Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 02/24 – Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members of the Canadian Armed Forces

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2024-03-13

Date of Modification: 2025-03-10

Application: This instruction applies to Regular Force (Reg F) and Reserve Force (Res F) members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP).

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC) for policy-related enquiries and the nearest CAF Transition Centre (CAF TC) for individual specific enquiries.

2. Definitions

2.1 Terms used in this instruction are as defined in the CBI 211, chapter 211 – Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members of the Canadian Forces.

3. Policy direction

Context

3.1 The purpose of this instruction is to establish processes to reimburse an ill or injured member for payments made for the provision of services which seek to accommodate ill or injured members’ living arrangements and assist in their recovery in accordance with the following benefits:

1. CBI 211.01, Home Modifications Benefit;
2. CBI 211.015, Home Modifications Move Benefit;
3. CBI 211.02, Vehicle Modifications Benefit;
4. CBI 211.03, Home Assistance Benefit;
5. CBI 211.04, Attendant Care Benefit; 
6. CBI 211.05, Caregiver Benefit; and
7. CBI 211.06, Spousal Education Upgrade Benefit. 

3.2 As well, this instruction establishes the process for payment or reimbursement for the CBI 211.07, Next of Kin Travel Benefit (NKTB).

3.3 This instruction is to be read in conjunction with CBI Chapter 211. This document aims to increase CAF members’ awareness of these benefits. If there are any discrepancies between this instruction and CBI 211, the CBI will prevail.

Policy statement

3.4 This instruction outlines the criteria, application process, approval process and limitations of service benefits to members who have sustained injuries or illnesses. 

4. Operating principles

Eligibility

4.1 Eligibility for benefits in this instruction are in accordance with CBI Chapter 211.

Note – The medical assessment by an authorized health care provider to confirm eligibility for any CBI 211 benefit, must be documented by an approved DND 4810 form, Request to Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centre for Items/Services Under CBI 211/Quality of Life.

Assessment

4.2 An authorized health care provider regularly assesses, not less than once every three months unless otherwise prescribed, whether a member who sustained an injury or illness continues to be medically unable to independently perform: housekeeping or grounds maintenance (CBI 211.03, Home Assistance Benefit); activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (CBI 211.04, Attendant Care Benefit); or childcare support for a dependant (CBI 211.05, Caregiver Benefit).

Note – Using “otherwise prescribed” may include, but is not limited to, confirmation by an authorized health care provider that the member’s condition is permanent and does not require further assessment to support continuation of the benefit until the member’s effective date of release.

Claims for reimbursement

4.3 To obtain payment or reimbursement of eligible expenses for benefits established under CBI 211, a CAF Transition Group (CAF TG) pre-formatted CF 52 General Allowance Claim must be used and is available from the closest supporting CAF TC Services Section. Claims for reimbursement of expenses must include:

1. confirmation of medical need(s) for the requested benefit through an approved DND 4810 form;
2. Expenditure Initiation Authority and Approval under Section 32 of the Financial Administration Act (FAA) which must be certified prior to reimbursement of funds. The certification of Section 32 must be provided by the CAF TG Compt, CAF Transition Unit (CAF TU) Budget and Business Officer or Financial Services Administrator on the appropriate form or document as follows:
   1. for CBI 211.01, 211.015, and 211.02, using the Request for Service Benefit Approval (RSBA) document;
   2. for CBI 211.03, using DND 4808 - Home Assistance Benefit - Maximum Amount Claimable Worksheet, Part 8, or DND 4995 - Extension of Home Assistance Benefit - Maximum Amount Claimable Worksheet, Part 3, and
   3. for CBI 211.04 to 211.07 inclusive, using DND 4810;
3. invoices, receipts and/or service contracts from service provider to confirm proof of payment and expenses, submitted by the member;
4. for CBI 211.04 or CBI 211.05 when service provider is a family member, name and relationship of individual who provided support;
5. confirmation by the CAF TC Services Section that the services and amount recommended for reimbursement are compliant with CBI 211 and that the information has been recorded for the management of potential future claims;
6. any additional information or documentation specific to the applicable benefit and indicated in the following sections of this instruction; and
7. for benefits claimed under CBI 211.07, NKTB, a completed travel itinerary and statement of travel and living expenses, including receipts. 

4.4 To obtain payment or reimbursement of eligible expenses for any benefit covered by CBI 211 – Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members, members should contact their closest supporting CAF TC Services Section to confirm the application of the benefit and process in accordance with the specific needs of the members. 

