Housing Stipend
Based on GSA lodging rates. Find cheaper housing and pocket the difference.
Meals & Incidentals
M&IE covers food and daily expenses. Cook at home and this is pure profit.
Travel Reimbursement
Some agencies reimburse travel costs. Not all include this — always ask.
How Travel Therapy Stipends Work
The mechanics behind your tax-free income.
GSA Sets the Maximum
The GSA publishes per diem rates for every county. Your agency can pay up to this amount tax-free.
You Must Have a Tax Home
Stipends are only tax-free if you maintain a valid tax home with real expenses.
Duplicate Expenses Are Key
The IRS allows tax-free stipends because you're paying for two places.
Company Housing or Stipend
Taking the stipend and finding affordable housing usually nets you more money.
Example Weekly Pay Breakdown
Sample Monthly Housing Rates
Maximum tax-free amounts by city.
Real Stipend Experiences
Stipend FAQ
Housing stipend, meals and incidentals (M&IE), and sometimes travel reimbursement. Non-taxable with a valid tax home.
Yes — if your actual housing costs are below your stipend, you keep the difference tax-free.
All stipends become fully taxable. This can reduce your take-home by $10,000–$20,000 per year.
In most cases, taking the stipend and finding your own housing nets you more money.
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