Exceptional Family Member Program

EFMP offers various support services, including information, referrals, and case management.  Families can participate in EFMP events to build connection and support. Some families may be eligible for respite care.

EFMP helps facilitate necessary healthcare access during travel or relocation by making medical case management referrals to TRICARE.

Some individuals enrolled in EFMP will be eligible for priority housing. This status will be listed on your official enrollment letter and is part of the initial and updated enrollment process.

Families should update EFMP enrollment every 3 years or when there are changes in the family member's medical or educational needs.

If the family member is no longer a dependent, update DEERS and contact 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 with a request for disenrollment.  If the condition still exists, we will not be able to facilitate the disenrollment, as EFMP is a DoD mandatory enrollment program, when qualifying conditions are present.

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.

Personal and medical information within the EFMP is treated with strict confidentiality and follows privacy regulations.

Families can address disagreements or concerns about EFMP decisions through established channels, often involving the EFMP office or higher-level appeals processes. 

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 respite care provider and seek reimbursement from EFMP.

Yes. Contact the Family Support specialist at your local Exceptional Family Member Program to schedule an appointment.

• EFMP enrollment is current. 
• Respite care needs of the EFM have been assessed by EFMPHQ as a Level on Need (LoN) 3 or 4. 
• EFM legally resides with the sponsor. Exceptions include: TAD, Official schools, Deployment, Approved Continuation on Location (CoL), or OCONUS tour where dependent travel has been declined by HQMC EFMP or Overseas Screening, due to a lack of care for the EFM.
• Sponsor has provided supporting documentation of the provider’s qualifications such as a copy of his/her certification or license. 
• Sponsor or power of attorney has signed the EFMP Respite Care Program forms. 

HQEFMP medical screeners use a standardized assessment process to determine the LoN. The medical screeners review the sponsor’s submitted documentation including the DD-2792, DD-2792-1, IEP, IFSP, and other relevant documentation to assess the need(s) of the EFM and identify the minimum level of provider skill required, to maintain the health and safety of the EFM.

• LoN 3: Refers to children 18 years old and younger who have severe special needs. The respite care provider will be over the age of 18 and have valid certification through a state or national agency. Appropriate certified providers will vary depending on the needs of the EFM. (Examples include: CNA, mental health technician, BCaBA).
• LoN 4: Applies to family members of all ages who have profound special needs. The respite provider will be over the age of 18 and hold a valid professional license. The appropriate licensed provider will vary depending on the needs of the EFM. (Examples include: RN, LCSW, BCBA, LMFT, and special education teacher).

EFM care needs may change and require a change in identified LoN. An enrollment update, with additional supporting documentation, is required for a review of LoN.

Please contact the EFMP office as there is a standardized review process that HQEFMP undertakes. Additional supporting documentation may be required. Your family case worker will advise of the process and outcome.

USMC EFMP does not use categories to make decisions. USMC EFMP initiated the LoN determination. Categories are used for administrative purposes only and will not impact respite care, assignments, or enrollment/endorsement decisions.

Adult EFMs, who are LoN4, are eligible for respite care for themselves.

No. EFMP respite care funds cannot be used to provide child care for siblings of an EFM or child of an adult EFM.

Yes. Family members are eligible to provide care.

Yes. If the neighbor meets the provider requirements and the care complies with Base Orders. Respite care provided in the sponsor’s government-owned or leased home is not regulated by Marine and Family Programs, if the care is limited to the children of a single family and the children of the individual providing services, and care is less than 10 hours per week. EFMP respite care is not to exceed 6 hours per day.

Families are eligible for up to 20 hours of respite care, per month.

No. The 20 hours per month does not accrue.

Payment amounts are determined locally and will not exceed the established reimbursement hourly rates outlined in Marine Corps Bulletin 1754.