4.5 Any sum of money payable under the QR&O or CBI that is not claimed within a period of twelve months after the date on which it might have been claimed is forfeited, except when the circumstances disclose sufficient reason for the delay in submitting the claim, and the payment is approved by the Chief of the Defence Staff, as indicated in QR&O, article 203.05, Delay in Submission of Claims.

Note – Any additional claim requirements for benefits will be outlined under section 5 of this instruction. 

5. Process

Home Modifications Benefit

5.1 CBI 211.01, authorizes reimbursement of payments made to modify a member’s principal residence to meet the member`s activities of daily living requirements (ADL and IADL) based on the member’s mobility requirements. 

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.2 The process for the assessment, approval, and provision of Home Modifications Benefit is as follows:

1. based on a clinical referral to an Occupational Therapist (OT), a completed DND 4408 Occupational Therapy Assessment – Redacted Recommendations Report is reviewed by a Canadian Armed Forces Medical Officer or an authorized civilian physician in accordance with CBI 211.01(2) eligibility; 
2. the member is directed to the CAF TC by the Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) using a DND 4810 form and DND 4408; 
3. the member is interviewed by a CAF TC Services Coordinator, briefed on the benefit process, guidance for funding the modification as well as the claim reimbursement process. The member completes and signs the Acknowledgement and Consent form, which identifies any limitations and key responsibilities. Based on the DND 4408, the CAF TC Services Coordinator completes a Scope of Work (SOW);
4. the CAF TC Services Coordinator completes an options analysis with the member and service partners to document the elements of the home modification. The member is requested to seek estimates from multiple contractors and then to select their preferred contractor. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the project, the member may also be encouraged to select a Project Manager;
5. based on a completed SOW, and the member’s signed Acknowledgement and Consent for any limitations and key responsibilities, funding approval is sought using an RSBA; all necessary authorizations to make home modifications are obtained; and
6. home modification commences once approval of the RSBA has been confirmed, with continued monitoring and support to the member, including managing project payments and reimbursement.

Claims for Reimbursement

5.3 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction.

Home Modifications Move Benefit

5.4 CBI 211.015 authorizes reimbursement for actual and reasonable moving expenses incurred during home modifications, approved under CBI 211.01, including expenses incurred while occupying a temporary residence. 

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.5 The Home Modification Move Benefit is available during a period when a home modification under CBI 211.01 requires the member and family to vacate the residence due to the nature of the modification. The requirement will be determined during the options analysis of the home modification and entitlement confirmed by an approved RSBA.

5.6 The Home Modification Move Benefit includes temporary accommodation, and when required is based on the nature of the modification and identified in the options analysis and may also include relocation/storage of household goods, furniture, and effects.

5.7 Financial commitment regarding move benefits cannot be made until the actual dates for the family to vacate the residence are confirmed. The requirement to vacate the residence normally occurs at a specific period during the home modification where anticipated dates may change based on the progress of that modification. Nevertheless, members should develop their plan for temporary accommodation as well as relocation/storage of household goods, furniture, and effects as soon as the requirement to vacate the residence has been identified in an approved RSBA.

Accountable Advances

5.8 An advance of Public Funds may be issued for the purpose of CBI 211.015.

Claims for Reimbursement

5.9 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction. 

Vehicle Modifications Benefit

5.10 CBI 211.02 authorizes reimbursement for payments made to modify a total of one (1) private motor vehicle (PMV) to allow the ill or injured member to drive or be a passenger. This benefit is payable for reasonable and necessary expenses related to the modification of the PMV or the operation of the modified PMV incurred by the member.

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.11 The process for the assessment, approval, and provision of the Vehicle Modifications Benefit is as follows:

1. based on a clinical referral from an OT, a completed DND 4408 is reviewed by a Canadian Armed Forces Medical Officer or an authorized civilian physician in accordance with CBI 211.02(2) eligibility;
2. the member is directed to the CAF TC by the CFHS using a DND 4810 form and a DND 4408;
3. the member is interviewed by a CAF TC Services Coordinator, briefed on the benefit process and guidance for funding the modification as well as the claim reimbursement process. The member completes and signs the Acknowledgement and Consent form, which identifies any limitations and key responsibilities. Based on the DND 4408, the CAF TC Services Coordinator completes a SOW;
4. based on the SOW, and the member’s signed Acknowledgement and Consent for any limitations and key responsibilities, funding approval is sought using a RSBA; and
5. once the RSBA has been approved, the member will be advised to proceed with the vehicle modification.

