How To Participate

Responsibilities of the Command/Installation:

Each participating command/installation is responsible for
(1) Designating a Reviewing Official (RO) for the program;
(2) Informing all military members/civilian employees the benefit is available; and
(3) Adding TIP to their check-in/check-out procedures.


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Responsibilities of the Reviewing Official:

The command/installation RO has the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Corresponding with the Program Coordinator and DOT Representative;
  • Downloading “Welcome Aboard!”(DOC, 662KB). This document is designed to summarize the program by orienting potential applicants with program background, eligibility requirements, the reimbursement process, and important policies;
  • Disseminating information about the program;
  • Instructing employees where to find the application, and how to fill it out;
  • Reviewing the application for completion, accuracy and reasonableness of commuting cost;
  • Forwarding the applications to ASN(FM&C) FMO;
  • Keeping participants informed of pertinent program information;
  • Distributing transit benefits once received from DOT;
  • Maintaining an internal tracking system/records of participants; and
  • Maintaining guidelines provided from the DON Program Coordinator containing direction on procedural/policy issues.
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Responsibilities of the Participants:

All new participants must submit an application.   Each participant should find the appropriate application forms either from their local RO or from this website and then submit their completed application to their local RO. The DON is currently operating under a monthly enrollment period for new applicants.   Local RO's usually establish a deadline prior to this date to gather, review, and send applications to FMO.   Make sure to confirm with your RO when their deadline is.

  • You are required to submit an updated application when
    1) the amount you are claiming changes
    2) you transfer to another command
    3) any personal information changes
    4) your military status (Active/Reserve) changes.  
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Completing the Application

The participant and the local RO should work together to ensure that all applications are filled out properly.

  • The “Funding Information” boxes identify the appropriation/fund that finances an applicant’s salary.   For budget purposes, it is imperative the Unit Identification Code (UIC)/Reporting Unit Code (RUC) and Major Claimant (MC) are filled out correctly. If the applicant and RO are unsure what the correct source of funding is, ask the Payroll/Timekeeper or Resource Management Comptroller office.
  • Make sure a monthly mass transit type and commuting cost is entered and the form is signed and dated.   The Monthly commuting cost on public transportation is determined by calculating the daily commute cost and multiplying it times 21 average workdays per month. Parking fees cannot be included in the amount you claim for reimbursement. Enter the calculated total onto the application form, even if the total exceeds the maximum benefit amount. Van pools participating in this program must adhere to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 26 Section 132(f). Questions concerning van pool eligibility should be directed to the local command/installation RO or TIP Program Coordinator.
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Applications/Forms:

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