Business Office

Per Diem Method of Substantiation -

The purpose of permitting a Per Diem to be used is to ease the burden of gathering receipts to substantiate expenditures. If the appropriate Per Diem amount is claimed and the following rules are adhered to, the transaction will be deemed substantiated:

• The amount is not greater than the applicable federal rate
• You provide the following:
  • Dates and times
  • Business purpose
• The related travel must include an overnight stay
• Any meals provided free or in conjunction with events, such as a seminar, must be excluded from the per diem
• A Per Diem is not permitted in instances where business entertainment is being conducted
• The Per Diem only applies to meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and not lodging
• The utilization of Per Diems as a means of substantiation may be permitted or disallowed at the discretion of the departmental budget director
• The College’s Per Diem form should be used to ensure all necessary information is gathered and approved

Visit the US General Services Administration website for an up-to-date listing of domestic and foreign per diem rates

View the Mercyhurst Per Diem Form

Please contact the controller at extension 2283 for additional information or clarification.

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