Overview: Relocation Allowance

See these guidelines for relocation allowances to avoid confusion and costly mistakes.

A relocation allowance is compensation intended to offset higher living costs in a new location. Some Senior Management Group (SMG) and Management Service Professionals (MSP) level candidates who accept new positions at UCSD may be eligible, upon advance approval, for relocation allowances.

A relocation allowance:

• May not exceed 25% of the employee's annualized base salary
• Is included in the eligible employee's gross income as taxable wages
• Is excluded from covered compensation under the UC Retirement Plan
• See Eligibility for Relocation Allowance.

Relocation allowances are reportable for tax purposes because they are considered additional income (compensation) to the employee. See How to Arrange Payment for Relocation Allowance.

Guidelines:

• For staff, the hiring department requests approval from the assistant vice chancellor – Human Resources via an e-mail with the following information:
  • Name and title of person relocating
  • Job bulletin posting number
  • Address of residence from where the person is relocating
• For academic personnel, guidelines can be found on the Academic Affairs Web site.

Notice: UC Policy and Regulations (PDF) is the source for UCSD travel policy. Published UCSD policy is decisive as it has been adapted to UCSD's organization, delegation of authority, terminology, chart of accounts.