§ 302-2.1 General requirements for relocation.

(a) A relocation must be in the interest of the Government. No relocation expenses will be allowed or paid from Government funds if a transfer is made primarily for the convenience or benefit of the employee. (b) The employee may begin their relocation only after the agency has approved the travel authorization (TA) in writing (paper or electronic). (c) The entitlements and allowances for relocation are determined by the regulatory provisions that are in effect at the time the employee reports for duty at their new official station. However, this does not change the requirement that all aspects of a relocation must be completed by the time specified in § 302-2.2. (d) The effective transfer or appointment date is the date on which the employee reports for duty at their new or first official station, respectively. (e) The employee may relocate from a place other than from where they are authorized. However, the employee will only be reimbursed up to their authorized travel and transportation costs. (f) The employee may only be reimbursed for relocation expenses if they relocate to a new official station that meets the distance test outlined in paragraph (f)(1) of this section unless they are granted an exception as outlined in paragraph (f)(2) of this section. (1) The distance test is met when the new official station is at least 50 miles further from the employee's current residence than the old official station is from the same residence. The distance between the official station and residence is the shortest of the commonly traveled routes between them. (2) The head of the agency or designee may authorize an exception to the 50-mile threshold on a case-by-case basis when the authorizing official determines that it is in the best interest of the Government.