Domestic Benefits - FAQ
- Compassionate Travel Assistance (CTA)
Who is entitled to Compassionate Travel Assistance (CTA)?
CTA applies to Reg Force members to whom section 23 of CBI 10 (Military Foreign Service Instructions (MFSI)) does not apply. This benefit applies to members of the Reserve Force only if they:
(a) are serving on a period of Class "B" or "C" Reserve Service; and
(b) have been authorized to move their household goods and effects (HG&E) at public expense in respect of that period of service.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (3)
Who grants Compassionate Leave?
Granting of compassionate leave comes under the authority of the Commanding Officer.
Ref: Canadian Forces Leave Policy Manual, Chapter 7
How many trips can I make to see my dying immediate family member?
A member, spouse and/or common-law partner is entitled to a maximum of two reimbursements under this benefit in respect of the same immediate family member and the same health related situation which includes death.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (5)
Can the member use an obituary in lieu of a death certificate?
No, an original or a certified true copy of the death certificate is required.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (3)(d)(i)
Can I take my children and be reimbursed CTA related expenses for them?
Under the current construct of CTA, children's travel is not reimbursed. However, CTA is reimbursed for an eligible child only when the member has no spouse or common-law partner or when for military reasons a member cannot travel to the immediate family member or their funeral.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (4)(c)
Can a member utilize the CTA benefit while on retirement leave?
No, in order to utilize the CTA benefit the member must be granted compassionate leave. The CF Leave Policy Manual specifically states that compassionate leave cannot be granted while on retirement leave.
Ref: Canadian Forces Leave Policy Manual, Chapter 7 Para 7.1.06
I utilized CTA for the death of my sister. We are also having a memorial service and burial later on for her in a different city. Can I utilize CTA?
No, CTA may be authorized only one time in respect of the same immediate family member for their death.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (5)
My ex-husband has passed away. My children want to attend their father's funeral and burial. Can I travel on CTA and bring them at my own expense?
No, transportation expense is only reimbursable for the presence requirement of an "immediate family member".
Ref: CBI 209.51 (2) definition of "immediate family member".
My mother is having hip replacement surgery; can I take a CTA trip?
No, this situation does not meet the definition for "serious illness or injury" at reference.
Refs: CBI 209.51 (2) and CBI 209.51 (3)
My sister lives in London, England and was in a serious car accident. She is in critical condition. What is my entitlement and how do I determine it?
For destinations outside Canada, the member is entitled to reimbursement for the lesser of the following for CTA:
(a) the cost of the fastest, economy-class return travel by commercial carrier from the point of departure in Canada to the location of the immediate family member; and
(b) the cost of the fastest, economy-class return travel by commercial carrier from the point of departure in Canada to the city - Victoria, BC or St. John's, NL - furthest from that point.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (7)
What documentation is required if a member's civilian spouse travels alone?
A copy of the immediate family member's death certificate, or a certificate from a qualified medical practitioner stating that the immediate family member either is permanently moving into a long-term care facility or is so seriously ill or injured that their life is in immediate danger. The claim is done in the member's name even though the member is not traveling, and there is no requirement for compassionate leave.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (3)(d)
While at the CTA location, can I be reimbursed for a rental car instead of using a taxi?
No, for CTA under this instruction, there is no construct that allows reimbursement for a rental vehicle or the use of a taxi to and from the carrier.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (6)(b)
For CTA, what is my entitlement for local transportation?
Under this instruction, there is no construct that allows reimbursement for local transportation.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (6)(b)
If I drive to the airport and leave my car at the long term parking, can I claim for parking?
No, for CTA, there is no construct that allows reimbursement for parking.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (6)(b)
Do we need to do a cost comparison for CTA?
No, a cost comparison is not required. Reimbursement for CTA is based on the fastest return travel from the point of departure to the location of the immediate family member.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (6)(b)
If the member is on IR and the spouse unfortunately has a heart attack? Is the member entitled to CTA?
Yes, as the spouse is an immediate family member and they have been separated for service reasons.
Ref: CBI 209.51 (3)
My father/mother married after my enrolment and my step brother dies in a car accident. Can I use CTA to go to his funeral?
Yes, for CTA, a step brother is identified at reference as an "immediate family member".
Refs: CBI 209.51 (2) and CBI 209.51 (3)
My father married after my enrolment and my step mother dies in a car accident. Can I use CTA to go to her funeral?
No, for this circumstance the step mother does not meet the definition of an "immediate family member" as identified at reference.
Refs: CBI 209.51 (2) and CBI 209.51 (3)
