6 Per Diem Questions Agencies Ask About Emergency Lodging
Per diem questions are among the most common—and most misunderstood—issues agencies face when arranging emergency lodging.
During disasters, agencies must balance speed with accountability, often under intense scrutiny. Understanding how per diem applies to emergency lodging helps prevent delays, confusion, and compliance challenges.
Here are the six most common per diem questions agencies ask, and why they matter.
1. Does Per Diem Apply During Declared Emergencies?
Agencies often ask whether standard per diem rules apply during disaster declarations.
In many cases:
Per diem guidelines still apply
Exceptions may exist based on mission scope or authorization
Documentation remains essential
Understanding the framework early prevents downstream approval issues.
2. What Happens When Lodging Rates Exceed Standard Per Diem?
Disasters frequently drive lodging costs above normal thresholds.
Agencies want clarity on:
How rate justifications are documented
What approvals are required
How exceptions are handled during surge conditions
Emergency lodging partners must be prepared to support rate explanations quickly and clearly.
3. Are Meals and Incidentals Treated Separately?
Per diem questions often extend beyond lodging alone.
Agencies commonly ask:
Whether meals and incidentals are included
How those costs are tracked
What reporting is required for reimbursement
Clear separation of costs simplifies compliance and reporting.
4. How Is Per Diem Handled for Long-Term Displacement?
When emergencies extend from days into weeks or months, per diem considerations evolve.
Agencies need guidance on:
Adjusting lodging strategies over time
Planning transitions from emergency lodging to longer-term solutions
Maintaining fiscal accountability throughout extended operations
5. What Documentation Is Required for Audits?
Per diem decisions are frequently reviewed after the fact.
Agencies ask:
What records must be maintained
How rate decisions are justified
Whether documentation aligns with agency and federal standards
Preparedness here protects agencies long after the crisis ends.
6. Who Provides Real-Time Guidance During the Emergency?
Perhaps the most important question agencies ask is who they can contact when questions arise mid-operation.
During emergencies, agencies need:
Immediate answers
Human judgment
Real-time problem-solving
Waiting on automated systems or delayed responses can slow mission execution.
Final Thoughts
Per diem questions are not obstacles—they are part of responsible emergency response. Agencies that understand how per diem intersects with emergency lodging move faster and operate with greater confidence.
Lima Charlie Inc. works alongside agencies to provide emergency lodging solutions that are compliant, transparent, and supported by real people around the clock.
📞 Emergency Support Line: (888) 418-4773
Our line includes a very brief automated menu, followed immediately by live human support—available 24/7, no matter the time or situation, for urgent emergency lodging needs.
