Frequently Asked Questions

Job Interview Travel

Question: Do I need to keep track of my meal and gas receipts?

Answer: Receipts are required for all approved Job Interview Travel and relocation travel expenses except for the following:

Gas for travel in a personally owned vehicle (POV): Gas receipts are not required. POV travel is reimbursed based on the current GSA mileage reimbursement rate, which will be reviewed during your scheduled appointment with a Travel Coordinator.
Meals and Incidentals: Receipts are not required. Meals and Incidentals are reimbursed based on the applicable GSA per diem rate for the ZIP code of the Job Interview Travel or relocation location. Per diem details will be provided during your appointment with a Travel Coordinator.
Expenses covered by the clinic: Some clinics may provide financial assistance for Job Interview Travel or relocation expenses. Any expenses paid by a clinic are not eligible for reimbursement.

Question: Can I stay in an Airbnb, or must I stay in a hotel?

Answer: Airbnb accommodation is considered non-standard lodging and must be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis by your assigned Travel Coordinator. Please be aware that Airbnb often includes service, cleaning, or booking fees that are not reimbursable.

Question: Who is allowed to travel with me as a family member?

Answer: A family member is anyone accompanying you on a job interview visit.

Job Interview Travel Reimbursement

Question: How soon will I receive reimbursement for Job Interview Travel expenses?

Answer: NHSC policy requires reimbursement of approved expenses within 30 business days of expense form approval

Question: Why must I include my airline ticket receipt if the NHSC contractor paid for it?

Answer: The cost of your airline ticket counts toward your $1,200 Job Interview Travel allotment. Federal regulations require tracking the full cost of Job Interview Travel, including expenses paid directly by the NHSC contractor.

Relocation

Question: Am I required to obtain three estimates for a self-move?

Answer: No. We recommend participants completing a self-move obtain at least two written estimates from properly licensed and certified moving companies. Your Transition to Service Job Interview Travel and Relocation Specialist can provide a list of recommended companies from which to request estimates.

Question: I currently have a Conditional Relocation Approval. How do I request Standard Approval?

Answer: All four required documents must be submitted before you are eligible for Standard Relocation Approval. If you currently have a Conditional Approval, you must submit a new relocation request through the MyBHW Portal to obtain Standard Approval before relocation expenses may be reimbursed.

Relocation Reimbursement

Question: How soon will I receive reimbursement for approved relocation expenses?

Answer: Reimbursement is issued within 30 business days of expense form verification. Relocation expense forms must be submitted within 90 days of relocation completion.

Question: Where do I submit relocation receipts for reimbursement?

Answer: All relocation receipts must be uploaded during your scheduled Expense Appointment in the Travel Management Portal. Your assigned Travel Coordinator will assist with proper submission.

Question: Are hotel stays reimbursable after reaching destination?

Answer: No, they are not reimbursable.

Question: Can I be reimbursed for utilities, deposits, or other furnishings?

Answer: No, they are not reimbursable.