What is a per diem and how is it used?
Per diem, according to Websters Dictionary, means by the day or for each day. When the term is used in conjunction with funds provided for meals when traveling on PTA business, it is the amount of funds provided for each days meals. The California State PTA suggested per diem amount for each day is $47 and is broken down as follows: $10-breakfast, $12-lunch, $25-dinner. However, that does not mean that the meals need to cost that exact amount or that one couldnt use some of the funds allotted for breakfast for their lunch or dinner meal. If one skips a meal or chooses not to eat that meal, that amount can be applied to another meal. The member must pay for any amount spent over the daily total ($47). According to the Toolkit, Finance Section, page 207, Reimbursable Expenses, PTA districts, councils, and units should budget for out-of-pocket expenses and reimburse them upon submission of an expense statement and/or receipts. Receipts must be submitted for all reimbursable expenses.
