travel After January 1, 2016

Meal and incidentals expenses (M & IE) include all charges for meals, taxes, meal tips, associated fees, and hotel tips (baggage, porters, housekeeping, etc.). Reimbursement will be based on quarter-day increments while in travel status. Travelers are entitled to the quarter they depart as well as the quarter they return. The quarters of each day are noted below:

QuarterTime
Quarter 112:00 a.m. – 5:59 a.m.
Quarter 26:00 a.m. – 11:59 a.m.
Quarter 312:00 p.m. – 5:59 p.m.
Quarter 46:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.

 

For travel within the United States, US territories, and US possessions, the Federal CONUS (Contiguous United States) and OCONUS (Outside Contiguous States) rates are used for determining allowable M & IE limits.  For international locations, the US Department of State (DOS) is the source for allowable M & IE limits. 

Travel TypeTravel LocationWebsiteRates to Use
CONUSContiguous U.S.Per Diem RatesRates published Oct. 1
CONUSAlaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories/PossessionsPer Diem Rates Query

Rates published Oct. 1 -- for travel occurring between Oct. 1 and March 31 of each year.

Rates published April 1 -- for travel occurring between April 1 and Sept. 30 of each year.

InternationalOther than Contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories/PossessionsOffice of Allowances

Rates published Oct. 1 -- for travel occurring between Oct. 1 and March 31 of each year.

Rates published April 1 -- for travel occurring between April 1 and Sept. 30 of each year.