Claims for Reimbursement

5.12 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction. 

Home Assistance Benefit

5.13 CBI 211.03 authorizes reimbursement of payments to an ill or injured member due to a temporary or permanent impairment of that member, for housekeeping and grounds maintenance tasks to ensure access to the member’s principal or temporary residence and the performance of IADL. 

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.14 The process for the assessment, approval, and provision of Home Assistance benefits is as follows:

1. eligibility for the Home Assistance Benefit must be assessed by an Authorized Health Care Provider in accordance with CBI 211.03(2), Home Assistance Benefit (Eligibility);
2. the member is directed to the CAF TC by the CFHS using a DND 4810 form;
3. the member is interviewed by a CAF TC Services Coordinator, and a DND 4808 form is completed. Part 6 of the DND 4808 form, Member’s Privacy Notice and Declaration, is completed and signed by the member; and
4. note that reimbursement for costs associated with a contract signed for provision of housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance services which commenced prior to, or ends after, the period of need will be pro-rated to cover the period of need indicated on the DND 4810 form.

Claims for Reimbursement

5.15 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction. In addition to the documentation listed at Section 4.2, Part 8 of the DND 4808 form or Part 3 of the DND 4995 form, must be attached to the CF 52 General Allowance Claim.

Attendant Care Benefit

5.16 Payments made to an attendant to provide non-clinical support to an eligible member on a full-time basis are reimbursed in accordance with CBI 211.04. This instruction sets out the process for the reimbursement of expenses for eligible members who require the services of an attendant on a full-time basis.

5.17 Where the member requires some clinical support in addition to full-time non-clinical assistance, this benefit may be recommended in addition to any part-time clinical assistance provided by CFHS.

5.18 The CBI 211.04 (7) (Limitation), states that the attendant care benefits are not payable:

1. if the attendant is a member of the Special Force Regular Force, or Reserve Force on Class “B” or “C” Reserve Service, who is in receipt of pay and allowances; or
2. for any day the member’s next of kin is supporting the member under CBI 211.07.

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.19 The process for the assessment, approval, and provision of Attendant Care benefit is as follows:

1. eligibility for the Attendant Care must be assessed by an Authorized Health Care Provider in accordance with CBI 211.04(2) (Eligibility);
2. the member is directed to the CAF TC by CFHS using the DND 4810 form; and
3. the member is interviewed by a CAF TC Services Coord to confirm eligibility requirements and rate of reimbursement for CBI 211.04. 

Claims for Reimbursement

5.20 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction. In addition to the documentation listed at section 4.2, the member must provide proof of payment in the form of a receipt(s), or where the attendant is not a registered service provider, the member may sign the declaration included in the standard format of the CF 52.

Caregiver Benefit

5.21 CBI 211.05, Caregiver Benefit, authorizes reimbursement of payments made for childcare or other caregiver expenses for a member’s dependent child or children physically residing with the member, for those activities that are the member’s responsibility and cannot be performed by the member due to the member’s impairment. This instruction establishes processes for the reimbursement of expenses for eligible members who require respite childcare and other caregiver assistance.

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.22 The process for the assessment, approval, and provision of the Caregiver benefit is as follows:

1. eligibility for the Caregiver Benefit must be assessed by an Authorized Health Care Provider in accordance with CBI 211.05(5), Caregiver Benefit (Medical Assessment);
2. the member is directed to the CAF TC by CFHS using the DND 4810 form; and
3. the member is interviewed by a CAF TC Services Coord to confirm eligibility requirements and rate of reimbursement for CBI 211.05, Caregiver Benefit. 

Claims for Reimbursement

5.23 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction. In addition to the documentation listed at section 4.2, the member must provide proof of payment for childcare in the form of a receipt(s) or where the attendant is not a registered service provider, may sign the declaration included in the standard format of the CF 52, General Allowance Claim. 

Spousal Education Upgrade Benefit

5.24 CBI 211.06, Spousal Education Upgrade Benefit (SEUB), authorizes reimbursement of educational expenses up to $20,000.00, made by or on behalf of a CAF member, who sustained an injury or illness, to improve the employability of their spouse or common-law partner. This instruction sets out the processes for this reimbursement. 

