Finance changes to take place Oct 1, Nov 1 2014

  • Published
  • By Courtesy Story
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Several changes will take effect beginning October 1 and November 1, 2014 to include a flat rate per diem for long term travel, changes to reimbursable incidentals, dislocation allowance with dependents, and merged travel regulations. Please see information below for a brief summary and contact the 436th Airlift Wing Finance Customer Service center for questions or more information.

1.  Flat Rate Per Diem for Long Term Travel - (EFFECTIVE 1 Nov 14)  Travel for periods longer than 30 days will receive a flat rate per diem (Lodging plus Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE)).  The government is trying to save money by encourage travelers to seek "extended stay" lodging rates.  If you receive flat rate per diem then you MAY not be required to submit a lodging receipt.  You must still incur lodging expenses so staying with friends/family is not allowed while receiving flat rate per diem.  If a traveler is unable to find lodging at the reduced rate they must coordinate with CTO and receive approval to receive full rate lodging.  If you have meals provided or proportional per diem then the flat rate per diem does not apply to you.

     a.   over 30 days - 75% per diem
     b.  over 180 days - 55% per diem

2.  Reimbursable Incidentals - (EFFECTIVE 1 Oct 14)  Travelers can no longer claim reimbursement for ATM fees, baggage tips, transportation tips, or laundry/dry cleaning.  The normal M&IE portion of per diem covers these expenses.

3.  Dislocation Allowance w/Dependents - There are 2 cases where the AF has only paid single rate DLA where the w/dependent rate was more appropriate.
It only affects married First Term Airmen over the last 5 months or USAFE grads.  We are now back paying these members.  We will process these in mass on 24 October (see attached e-mail).

     a.  First Term Airmen - If First Term Airmen were married or acquired dependents between BMT and Dover AFB in the last 5 months, they were paid DLA at the single rate and we therefore owe them the w/dependent rate.
     b.  USAFE grads - If a USAFE grad was married or acquired dependents during the 60 days leave, they were paid DLA at the single rate and we therefore owe them the w/dependent rate.  This applies to all USAFE grads regardless of graduation year.

4.  Merged Travel Regulation - The Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) have now merged to a single regulation--the JTR.  Please refer to this new JTR for any travel policy.

Please refer any questions to Finance Customer Service.