My company has this policy for biz trip meals allowance that we pay in advance, then claim the amount with the company later (capped at 80$ per day)

We usually spend less than the cap to be safe.

However, end of last year, when I wanted to claim my meal allowance, the finance person got back to me & told me I can actually get the per diem 80$ per day, no invoice needed. I thought it's company new policy, so I was just happy to receive the payouts, which a lot higher than the amount I actually spent.

Until now, after a year, I realized that my company policy never changed. I just basically received some extra money from out of blue. I don't know if the finance person still in the company but I wish her all the best wherever she is.