5.25 In accordance with CBI 211.06(5), SEUB (Limitation), the SEUB is not payable:

1. if the education upgrade plan is inadequate for the purpose of improved employability;
2. if the expenses are not in accordance with the education upgrade plan;
3. if the expenses are not claimed within one year after the day on which the expenses were incurred;
4. in respect of a course that is not successfully completed; or
5. in respect of expenses incurred:
   1. before the member sustains a permanent catastrophic impairment; and
   2. after the member is capable of participating in any federal government tuition and/or vocational assistance program.

Assessment, Validation, and Provision

5.26 The process for the assessment, approval, and provision of SEUB is as follows:

1. eligibility must be assessed in accordance with CBI 211.06(2), SEUB (Eligibility); and
2. the member is directed to the CAF TC by CFHS using DND 4810 form.

Completion of an Application for an Education Upgrade Plan (EUP)

5.27 The steps to complete an EUP form found at Annex A are as followed where a CAF TC Services Manager:

1. ensures that a confirmation has been received, that the member has been assessed by an authorized health care provider as having sustained a permanent impairment and is medically unable to benefit from any federal tuition or vocational assistance program;
2. assists the member’s spouse or common law-partner in completing the EUP form;
3. evaluates and confirms that the institution to be attended by the CAF member’s spouse or common law partner is a Canadian university or college accredited in accordance with provincial law, or that the institution that will be issuing the certificate, trade accreditation or similar credential, is a recognized professional body;
4. ensures costing for eligible education expenses are provided in the EUP;
5. forwards EUP for review by J3 Services at CAF TG Headquarters (HQ) and for consideration by Director General Military Transition (DGMT) or an officer designated by DGMT; and
6. notifies the CAF member and provides them with a copy of the approved EUP, and provides an information copy to a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) representative, if one has been assigned to the member.

Education Upgrade Plan Submission and Approval Process

5.28 The education expenses to be reimbursed must be in accordance with the approved EUP and peripheral costs as identified at part 5 of the EUP will be considered as/when required.

5.29 DGMT is responsible for the management and operation of this program. The EUP must be registered and approved by DGMT. CAF TC Services Managers are responsible for the collation of information required and recommendation of EUP to CAF TG HQ and to process claims in accordance with this instruction.

Amendment(s) to an Approved Education Upgrade Plan

5.30 If an amendment to an approved EUP is required, the amended EUP must be resubmitted and approved prior to commencement of courses for which reimbursement of eligible education expenses will be sought.

Courses not Successfully Completed

5.31 Once notified by the member that courses listed in the EUP will not be successfully completed, the CAF TC Services Manager will notify DGMT or an officer designated by DGMT.

Alternatives

5.32 In cases where the spouse’s education plan cannot be completed prior to the member’s date of release (DOR), members who receive the SEUB may also be eligible for the VAC Vocational Assistance Program. The VAC Vocational Assistance Program is available for a spouse or common-law partner of a veteran who is not able to take part in vocational rehabilitation due to a health condition. Since the SEUB and the VAC Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program are two separate programs, it is important for each member to compare them to determine appropriateness of fit, as these vary in terms of eligibility, amount and level of support.

Cessation of the Benefit

5.33 Should the member whose spouse or common law partner is participating in the SEUB be released from the CAF prior to the completion of their spouse’s or common law partner’s EUP, any expenses incurred following the member’s DOR will not be reimbursable and/or any courses ending post-release date will not be supported (Annex A).

Claims for Reimbursement

5.34 Claims should be initiated and processed in accordance with section 4.2 of this instruction. For the SEUB, in addition to the documentation listed at section 4.2 of this instruction, the CF 52, General Allowance Claim must also be accompanied by:

1. a copy of the approved EUP; and
2. proof of successful completion of the EUP.

Note – Reimbursement for expenses under the SEUB may limit benefits under the VAC Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program.

Next of Kin Travel Benefit

5.35 CBI 211.07, authorizes the payment or reimbursement for the travel and living expenses (including incidentals and meals) of an ill or injured member’s Next of Kin (NOK) and travel assistants. The member’s NOK are those designated by the member on the DND 2587 form.

Note 1 – In respect of an officer or non-commissioned member, NOK means persons designated, in order of preference, as NOK by the officer or non-commissioned member, on a form that is approved by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) for that purpose in accordance with QR&O 1.02. The DND 2587 form is the said approved form.

Note 2 – Travel and living expenses are paid or reimbursed at the same rates and under the same conditions as those established for a General Service Officer holding the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel travelling on temporary duty.

5.36 A member is eligible to receive the NKTB if all the following conditions are satisfied:

1. it is assessed by a CF Medical Officer or authorized civilian physician that the member is eligible pursuant to CBI 211.07; and
2. the CDS, or an officer designated by the CDS, determines that there is no operational or security reason that prevents the NOK and a travel assistant, as the case may be, from being at the member's location; and
3. the NOK and a travel assistant, as the case may be, travel to the member’s location.

Note – The NKTB recipient is the member, not the member’s NOK or travel assistant. Completed NKTB claims will be paid based on the member's approved payment instructions.

Assessment

5.37 The medical assessment for the NKTB must be provided by a Canadian Forces Medical Officer or an authorized civilian physician using the DND 4810 form. Given the potential of complexity when the NKTB is recommended, the member or a Designated Assistant should contact the CAF TC Services Manager as soon as possible to confirm the details of the benefit, claim process and any unique issues which may require consultation with Director Casualty Support Management (DCSM) or higher authority. 

Payment or Reimbursement

5.38 Once the member’s DND 4810 form has been financially approved, to obtain payment or reimbursement of eligible expenses for the benefit established in CBI 211.07 members should contact their closest supporting CAF TC where the Services Manager will process the requests in accordance with the specific needs of each member. For NKTB claims, settlement is normally provided through ClaimsX. In the case of a deceased member who died because of the injury or illness which led to the NKTB, a completed CF 52 General Allowance Claim will be deposited to the member’s pay which will later be released to the executor as part of the member’s estate.

Next of Kin and Duration of Travel

5.39 The NKTB is authorized for a maximum of four persons, including travel assistants, for a maximum sum of 120 days among all NOK authorized to travel. An additional period of travel to a maximum of 180 days may be authorized by the CDS for one person if in the opinion of a medical officer or authorized civilian physician, additional attendance of the next of kin is required.

Additional Period

5.40 All requests for additional periods of travel and accommodation under the NKTB can be directed to the DCSM through the CAF TC Services Manager for review and submission to the approving authority.

Accountable Advances

5.41 Advances of public funds may be issued to the ill or injured member for the purpose of the member’s approved NOK. 

6. Reporting and tracking

General

6.1 Tracking the number of eligible members and comparing it to the number of applicants and recipients will help with assessing the effectiveness of this instruction.

6.2 As it is also the intent of this instruction to increase CAF member awareness of the benefits for which they may be eligible or a change in the provision of existing benefits, evaluation metrics will assess member awareness these benefits. This data will be tracked in a disaggregated manner, to discern whether awareness, applications, and benefits are equitably distributed across different demographic factors, including age, gender, geography, rank, sex, and years of service.

7. Education and training

General

7.1 For additional information on service benefits, members are encouraged to contact their local CAF TC for additional resources and support.

8. Responsibilities

Responsibilities table

8.1 The following table identifies the responsibilities associated with this instruction:

9. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Associated DAOD

• Financial Administration Act
• QR&O Chapter 34, Medical Services
• QR&O Chapter 203, Section 1, Issue and Computation of financial Benefits
• QR&O 209.02 (3), Entitlements – Next of Kin
• QR&O 203.05, Delay in Submission of Claims
• CBI chapter 1, Introduction
• CBI chapter 211, Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members for Members of the Canadian Forces
• DAOD 5018-0, Support Management for Injured or Ill CAF members and Military Casualties

Other References

• Accountable Travel and Moving Advance Regulations (Canadian Forces) (C.R.C., c. 670),
• Accountable Travel and Moving Advance Regulations (Dependants of Members of the Canadian Forces) (C.R.C., c. 671)
• Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions
• Rehabilitation services - Veterans Affairs Canada
• Vocational assistance - Veterans Affairs Canada
• Form DND 4810, Request to Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centre for Items/Services Under CBI 211/Quality of Life (Only available on the DWAN)
• Form DND 4808, Home Assistance Benefit - Maximum Amount Claimable Worksheet (Only available on the DWAN)
• Form DND 4995, Extension of Home Assistance Benefit - Maximum Amount Claimable Worksheet (Only available on the DWAN)
• Form DND 4408, Occupational Therapy Assessment – Redacted Recommendations Report (Only available on the DWAN)
• Form DND 2587, Next of Kin (NOK) Identification (Only available on the DWAN)
• Request for Service Benefit Approval (RSBA) – Available on request at CAF Transition Centres

10. Annex

1. Annex A – Spousal Education Upgrade Plan