accomodation costs during secondments

Dear Carlos et. al,

happy New Year! :) I read your post just now and don't know if it's still interesting for you but I second Johannes' answer above. Work trips based on a German contract are regulated by law (the "Dienstreisegesetz") and have to be handled in accordance with that. The thing with accomodation during such a worktrip is that it says that it can be reimbursed. So basically, it is in full accordance with the law if you apply for reimbursement of accomodation costs and I strongly suggest to do (or at least try) that. I know from other ESRs in Germany that institutions refused to pay which I, honestly, do not understand AT ALL. As Johannes stated, it is a regular work trip so I really don't get why there's even discussion about non-reimbursement of accomodation costs?!

One thing that is sure is that the mobility allowance is by definition NOT intended to cover any secondment accomodation, although this info goes out from coordinators to ESRs quite frequently. The mobility allowance is ONLY used to cover the additional travel costs between our host and home country, a fact that stems from the requirement of any ESR "not having carried out your main acitivity in your host country [..]" aso before starting your work. Basically, it can be thought of a kind of "reimbursement" from the EU for extra costs caused by their eligibility criteria.

Let me know if you have any further questions - the reimbursement of secondment costs have been one of the major discussion points within our project so far.. Which will likely continue until the funding period ends.. ;)

Cheers and have good day!

Tanja