Depending on the destination, for certain cities a higher rate may be claimed. A web site is available showing a listing of US cities, counties, and the allowable meal per diem rate. Usually these are international trips funded by a grant. There is a travel advance request form to be completed and attached to the request for payment form.
Lodging is only to be reimbursed to the employee.
A lodging facility should not be paid directly by the department. In-state lodging is not covered by the 1999 session law change and must continue to be reimbursed to the employee. If for some reason an employee incurrs travel expenses related to a trip in a future month, they may be reimbursed before the trip takes place, via a request for payment form. However, if the expenses are incurred in the month of the trip, but just before the trip, it would be most efficient to reimburse the expenses on the travel voucher with the other expenses of the trip, after the trip takes place. If this creates a financial hardship on the employee, the Accounting Office Manager may make an exception.