§ 302-6.203 - What factors should we consider in determining whether the TQSE allowance is actually necessary?

§ 302-6.203 May I retain any balance left over from my TQSE lump sum payment if such payment is more than adequate?

Yes, if your lump sum TQSE payment is more than adequate to cover your actual TQSE expenses, any balance belongs to you. (E.g., if your agency authorizes and you accept a lump sum payment for 15 days of TQSE and you vacate TQ after 10 days for any reason, you would retain the remaining balance for the 5 days of TQSE not incurred)

What factors should we consider in determining whether the TQSE allowance is actually necessary?

The factors you should consider include:

(a) The length of time the employee should reasonably be expected to occupy their residence at the old official station before reporting for duty at the new official station. An employee and the employee's immediate family should continue to occupy the residence at the old official station for as long as practicable to avoid the necessity for temporary quarters.

(b) The existence of less expensive alternatives. If a less expensive alternative to the TQSE allowance exists that will enable the employee to find permanent quarters at the new official station, you should consider such an alternative. For example, authorize a househunting trip instead of temporary quarters if it would cost less overall.

(c) The existence of other opportunities to arrange for permanent quarters. Consider whether the employee had adequate opportunity to arrange for permanent quarters. For example, you should not authorize temporary quarters if the employee had adequate opportunity during an extended temporary duty assignment or long-term temporary change of station that became permanent, to arrange for permanent quarters.