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The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program (MCO 1754.4C) for all Active Duty personnel. The program is designed to ensure that service members with family member(s) who have special medical and/or educational needs receive appropriate considerations and support throughout all phases of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, including before, during and after relocation.
An exceptional family member is defined as an authorized dependent, such as a spouse, child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, or a dependent parent, who resides with the sponsor and requires specialized medical or educational services due to a diagnosed physical, intellectual, developmental, or emotional condition. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, asthma, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or depression. The level of need may vary and can range from mild to complex, requiring varying levels of ongoing care and support.
Enrollment in EFMP supports both mission readiness and family well-being by ensuring that medical and educational needs are considered during assignment coordination and career planning.
Informed Assignment Coordination: Helps align duty station assignments with the availability of required medical and educational services for family members.
Reimbursement: Up to $200 for completion of DD2792/medical summary.
Respite Care: For families qualifying for respite care at Level of Need 3, they may be eligible for up to 20 hours of respite care. For those assessed at Level of Need 4, the available respite care hours increase to up to 32 hours.
TRICARE ECHO: Access to the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), which offers additional services and financial assistance beyond the standard TRICARE benefit.
Resource Connection: Provides information on specialized programs, support groups, and community-based services available both on the installation and in the surrounding area.
Case Management & Relocation Support: Offers individualized case management, including assistance with transitions during PCS moves to ensure continuity of care and services.
Advocacy & Support: EFMP equips families with knowledge, tools, and resources to effectively advocate for themselves and their family’s needs. Caseworkers can connect families with federal, state, and local resources while supporting enrollment, reenrollment, and ongoing needs.
EFMP provides guidance and coordination to help families navigate systems of care, education, and support services across multiple levels:
Regulatory Guidance: Assistance in understanding federal and state laws, Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI), Marine Corps Orders, and installation policies that impact individuals with disabilities.
Early Intervention Services: Support in accessing early intervention programs for eligible infants and toddlers with developmental delays or special needs.
Educational Support (IEPs): Guidance on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, including understanding rights, services, and collaboration with school teams.
DoD Education Activity (DoDEA): Information and coordination related to DoDEA schools and available special education services for eligible students.
Financial & Medical Resources: Connection to financial assistance programs, medical support services, and applicable waivers to help offset the cost of care and services.
Local EFMP Resources: Information and support available at your installation, including case management, support groups, respite care, educational support, and community programs tailored to families with exceptional needs.
MCCS Barstow: https://barstow.usmc-mccs.org/marine-family-support/military-family-life/exceptional-family-member-program
State EFMP Resources: Programs, services, and advocacy available at the state level to support families with special medical or educational needs, including early intervention, healthcare, and educational resources. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/
Online EFMP Resources: Trusted web-based tools and information, including official EFMP websites, federal and DoW guidance, virtual support networks, and educational and medical resources to help families navigate care and services.
Military OneSource – EFMP & Me: An official DoW‑sponsored online tool that helps families navigate EFMP benefits, move planning, and support services: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/
EFMP & Me Tool (interactive resource & checklists): https://efmpandme.militaryonesource.mil/
EFMP Education Directory: Comprehensive online directory for locating early intervention, special education, and support resources: https://efmpeducationdirectory.militaryonesource.mil/
DD2792 EFMP Medical Summary
Provider Instructions for DD2792
DD2792-1 EFMP Early Intervention/Special Education Summary
Provider Instructions for DD2792-1
NAVMC 1750/1
NAVMC 1750/2
NAVMC 1750/3
EFMP Brochure
EFMP Respite Care Guide
EFMP Military OneSource
MCO 1754.4C
How does enrollment in EFMP affect military assignments or postings?
Enrollment in EFMP ensures that the unique needs of family members are thoroughly considered during the assignment process. The program’s primary goal is to place families in locations where the necessary resources and support systems are available to address those specific needs. This thoughtful approach not only improves the quality of life for family members but also allows service members to focus on their duties with peace of mind.
What specific services and support does EFMP offer family members with special needs?
EFMP offers a range of assistance, including information, referrals, and case management, designed to help families navigate their unique needs. Additionally, families can participate in EFMP training and events fostering connection and mutual support within the community. Furthermore, some families may qualify for respite care services, providing temporary relief and support.
How does EFMP impact travel or relocation, especially concerning healthcare access?
EFMP assists in facilitating necessary healthcare access during travel or relocation by making medical case management referrals to TRICARE.
Does EFMP enrollment qualify me for Priority Housing?
Some individuals enrolled in EFMP will be eligible for priority housing. This status will be indicated in your official enrollment letter and is included as part of the initial and updated enrollment process.
How often should information be updated or reassessed within the EFMP system?
Families should update EFMP enrollment every 3 years or when there are changes in the family member's medical or educational needs.
Are there resources available to help navigate the program or advocate for specific needs?
The Exceptional Family Member Program has Family Support professionals who can assist families in navigating the program, accessing resources, and learning how to advocate for their needs.
If the family member is no longer a dependent, update DEERS and contact SMB_HQMC_EFMP@usmc.mil to request disenrollment.
If the family member’s medical and/or education condition has resolved, update DD 2792 and DD 2792-1, if applicable, and submit these forms along with your request for disenrollment. If the conditions still exist, we will not be able to facilitate the disenrollment, as EFMP is a DoW mandatory enrollment program when qualifying conditions are present.
How is personal and medical information handled within the EFMP?
Personal and medical information within the EFMP is treated with strict confidentiality and follows privacy regulations.
What can families do if they disagree with a decision made within the EFMP?
Families can address disagreements or concerns about EFMP decisions through established channels, often involving the EFMP office or higher-level appeals processes.
What is Respite Care?
Respite Care is a non-entitlement benefit intended to provide brief rest periods for the primary caregiver(s). Families select hire and pay for their care provider and seek reimbursement from EFMP.