PDFWAC 415-104-390

Reimbursements or allowances in lieu of a reimbursement are not LEOFF Plan II basic salary.

(1) Reimbursement. If an employer reimburses a member for expenses incurred in providing services for the employer, the purpose of the payment is to pay the member back for out-of-pocket expenses. The payment is not compensation. It is not a salary or wage and is not basic salary for LEOFF Plan II.
(2) Allowance. An allowance paid in lieu of a specific reimbursement for expenses a member is expected to incur in providing services for the employer is characterized the same as a specific reimbursement. The purpose of the payment is to reimburse the member for out-of-pocket expenses. The payment is not compensation. It is not a salary or wage and does not qualify as basic salary for LEOFF Plan II.
Example:
An employer provides an annual stipend for the purchase of a uniform or other clothing required for the performance of a members' duties. The payment is a reimbursement for expenses incurred or expected to be incurred and is not basic salary for LEOFF Plan II.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 41.50.050 and 41.50.055. WSR 97-01-016, § 415-104-390, filed 12/6/96, effective 1/6/97.]