Benefits & Entitlements
for Relocating Military
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offers strong support for members and their families during relocations — whether it's a first posting or a mid-career COS move across the country. In addition to core benefits like health and dental coverage, paid vacation, pensions, and professional development, the CAF provides extensive relocation assistance. From real estate and rental reimbursements to travel costs and family transition support, these benefits help ease the challenges of moving and ensure families are well taken care of throughout a military career.
📦 Relocation Benefits Overview
CAF Relocation Directive (CAFRD) outlines the following:
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House Hunting and Destination Inspection Trips (HHT & DIT): Assistance with pre-move visits to the new location.
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Interim Lodging, Meals & Miscellaneous Expenses (ILM & M): Support for temporary accommodations and meals during the transition.
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Transportation to New Location (TNL): Coverage for travel expenses to the new posting.
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Shipment and Storage of Household Goods & Effects: Reimbursement for moving and storing personal belongings.
TIP : For detailed information, refer to the CAFRD Chapter 3: Common Relocation Entitlements.
🚗 Transportation Entitlements
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Kilometric Allowance: Reimbursement for travel by privately owned vehicle (POV) based on distance and applicable rates.
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Rental Vehicles: Entitlement to rent vehicles of appropriate size based on family size, with coverage for drop-off fees and necessary insurance.
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Air Travel: Coverage for economy class airfare, including mandatory fees and baggage allowances.
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Commercial Shipping: Reimbursement for shipping personal vehicles and motorcycles.
For comprehensive details, consult the CAFRD Chapter 3: Transportation. Canada.ca
🏠 Housing & Lodging Entitlements
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Interim Lodging: Reimbursement for temporary accommodations when moving to a new location.
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Professional Cleaning: Coverage for cleaning costs of both old and new residences.
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Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB): Allowance for shipping essential items when moving separately from family.
For more information, refer to the CAFRD Chapter 3: Lodging and Housing
🍽️ Meals & Miscellaneous Expenses
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Meal Allowances: Daily allowances for meals during travel and interim lodging periods.
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Miscellaneous Expenses: Reimbursement for additional costs incurred during the relocation process.
For detailed information, see the CAFRD Chapter 3: Meals and Miscellaneous Expenses.
🧾 Tax Implications & Deductions
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Non-Taxable Benefits: Certain relocation benefits are non-taxable if specific conditions are met, such as the new residence being at least 40 km closer to the new place of duty.
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Taxable Benefits: Some benefits may be considered taxable and will be reflected on your T4/RL1 slip.
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Deductions: Eligible expenses may be deductible on your tax return, subject to CRA guidelines.
📌 Additional Resources
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Seamless Canada: A federal initiative providing resources to support CAF members and their families during relocation, including healthcare, education, and employment services.
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Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs): Local support centers offering a range of services to assist with the relocation process.
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Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBIs): Official documents detailing entitlements and procedures related to relocation.
🔗 Other Helpful Links
