Relocation Directive - Chapter 4 - House Hunting Trip (HHT) and Destination Inspection Trip (DIT)
4.01 In this chapter
This chapter describes the benefits related to:
- House Hunting Trip; and
- Destination Inspection Trip.
Note: The benefits contained in this Chapter may be amended (limited or enhanced) by specific provisions contained in other chapters in this directive.
(TB amended 16 September 2014)
It is divided into the following sections:
| The purpose of | is to |
|---|---|
| an HHT | secure accommodation at the new place of duty on such terms that will facilitate, as much as possible, a door-to-door move in order to minimize:
(TB amended 19 April 2018) |
| a DIT | visit the new place of duty and provide the opportunity to:
|
4.03 Eligibility
A CF member who is authorized to receive relocation benefits under this Directive is entitled to conduct either an HHT or a DIT, and the benefits provided for in this chapter apply to a member who completes either on or after 19 April 2018.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
| CF members who have | are entitled to |
|---|---|
| not secured accommodation at the new place of duty | an HHT |
| already secured accommodation, purchased property, or officially contracted for the construction of a replacement residence | a DIT |
4.04 Additional entitlements
In addition to the benefits outlined in this chapter, CF members may be entitled to reimbursement of:
- Tolls and parking charges as per art 3.3.04
- ATM charges as per art 3.4.01
- Stop over or delay in travel as per art 3.4.05
4.1.01 Standard HHT
Core benefit
A standard HHT includes up to five days and five nights at the new location, for the CF member and/or spouse.
The total duration, including travel time, should not normally exceed seven days and six nights.
4.1.02 Dependants
Custom benefit
Dependants accompanying CF member and/or spouse
(TB amended, 1 September 2012)
4.1.03 Extended HHT
Custom benefit
When the CO authorizes annual leave, CF members may extend the duration of a standard HHT by up to an additional four days/four nights, for the following purposes:
- Finding accommodation; and
- CF member/dependant issues.
CF members must make the necessary travel amendments.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.1.04 Standard DIT
Core benefit
A standard DIT includes up to three days and three nights at the new location, for the CF member or spouse.
The total duration, including travel time, should not normally exceed five days and four nights.
4.2.01 Timing
The HHT is to be taken after official notification of posting (for Regular Force)/employment message (for Reserve Force) and normally before COS date (for Regular Force)/commencement date of the period of employment (for Reserve Force). If accommodation has been secured prior to posting notification (for Regular Force)/employment message (for Reserve Force), entitlement is only for a DIT. The HHT may, in the circumstances set out in article 5.07, be taken after arrival at the new place of duty.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.2.02 Absence from work
CF members require authority from the losing unit Commanding Officer for their absence from work in order to conduct their HHT or DIT.
4.2.03 Travel by commercial carrier
Travel by commercial carrier shall be arranged by the service provider except when it was impossible to do so and was supported by the BComd/BAdmO (i.e. Operational reasons).
Commercial bookings may be made from locations other than the geographical boundaries of the HG&E for service or compassionate reasons only.
The only authorized changes to the travel itinerary are for service or compassionate reasons and must be made through the service provider.
Changes to travel itineraries or stopovers to accommodate pets are not authorized.
(TB amended, effective 1 September 2012)
4.2.04 HHT savings incentive - shortened HHT
When a CF member is entitled to the HHT savings incentive under article 1.2.2.06, an incentive of up to $250 will be added to the personalized funds when CF members plan a shortened HHT or return to their place of duty prior to using the full benefits of a standard HHT. The savings calculation shall include 100% of all lodgings, meals and incidentals for unused days based on a standard HHT minus any cancellation, transfer or change fees charged by the carrier.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.2.05 Short distance HHT/DIT
Where the old and new places of duty are in close proximity, CF members may travel back and forth each day, while on HHT or DIT. They are on duty status during this time, therefore CO’s approval, even for weekend travel, is required.
Reimbursement shall not exceed the cost and time provided for one standard HHT or DIT. Extra transportation costs are offset by the elimination of any accommodation costs at the new location.
For greater certainty, in cases where a CF member is entitled to the HHT savings incentive under article 1.2.2.06 the savings incentive does not apply to short distance moves when commuting daily to and from new/old place of duty.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.2.06 Multiple HHTs
Personalized benefit
When the first HHT is unsuccessful, CF members may take additional HHTs.
