Section 3000.500  Per Diem Allowance

a)         The per diem allowances shall be in accordance with the rates promulgated pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5702(a)(1)(A).  As provided for in the Act, if the rates set under federal regulations increase or decrease during the course of the State's fiscal year, the effective date of the new rate shall be the effective date of the change in the federal rate. [30 ILCS 105/12-2(f)]

b)         Per diem shall be paid for travel which includes overnight lodging or is 12 or more continuous hours.  It is given in lieu of the meal allowance and is to cover the cost of meals and meal tips.  Receipts need not be submitted to support this allowance.  First and last day of travel shall be at the rates provided for in accordance with subsection (a).

c)         The location for computing per diem shall be based on the location at which State business is conducted or the stopover point while on travel status.  For travel which does not require lodging, the rate is the rate applicable for the location at which State business is conducted.  For single day travel during which business is conducted at multiple locations, the rate is the highest rate of the business locations.

1)         Example 1:  An employee is traveling to Springfield from Chicago. Business is conducted in Springfield, then the employee returns to Chicago the same day.  The rate will be the first and last day travel rate for Springfield.

2)         Example 2:  An employee is traveling from Springfield to East St. Louis. Business is conducted in East St. Louis.  The employee then travels to Marion and conducts business there.  The employee then travels back to Springfield.  The per diem rate is based on East St. Louis, since that is the higher per diem, and the first and last day of travel rate will apply.

3)         Example 3:  An employee is traveling to Chicago from Springfield. Business is conducted in Chicago.  The employee stays overnight in Chicago and travels back to Springfield the next day.  The rate is for Chicago both days, and the first and last day of travel rate applies for both days of travel.

d)         Meal allowance and per diem may not be mixed on the same day.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 3522, effective March 7, 2025)