CAF Relocation Benefits and Entitlements: Why Military families Should Go Through Their Receipts.

Moving to a new base can be exhausting but it's worth taking one final look at your expenses, receipts and outstanding claims before considering your move complete.

Review Your Relocation File

Start by gathering your relocation paperwork in one place, including:

• Receipts and invoices

• Travel and accommodation records

• Moving and storage documentation

• Real-estate or rental-related paperwork

• Any approvals, claim forms or correspondence from your relocation provider

  
  

The Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive outlines the benefits and funding available to eligible CAF members and their dependants. Your specific entitlements may depend on your posting, household circumstances, type of accommodation and other factors.

Expenses that may be worth reviewing

Every relocation is different, but families may want to review whether they have properly documented expenses related to:

Travel, meals and accommodation

Depending on the circumstances of the move, certain travel, meal and accommodation costs may be reimbursable under the applicable relocation provisions.

Check that you have retained the required receipts and supporting documents, particularly for temporary accommodation or extended travel.

Temporary living arrangements

Some families experience a period where they are maintaining two residences, waiting for household goods or living in temporary accommodation.

If this applied to you, review your records carefully and confirm that all applicable claims have been submitted through your relocation provider.

Renting or purchasing a home

Relocation benefits may include provisions connected to finding rental accommodation, selling a residence or purchasing a home.

The rules and limits can vary. If you rented first and later purchased, or if your home sale and purchase did not happen at the same time, it is especially important to confirm how your circumstances are treated.

Cleaning and move-related services

Professional cleaning and other services connected to the move may be covered in certain situations. Keep invoices and proof of payment, and compare them with the requirements in your relocation documentation.

Check for deadlines

Do not assume that an expense is too old or too minor to review. At the same time, do not wait indefinitely to submit a claim.

Review the current Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive and contact your relocation service provider for clarification about applicable deadlines, documentation and eligibility.

Keep your records

Even after your move is complete, keep your relocation records accessible. You may need them later for questions about reimbursements, taxes, your residence or a future posting.

A simple digital folder can include:

• Final claims and approvals

• Receipts

• Moving-company documents

• Accommodation records

• Real-estate or rental paperwork

• Relocation-provider correspondence

  
  

Final reminder

This article is general information only. Relocation benefits change, and eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. For the most accurate answer, consult the current CAF Relocation Directive and your relocation service provider.

A final review now could help ensure that an eligible expense or benefit has not been overlooked.

For the official current information, visit the

Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive.