Domestic Benefits - FAQ
- Family Care Assistance (FCA)
What is the purpose behind Family Care Assistance (FCA)?
The purpose of FCA is to assist defray costs associated with dependant care for single parents, and service couples (SC) when for service reasons, the CF is the sole cause of removing the member (or in the case of a SC both CF members) from their dependant(s) for a period of 24 continuous hours or more. This instruction applies to members of the Reg F and Res F members on Class B and C service.
Ref: CBI 209.335
I am a single parent and I have shared custody of my child. Can I claim FCA if I am away for service reasons?
No, to be eligible for FCA benefits, the dependant must be normally resident with the member. There is no entitlement to FCA benefits when a member has shared or joint custody arrangements.
Ref: CBI 209.335(2) and CBI 209.80
How does a service couple qualify for FCA?
In the case of a service couple, FCA is only applicable when both members are away from their home for service reasons, for more than 24 hours.
Ref: CBI 209.335 (5)
A single parent is on course at her home location and will be residing in quarters for the duration of the course. Can she claim FCA?
Only if the course loading instructions states: "members in the local area must reside in quarters". If the course loading instruction doesn't clearly "order" the member into quarters, than no entitlement exists. Course loading messages that state "may", or are silent on this issue, shall be deemed as voluntary. FCA is only payable when the CF is the sole cause of the separation. The difference between "must" and "may" is that "must" is an order, and "may" is deemed optional.
Ref: CBI 209.335 (4)
Can a member receive FCA and Separation Expense (SE) at the same time?
Yes, SA is to cover the costs associated with maintaining a principal residence, it is not to cover for extra daycare costs. There is no entitlement to FCA if someone 18 years of age or older resides full-time in the residence, unless it's an authorized living-in nanny for removal benefits.
What if my spouse is a civilian and we are both away at the same time?
There is no entitlement to FCA for members with dependants, accept in the case of single members. The entitlement only applies to single members with dependants and married service couples (MSC)
Ref: CBI 209.335(4)
Can I claim FCA for my Base duty watch?
No, base duty watch does not qualify for FCA. A base duty watch falls under the CF member's normal duty requirements.
Ref: CBI 209.335(3)
Can I pay my ex-husband's new spouse to watch the children?
No. The child is in the residence of a biological parent. The benefit is not designed to reimburse pay biological parents while fulfilling their parental roles and responsibilities.
Ref: No construct to pay in this circumstance
I have a friend living with me and we are not common-law. Can I pay this person to watch my child while I am away for service reasons?
No, if someone over the age of 18 years of age resides with you on a full-time basis, they are deemed part of your families living arrangement. The CF is not responsible for the make up of the family model, but reimburses reasonable expenses based on the information a member is required to provide to their CO in accordance with QR&O 26.02.
Ref: CBI 209.335(3)
When can I receive $75 per day for my childcare costs?
The member is entitled to be reimbursed the difference between what the member normally pays for dependant care, and what the member actually paid for dependant care up to $75/day per family, when supported by a receipt from the caregiver. This doesn't need to be a commercial facility; however the name of the caregiver, phone number, home address, along with the name of the dependant should appear on the receipt. The member must advise the caregiver the reason for the higher rate is due to the requirement to claim the money as earned income with Revenue Canada.
Refs: A. CBI 209.335(8)
B. National Joint Council Travel Directives 3.3.5
I leave on Monday at 10 AM, and return on Friday at 1 PM, how many days can I claim FCA?
You can claim four days of FCA. As your return time on Friday is within normal day care hours, you are not incurring extra costs for that day. Entitlement is based on the member's normal work schedule.
Do we need to put the SIN of the caregiver on the receipt?
NO, you do not need to provide a SIN on the receipt; however the name, phone number and home address of the caregiver should be printed on the receipt you were given. It is the caregiver's responsibility to declare the revenue when they file their income tax return.
Can a member claim FCA while utilizing the CTA benefit?
No, there is no entitlement for a member to claim FCA as a result of utilizing the CTA benefit. CTA is assistance available to a CF member to deal with serious illness or death. It does not meet the requirement for FCA, where the CF is the sole cause of the separation from dependants. Requests of this nature must be staffed though DCBA for approval when unclear.
Ref: CBI 209.335(3)
