Relocation process tips

CFIRP coordinators

A list of CFIRP coordinators for each base is available on the DND intranet under relocation management. If you do not have access during your relocation, your base orderly room will point you to the correct person.

Third party service providers (TPSP)
  • As of April 1, 2019, BGRS will pay participating TPSPs on your behalf.
  • A list of TPSPs (i.e., lawyers, home inspectors, real estate agents, home appraisers, rental search agents) and approved rates may be found on the BGRS website via your MSW. You must inform the TPSP that you are a CAF member to ensure you are charged the correct rate.
  • You may choose a non-participating TPSP, however, it is your responsibility to pay for that service in which case you would need to request an advance of funds for legal fees including real estate commission to provide to your lawyer for closing the sale of your property at origin. Please note that you will not be reimbursed for amounts over the pre-negotiated government rate. Please refer to the maximum fees and rates on your MSW.
House hunting trip (HHT)
  • You may proceed on the HHT even if your home at origin is not yet sold so long as you have an authorized HHT/DIT application form
  • Do as much online research as you can prior to departure and seek a mortgage pre-approval if required
  • The purpose of a HHT is to secure permanent accommodations (rent or purchase) at the new place of duty and to coordinate the dates of the disposal and acquisition of your residences to facilitate a door to door move
  • Once a residence is secure, take advantage of your time to finalize school arrangements and specific medical requirements related to your relocation
Household goods and effects (HG&E)

Don't forget to book the movement of your HG&E by completing the DND 4443 form.

Short notice moves

Additional interim lodgings, meals and miscellaneous (ILM&M) allowances are available for members who must conduct the HHT after the Change of Strength (COS) date when the posting message is received 30 days or less before COS date or the start date of Reserve service. Read CFIRP - article 5.07.

Mortgage early repayment penalty
  • In the event that your mortgage is not portable to the replacement residence at destination and must be discharged, the CFIRP directive provides for reimbursement or reduction of this expense depending upon your scenario
  • Also known as “mortgage breaking penalty” or “mortgage prepayment penalty.” Read CFIRP - article 8.2.06
Home equity assistance

If a member incurs a loss on the sale of their home (original purchase price – sale price = loss), the CFIRP directive provides for up to $30K of this financial loss. Please advise your BGRS agent and read CFIRP - article 8.2.13.

Posting allowance

As of April 20, 2019, Regular Force posting allowances are administered via your local pay office. Regular Force members may request their Basic Allowance Element (BAE) upon receipt of their posting message. The Dependant Allowance Element (DAE), if applicable, will be actioned upon in-clearance at the new location. Reserve Force members will continue to be centrally administered by Director Relocation Business Management.

Temporary dual residency assistance (TDRA)

For CAF members who have an unsold and actively marketed home at origin, the CFIRP directive provides reimbursement for certain expenses related to maintaining two residences. Read CFIRP - article 8.2.06

Return trip to assist the move of (D)HG&E

If you have moved ahead of your family, you may be authorized five (5) days special leave to facilitate the move of dependants and/or HG&E once a new place of residence has been secured.

Service couples

When both members of a service couple are posted together from and to the same location, only one file will be authorized in the BGRS system.

Expense claims

When submitting an expense claim, ensure that all receipts are legible and that all required supporting documentation is uploaded.


The above information is related to the most frequently used benefits. Please refer to the CFIRP directive for a full list of entitlements and seek clarification from your BGRS agent.

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