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Benefits & Entitlements
for Relocating Military Families
Understand what support is available - and how affects your housing decisions during a posting
Relocating with the Canadian Armed Forces comes with a range of benefits designed to reduce the financial and logistical stress of a posting.
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This page explains — in plain language — how CAF relocation benefits typically work, what they are meant to cover, and how they affect real-world housing decisions like renting, buying, selling, and timing your move.
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The goal is not to replace official policy, but to help you understand your options early so you can plan with confidence.
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š¦ Relocation Benefits Overviewā
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Under the CAF Relocation Directive (CAFRD), the following benefits commonly apply during a posting: ā
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House Hunting and Destination Inspection Trips (HHT & DIT): Assistance with pre-move visits to the new location.ā
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Interim Lodging, Meals & Miscellaneous Expenses (ILM & M): Support for temporary accommodations and meals during the transition.ā
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Transportation to New Location (TNL): Coverage for travel expenses to the new posting.ā
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Shipment and Storage of Household Goods & Effects: Reimbursement for moving and storing personal belongings.ā
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TIP : For detailed information, refer to the
CAFRD Chapter 3: Common Relocation Entitlements.
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š Transportation Entitlements
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Transportation benefits are designed to cover the movement of your household and personal effects from one posting location to another.
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This may include:
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Travel costs for you and your dependents, see Rental Vehicles : Air Travel:
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Movement of household goods and personal effects
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Vehicle shipment or mileage reimbursement (where applicable), see Kilometric Allowance
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Transportation choices can affect timing, temporary housing needs, and when you can realistically begin house hunting at your new location.
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š Housing & Lodging Entitlements
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Housing-related benefits play the biggest role in how posting decisions affect your day-to-day life. These benefits are designed to help bridge the gap between leaving one home and settling into another.
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Depending on your situation, this may include support for:
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Temporary accommodations while securing long-term housing
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Costs associated with selling or vacating a home
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Initial housing expenses at your new posting location
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Understanding how these entitlements interact with local housing markets is critical — especially when deciding whether to rent first, buy immediately, or sell before arrival.
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š½ļø Meals & Miscellaneous Expenses
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During certain phases of a relocation, allowances may be available to help offset meals and incidental costs incurred while travelling or temporarily displaced due to the move.
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These benefits are typically short-term and intended to support you during transition periods rather than long-term living expenses.
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š§¾ Tax Implications & Deductions
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Some relocation-related expenses may have tax implications depending on how they are reimbursed and your individual circumstances.
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While many CAF benefits are structured to reduce tax impact, it’s important to understand how reimbursements, allowances, and deductions may apply in your situation.
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š Additional Resources
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For official policy details and administrative guidance, the following resources provide authoritative information:
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CAF relocation directives and administrative instructions
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Base or unit relocation support services
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Government resources related to benefits and allowances
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For comprehensive details, consult the CAFRD Chapter 3: Transportation. Canada.ca
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š Other Helpful Military Relocation Tools
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Planning Your Move
Most CAF families begin planning their housing decisions well before arrival at their new posting. Understanding your benefits is the first step — applying them to real-world decisions is the next.
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If you’re early in the process, these tools can help you plan with more clarity:
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See your CFHD amount by posting location and pay level
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āPlan your HHT early with a plain-English HHT prep guide
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Get matched with an IRP-Experienced REALTOR familiar with posting timelines and relocation constraints.
This page provides general information only and does not replace official CAF relocation policy or administrative guidance.