Rules for Prorating the Federal Daily Per Diem

Travelers may be reimbursed for meal and incidental expenses up to the maximum full daily rate established by the federal government. However, the daily per diems must be adjusted for the following situations.

1. Partial Days

   A traveler can only claim up to 3/4 of the daily per diem for both the day travel begins and the day travel ends.

2. Deductions for Meals Included in Registration Fees

   When a meal has been paid for as a part of a registration fee or included in the hotel rate, a deduction must be made from the applicable per diem rate. The percentage to be deducted is as follows:

   Breakfast 25%

   Lunch 25%

   Dinner 50%

3. Deductions for Non Business Days
   
   Weekends, holidays, and other "standby" days may be counted as business days as long as they fall between business travel days. If they are at the beginning or end of a traveler’s activity and the traveler is at the business destination for non-business reasons, reimbursement is not allowed for the additional days.

• The only exception is when the air travel is at a lower total cost if the traveler stays over a weekend or holiday. In order to qualify for the daily per diem, the non-business days must be in the same city on days adjacent to the business activity.