Service couples and separation expense benefits

Topic

Service couples and separation expense benefits

Case number

• 2015-180 (F&R Date: 2015–10–21)

Description

The current policy regarding separation expense (SE) benefits does not cover all the situations that could lead to the separation of a service couple for service reasons. Specifically, when one of the members of the couple is transferred, the current policies do not cover the situation whereby service needs oblige the transferred member to assume responsibility for dependents and HG and E, thus allowing the spouse who has not been transferred to receive SE benefits.

Recommendation

The Committee recommends to the Chief of the Defence Staff that the policy on SE benefits for service couples be reviewed to ensure that service couples are not unduly disadvantaged compared with other members who are married or are in a recognized common-law relationship, when separated from their family for service reasons.

Final Authority Decision

Pending