4.2.07 Recovery of HHT expenses
CF members who exercise the HHT benefit and subsequently re-occupy their former residence will be subject to recovery action. Recovery action shall be for the difference between the additional expenses received from the HHT and the entitlements authorized on a DIT. As applicable, this shall include savings incentives that have been paid to personalized funds.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.3.01 Entitlements
Reimbursement of:
- meal entitlements are as per art 3.1.01; and
- incidentals are as per Treasury Board Incidental Travel Rate, and
- are based on the table below.
| Topic | Core Funds | Custom Funds | Personalized Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHT | For either the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 5 days at destination and for each day of travel. |
|
The amount for additional days |
| DIT | For either the CF member or their spouse, the amount for up to 3 days at destination and for each day of travel. | If the CF member is entitled to receive dependent care assistance under the Core benefit in article 4.6.01, the amounts for up to 3 days at destination and for each day of travel for each dependant who accompanies the CF member. | Any amount for the CF member’s spouse, for each dependant, or for the spouse and each dependant, who accompany the member. |
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.4.01 Entitlements
Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per section 3.2 based on the table below:
| Topic | Core | Custom | Personalized |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHT | Subject to article 11.2.08, for the CF member or their spouse or both, the amount for up to 6 nights at destination. |
|
Any amount
|
| DIT | Up to 4 nights | If single parent, dependants accompanying the CF member |
|
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
| when | then |
|---|---|
| the return air travel journey cannot be accomplished in that period, because of distances and/or connections | the Relocation Counselor shall authorize expenses related to additional travel time to be paid as a core benefit. |
| a CF member selects and is authorized a slower mode of transportation that causes additional travel time and traveling expenses | additional expenses shall be a personalized benefit; annual leave must be taken for the additional days. |
4.5.02 Transportation to and from destination
Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per section 3.3 based on the following:
Core benefit
- transportation to and from the commercial carrier;
- rental vehicle;
- Private motor vehicle (PMV) – kilometric allowance not to exceed the total cost of commercial transportation;
- motorcycle – 60% of the kilometric rate not to exceed the total cost of commercial transportation; and
- parking and toll charges.
Custom benefit
- Transportation to HHT for dependants, other than spouse.
- Transportation to DIT for dependants, if single parent.
Personalized benefit
- Transportation to DIT for spouse and dependants if accompanying CF member; and
- Rental vehicle upgrade.
4.5.03 Local transportation
Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per section 3.3.
Core benefit
Local transportation is based on a maximum vehicle rental of:
- seven days on a standard HHT; or
- five days on a standard DIT.
| If you are | you will be reimbursed |
|---|---|
| using PMV | the kilometric allowance (not to exceed rental vehicle costs including the Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver, if required). |
| using commercial transportation | actual and reasonable transportation expenses. |
Custom benefit
For the period of an Extended HHT, payment of the same kilometric allowance, or reimbursement of the same actual and reasonable transportation expenses, that is available under the Core benefit.
Personalized benefit
Any additional costs incurred in excess of the Core and Custom benefits.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.5.04 Rental vehicle
Entitlements are to be reimbursed as per art 3.3.02 based on the table below:
| HHT or DIT | Core funds up to | Custom funds up to | Personalized funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHT | 7 days | 4 additional days for an Extended HHT | Vehicle upgrade costs for either a standard or extended HHT or for both |
| DIT | 5 days | - | Vehicle upgrade |
There is no entitlement to local rental vehicle when PMV is the primary mode of transportation and additional expenses are claimed.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.6.01 Dependant care assistance
As per art 3.4.02, CF members may be assisted with dependant care costs that are in excess of existing dependant care arrangements for:
- dependants under 18 years of age; and/or
- dependants 18 years of age and over who are incapable of caring for themselves due to a physical or mental disability.
Core benefit
Daily allowance or actual expenses when on:
- HHT; or
- DIT if single parent or CF member is away on official military assignment (Temporary Duty, Attached Posted, Ops, etc.).
Custom benefit
- Daily allowance or actual expenses when on extended HHT.
- Dependant care expenses in excess of daily maximum rate.
- Return transportation for a third party to origin to provide dependant care, cost not to exceed the cost of transportation for one dependant from origin to destination return.
Personalized benefit
- daily allowance or actual expenses when both CF member and spouse travel on the DIT; and
- when all custom funds have been expended.
Note: Dependant care assistance may be reimbursed at both origin and destination depending on the requirement.
(TB amended, 19 April 2018)
4.6.02 Business telephone calls, facsimile and Internet
Core benefit
Actual expenses for phone/fax/internet to facilitate acquisition or inspection of residence:
- HHT - Max of $50 (including taxes); and
- DIT - Max of $30 (including taxes).
4.6.03 Pet care
Reimbursement for boarding pets is limited to actual and reasonable basic commercial care.
Custom benefit
Nil.
Personalized benefit
- On HHT; and
- On DIT for:
- CF members without dependants,
- Single parents,
- Spouse when CF members away on official duty, and
- CF members and spouse together on DIT.
(TB amended, effective 1 September 2012)
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