Frquently Asked Questions - Changes to Regular Force Self-Development Program – Education Expense Reimbursement
On this page:
- I heard there are changes to the Self-Development Program. What’s happening, and why?
- I’m a Regular Force member with a previously endorsed Self-Development Plan, can I save my receipts and apply for funding retroactively once the issues have been resolved?
- I’m a Primary Reserve member, will this pause affect me?
- Why is the program being paused for Regular Force members and not for members of the Primary Reserve?
- I’m an Ill and Injured member with a previously endorsed Self-Development Plan. Will this pause affect me?
I heard there are changes to the Self-Development Program. What’s happening, and why?
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is pausing any new Regular Force Self-Development Program Education Expense Reimbursement (SDPEER) applications and new funding requests for previously endorsed Self-Development Plan (SDPs), until at least March 31, 2025. The application portal is closed to anyone trying to submit a new SDP or course funding. This will not affect course funding requests which have already received approval.
The Regular Force program is being paused until early 2025 because the software requires updates/testing in order to handle the growing demand on the program. Additionally, staffing and funding issues are making delivery of the program challenging.
I’m a Regular Force member with a previously endorsed Self-Development Plan, can I save my receipts and apply for funding retroactively once the issues have been resolved?
Retroactive payments will not be supported, in accordance with current policies (Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 01/21 Annex A, paragraph 2.3). For cost reimbursement, advance authorization is required; that is, a member must have funding approved in the system before starting the course. If you choose to continue your academic pursuits, you will be doing so at your own expense while the program is paused. We encourage you to verify where education deductions and credits may be available on your personal income tax return.
I’m a Primary Reserve member, will this pause affect me?
The program will remain active for Primary Reserve members, those members accessing the Skills Completion Program, for sponsored programs, and for new or current Continuing Education Officer Training Plan course submissions managed through the SDPEER application. The pause will only affect Regular Force members.
Why is the program being paused for Regular Force members and not for members of the Primary Reserve?
The Regular Force program in its current form requires some changes in order to ensure its long-term sustainability such as addressing issues related to software, staffing and funding – and therefore will be paused until at least March 31, 2025.
In particular, the software used to manage the current program was developed internally by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) and was not designed to handle the increased demand. The program is popular, and demand is growing. Over time, patchwork solutions have been implemented to keep the program running, but this has made the software unstable and prone to crashing. Pausing new applications for the Regular Force will enable a more permanent solution to be developed, tested, and implemented.
The program will remain active for Primary Reserve members and those members accessing the Skills Completion Program as they are governed by separate regulations (Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) 210.801 and 210.802 respectively) and continue to have adequate support to process requests. CDA will use this time to address the issues.
Military Personnel Command appreciates the understanding of users during this period.
I’m an Ill and Injured member with a previously endorsed Self-Development Plan. Will this pause affect me?
Going forward, ill and injured members will be better-served by alternate programs which are better geared towards their needs – and will no longer be part of the SDP program. If you have completed courses or are enrolled in courses for which funding has already been approved, you will be able to submit your claims; however, no new requests for funding will be accepted.
Instead of the SDP, ill and injured members should be aware that the Skills Completion Program (CBI 210.802) is available to assist Regular Force members prepare for post-CAF employment. Ill and injured members are also eligible to apply for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members, the CAF Vocational Rehabilitation Program under CAF Long Term Disability, and once released, the Veterans Affairs Canada Education and Training Benefit and the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance program. These programs are specifically tailored towards the unique needs of ill and injured members.