Changes to the Education Expense Reimbursement Program

September 13, 2024 – Defence Stories

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has made the decision to pause the Regular Force applications to the Self-Development Program (SDP) managed by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) until at least March 31, 2025. During the pause, the software which manages the program is being upgraded to handle increasing demand. The program will remain open in the meantime for Primary Reserve members and Skills Completion Program members as they are governed by separate regulations.

The CAF has a history of reimbursing members for education-related self-development. This reimbursement has occurred through various programs that have undergone revisions over the years. The Regular Force program in its current form is unfortunately not sustainable and changes need to be made to ensure its future success. The key issues are software, staffing, alignment of policies and procedures, and funding. Therefore, the decision was made to pause new Regular Force applications to address issues related to the program. This will not affect course funding requests which have already received approval.

Pausing new applications for the Regular Force will enable a more permanent solution to be developed, tested, and implemented. Military Personnel Command appreciates the understanding of users during this period.

The application portal is now closed to any Regular Force members attempting to submit a new Self-Development Plan or course funding request, and will remain closed until at least March 31, 2025. This will not affect course funding requests which have already received approval. The program remains open for members of the Primary Reserve, for applications under the Skills Completion Program, for sponsored programs, and for new or current Continuing Education Officer Training Plan course submissions managed through the Self-Development Program Education Expense Reimbursement application.

Additionally, the Ill and Injured component of the SDP is being absorbed by other similar programs which can better support our ill and injured members – and members in this category will no longer be covered by the SDP program. The SDP program has been open to members preparing for a medical release since 2021 – but moving forward, its functions will be absorbed by alternative programs. Transitioning members who have completed courses or who have enrolled in courses for which funding has already been approved will have their claims processed, but no new applications will be accepted. Members will continue to have access to education coverage through other programs within six months of leaving the CAF.

Members preparing to leave the CAF will be eligible for the following programs, which are better suited to their needs:

• The Skills Completion Program assists Regular Force members in preparing for post-CAF employment.
• Ill and Injured members continue to be eligible to apply for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members and the CAF Vocational Rehabilitation Program under CAF Long-Term Disability.
• After their release from the Forces, individuals have access to VAC’s Education and Training Benefit, which is similar to the CAF SDP.
• Ill and Injured Veterans can also apply for VAC’s Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance program; once accepted into that program and when the person is ready, their rehabilitation plan may include a vocational element such as skills development, education or training to help them establish a new career.

“The professional development of military members goes beyond knowledge transfer to individuals. It contributes to the advancement of the Profession of Arms by promoting a culture of learning, critical thinking and reflection,” says LGen Lise Bourgon, Commander of Military Personnel. “We recognize these changes to the program will affect some current CAF members; however, they are important for the program’s long-term viability.”

Regular Force members should note that retroactive payments will not be possible. The decision to continue studies during the program pause will be left to the member, and those who chose to continue their academic pursuits will be responsible for paying related expenses. Members are encouraged to verify where education deductions and credits may be available on their personal income tax.

The changes to the SDP do not affect the subsidized education that supports entry-level CAF programs authorized by the Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) 210.80, such as the Canadian Military Colleges and the Specialized Officer Training Plan. This pausing does not affect Primary Reserve members as their reimbursement under CBI 210.801 is an entitlement (i.e. it must be funded) and a mitigated effort will be made to ensure that these applications are processed while the software overhaul is undertaken.

More background can be found at: Education reimbursement in the Canadian Armed Forces.