Travel Allowance (TA) and Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Claims Guide

This guide covers TA/LTC claims for ticket fare (onward/return journeys) and leave encashment (zero claims for 10 days per block/year). Follow these steps to ensure smooth processing of your claims.

Key Points for TA/LTC Claims

Topic	Details
Contingent Claim Format	Submit in Appx 'A' to AO 30/89 format for LTC journeys.
Journey Details	Onward and return journey details (dates, routes, ticket numbers) must be mentioned in the contingent claim.
Family Details	If LTC is availed for self and family, list family members in the sanction order.
Leave Encashment	LTC can be encashed for 10 days per block/year (zero claim). Requires DO Part-II publication and supporting documents.
Air Ticket Booking	Book through authorized Travel Agents (ATAs): M/s Balmer Lawrie, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours, or IRCTC. Use official Govt. email ID and retain webpage printout/screenshot with flight/fare details (DoPT OM No. 31011/12/2022-Estt.A-IV, 29/08/2022 & 11/10/2022 for LTC; 19024/03/2021-E.IV, 16/06/2022 for TD).
Leh to Delhi (Nov 1–May 31)	PBORs are entitled to full air fare if booked through ATAs. Unauthorized bookings require relaxation from HOD with IFA concurrence.
Time Limits	Advance drawn/DTS booked: Submit within 30 days of return journey. Non-DTS: Within 90 days (DoPT OM F.No. 31011/3/2015-Estt (A-IV), 01/04/2015).
Prior Sanction	Mandatory before journey commencement. Ex-post facto sanctions are not admissible.

Required Documents for TA/LTC Claims

Check	Document	Notes
✔️	Move Sanction Letter	Must specify entitlements and duty nature.
✔️	Movement Order	Required for TA claims.
✔️	Leave Certificate	Confirm leave period for LTC (journey must be within one leave spell).
✔️	Original Tickets/Boarding Passes	Air/train tickets and boarding passes, attested by unit authorities.
✔️	Ink-Signed Contingent Claim	In Appx 'A' to AO 30/89 format.
✔️	Prior Sanction Copy	From competent authority before journey.
✔️	Specimen Signature	Of countersigning officer, countersigned by another commissioned officer.
✔️	TA/DA Advance Certificate	If advance was drawn.
✔️	DO Part-II (Leave Encashment)	Required for encashment claims.
✔️	Time-Bar Sanction	If claim is late, obtain from GOC-in-C Comd, GOC Corps/Div/Area/Sub Area, or Maj Gen (Service HQs) for claims up to 3 years; DCOAS(Stat) for >3 years (Rule 188, FR Part-I, Vol-I).

Common Reasons for TA/LTC Claim Rejection

Reason
Incorrect or missing Dak ID (e.g., mapped to wrong Army No.).
Missing documents (e.g., Movement Order, tickets, boarding passes, leave certificate).
Ex-post facto sanction (prior sanction mandatory).
Air tickets booked through unauthorized agents (e.g., EaseMyTrip) without HOD/IFA relaxation.
Journey dates not matching leave period or spanning multiple leave spells.
Time-barred claims without proper sanction.
High air fare due to late booking (must book 21 days prior for cheapest non-stop flight).
Missing ink-signed claim, covering letter, or countersignature.
Non-compliance with prior audit observations (e.g., Adv/Rej/Dak ID).

Quick Tips (TA/LTC)

Tip
Keep copies of all documents (sanctions, tickets, boarding passes, leave certificates).
Book air tickets through ATAs (Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels, IRCTC) 21 days in advance for cheapest fares.
Ensure journey dates are within one leave spell and match leave certificate (Eg:Encash LTC for Zero claim &Enashment for Leave for 10ays).
Submit claims within 30 days (DTS/advance) or 90 days (non-DTS) to avoid time-bar sanctions.
Obtain prior sanction before travel and include family details in the sanction order.
For leave encashment, ensure DO Part-II is published and submitted with claim.
Address audit observations (Adv/Rej/Dak ID) before resubmitting claims.