Government Meal Rate - Frequently Asked Questions

Defense Travel Management Office - The DoD Center for Travel Excellence

image of a map with lines representing travel routes

Home

DTS is available.

EWTS is available.

Allowances

Allowances > Frequently Asked Questions > Government Meal Rate

Government Meal Rate FAQs
Updated: 27 December 2019

What is the current Government meal rate?

Effective 1 January 2020 - 31 December 2020, the OUSD Comptroller announced the GMR is $14.05. The breakdown is as follows:

MEAL	DISCOUNT MEAL RATE	SURCHARGE AMOUNT	FULL MEAL RATE
BREAKFAST	$2.60	$.90	$3.50
LUNCH	$4.30	$1.35	$5.65
DINNER	$3.70	$1.20	$4.90
TOTAL:	$10.60	$3.45	$14.05

How often is the Government meal rate changed?

Every year the rate is reviewed and revised, if necessary, by the OSD Comptroller. The rates above are effective 1 January 2020 - 31 December 2020.

What rate do midshipmen and cadets use?

Effective 1 October 2008 the meal rate for cadets/midshipmen is equivalent to the Enlisted Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) rate.

Is the rate changing for 2020?

Yes. The 2019 Standard GMR of $13.90 (total of breakfast, lunch and dinner) is increased to $14.05 for the 2020 calendar year. See Table above for the breakdown of individual meal and surcharge amounts.

Where can I find this information in the JTR?

See the DTMO website for the current Government Meal Rates.

Where can I find more information on Government meal rates?

For more information on GMR see the DoDFMR. For GMR yearly updates, see the OUSD Comptroller Website.