June 28, 2004: Headlines: Travel: Policy: Peace Corps: Peace Corps changes policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS)

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Special Reports: August 10, 2004 - PC changes "cash in lieu" travel policy: June 28, 2004: Headlines: Travel: Policy: Peace Corps: Peace Corps changes policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS)
PC changes "cash in lieu" travel policy PC changes "cash in lieu" travel policy
Read and comment on this memo from Peace Corps' General Counsel that explains the new policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS). New RPCVs can still take the long way home, though they will likely have less money in their pockets because of the new policy. Peace Corps received $30 million more this year than in FY03 but is there a budget crunch now at Peace Corps? What do you think of the new policy?




By Admin1 (admin) (pool-151-196-189-49.balt.east.verizon.net - 151.196.189.49) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 7:55 pm: Edit Post

Peace Corps changes policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS)

Peace Corps changes policy for paying cash in lieu to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS)



Read and comment on this memo from Peace Corps' General Counsel that explains the new policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS). Peace Corps has not eliminated the cash in lieu option for COSing PCVs. New RPCVs can still take the long way home, though they will likely have less money in their pockets because of the new policy. Read and comment at:

MEMORANDUM*

* This link was active on the date it was posted. PCOL is not responsible for broken links which may have changed.



MEMORANDUM

To: All Staff

From: Tyler S. Posey, General Counsel

Suzanne B. Glasow, Associate General Counsel

Date: June 28, 2004

Subject: Partial Revision of MS 218: Applicant, Trainee and Volunteer Travel and Use of Hostels (Cash in Lieu Policy)

On June 25, 2004, the Director approved and on June 28, 2004, the Peace Corps issued revisions to Sections 4.11, 4.11.1, and 4.11.2 of MS 218, Applicant, Trainee and Volunteer Travel and Use of Hostels. Specifically, the revision changes the "cash in lieu" policy applicable to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS).

The former cash in lieu policy did not allow posts much flexibility in the types of air fares they could purchase to send COSing Volunteers to their home of record. Not only was the cost of tickets more expensive, the amount provided to Volunteers who opted for cash in lieu of a ticket, was likewise costly for the post.

The new policy permits posts to purchase a wider variety of fare types, but specifically prohibits purchase of excursion fares and round trip tickets. In addition, when purchasing tickets for COSing Volunteers, Peace Corps staff are directed to purchase tickets using whichever permissible fare type or combination of fare types is most practical and economical for the Peace Corps.

The revised policy also changes the basis for determining the amount of cash in lieu of a Peace Corps-provided ticket given to Volunteers who elect that option. Formerly, Volunteers received the cash value of the "lowest normal direct economy class fare from post to their home-of-record." Under the revised policy, Volunteers will receive the cash value of the ticket that would have been purchased for them had they not elected to receive cash in lieu.

Finally, the new policy requires that all return transportation tickets must be in compliance with paragraph 4.5 of the manual section regarding use of American carriers.

In implementing this policy, posts should normally make arrangements with respect to return transportation and cash in lieu for COSing Volunteers by the time of the Volunteers' Close of Service Conference. Tickets may be purchased at a later time, however, when it is practical and best serves the interests of the Peace Corps. Return tickets and/or cash should not be distributed until a Volunteer actually completes his or her service.

Posts are directed to inform Volunteers of this policy change immediately through whatever means are most appropriate.




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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Travel; Policy

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