Food Reimbursement Policy
Meal Expenses While Traveling
University travelers are expected to make reasonable selections when ordering meals. Reimbursement claims for food are audited and travelers may be requested to justify claims or provide receipts. Without satisfactory justification, questioned claims will not be reimbursed. Please note the IRS restrictions listed below.
Tips for meals will be reimbursed. Tips should not be entered separately on the employee expense voucher as items of miscellaneous expense but should be included in the cost of the meals.
In most situations, meal expenses incurred in the city or town in which the residence or primary work location of the employee is located are not reimbursable.
No reimbursement may be made for alcoholic beverages.
Meal Reimbursement During University Travel |
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Trip |
Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
One day trip |
Yes, if departure from home is prior to 6:30 am |
No |
Yes, if departure is prior to 5:00 pm and return is after 7:00 pm |
First & Last Day of a Multi-Day Trip |
Yes, if departure is prior to 6:30 am. or return is after 10:00 am |
Yes, if departure is prior to 11:00 am or return is after 2:00 pm |
Yes, if departure is prior to 5:00 pm or return is after 7:00 pm |
Allowable GSA % |
20% of GSA M&IE rate* |
30% of GSA M&IE rate * |
50% of GSA M&IE rate* |
| *If daily meal claim exceeds the allowable GSA M&IE guidelines above, all meal receipts for the day must be submitted. | |||
Note: Meal reimbursements for one day trips are taxable income and must be reported by the University to the IRS after the traveler exceeds $200 in a twelve month period (December 1 through November 30).
Out-of-state travelers who choose to use motor vehicles instead of available commercial air service will not be reimbursed for food or lodging expenses that would have been avoided by using commercial air service.
Travelers using privately owned aircraft on official travel will not be reimbursed for food or lodging expenses incurred while en route.
Amount for Reimbursement
Nebraska statutes state that "...only actual employee expenses are to be reimbursed." Therefore claiming per diem rates is not allowed.
