News, Scuttlebutt Forum | Navy Policy
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NAVADMIN 246/24 - EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM UPDATE
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 092052Z DEC 24 MID120001608117U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 246/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/DEC// SUBJ/EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM UPDATE// REF/A/DOC/NDAASEC582/1JAN21// REF/B/DOD/23JUN23// REF/C/DOC/OPNAVINST/15NOV17// REF/D/DOC/OPNAVINST/11DEC23// NARR/REF A IS SECTION 582 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM UPDATE. REF B IS THE DODI 1315.19, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EFMP POLICY INSTRUCTION. REF C IS THE OPNAVINST 1754.2F, THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY EFMP POLICY INSTRUCTION. REF D IS THE OPNAVINST 1300.14E, SUITABILITY SCREENING FOR OVERSEAS OR REMOTEDUTY ASSIGNMENT. RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces Department of Defense (DoD) mandated updates to improve the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) experience for military families and to create program consistency across the Services per references (a) and (b). Navy EFMP updates will be implemented gradually, bringing the Navy EFMP in line with other DoD and Service EFMPs by the end of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Continuity of benefits for new and existing enrollees will be maintained. Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for all Active Duty Service Members and Reservists on orders over 30 calendar days, who have a family member with a qualifying chronic medical (physical, developmental, or mental health) condition or who require special educational support per references (b) and (c). The primary purpose of the EFMP is to ensure family member's medical and educational needs are considered during the assignment process. 2. EFMP updates will improve oversight and implementation as well as provide a single Point of Contact (POC) for EFMP needs. The following changes will be fully implemented by the end of FY25: a. Single-lead EFMP Office. The Navy established a centralized EFMP office at Navy Personnel Command, EFMP Manager (PERS-456) to oversee implementation of the EFMP and provide a single POC for the coordination of health care services, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignments, and educational support services. b. Transition to individualized approach for case management. In alignment with reference (b) and the other Services, Navy will no longer utilize traditional Exceptional Family Member (EFM) categories. This transition will offer greater precision in aligning the needs of each EFM to those capabilities available at assignment locations. c. Central Screening Committee (CSC) EFMP Enrollment, Respite Care, and Priority Housing. The CSC is a medical review committee consisting of healthcare professionals responsible for reviewing completed EFMP enrollment packages. The CSC makes EFMP enrollment determinations and adjudications on Level of Need (LON) as LON pertains to respite care and priority placement on the Navy housing waitlist, as applicable. (1) The CSC transitioned from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Medical Readiness (BUMED N10D) to the single-lead EFMP office, PERS-456. (2) EFMP coordinators at the military treatment facility will continue to assist the CSC in the identification and enrollment of current and prospective EFMs, and provide EFMP training and marketing to medical staff personnel. (3) Per reference (c), EFMP enrolled Service Members are required to update their EFMP enrollment status every three years or when a change in special medical or educational needs occurs. d. Assignment Process. Service Members enrolled in the EFMP will apply for assignments in MyNavy Assignment or coordinate with detailers as appropriate. PERS-456 will confirm the required medical or special educational services are available at the assignment location prior to orders being released. (1) Assignment Reconsideration. If a Sailor considers the assignment medically or educationally inappropriate, the Sailor may submit a request to PERS-456 for an assignment reconsideration. (2) The EFMP assignment process does not replace the operational or overseas suitability screening requirement. Suitability screening is a separate process and required for Service Members receiving accompanied orders to a location outside the continental United States and remote duty, per reference (d). (3) PERS-456 will initiate the family support warm hand-off process when the required care services are available at the gaining location. As EFM families move from one installation to another, the losing installation EFMP family support office will proactively communicate with the gaining EFMP family support office to communicate the family's needs to help with the continuation of services. The warm hand-off may include information for transitioning respite care, disability-related housing needs, obtaining educational support, or connecting to local support groups upon arrival at the new location. e. EFMP Respite Care. The DoD established a standardized respite care benefit, including the number of hours available to military families enrolled in the EFMP who meet the eligibility criteria. The respite care benefit provides family members with temporary relief from the responsibility for the regular care of the EFM, utilizing trained and background checked approved providers. The EFMP respite care age-specific LON rubrics help the Services determine eligibility and number of allotted hours per month, per family. The changes to the Navy's Respite Care Program will be fully implemented on 1 October 2025. LON rubrics scoring is as follows: (1) LON 1 and LON 2: Sailors with dependents with low needs are ineligible for EFMP respite care. (2) LON 3: Sailors with dependents with moderate needs, to include adults, are eligible to receive 20 hours per month of EFMP respite care. (3) LON 4: Sailors with dependents with profound needs, to include adults, are eligible for 32 hours per month of EFMP respite care services. (4) If previously qualified for respite care services, but the LON reclassification changes eligibility, respite care benefits will continue at the current level until 1 October 2025. (5) For PCSs occurring on or after 1 July 2025, eligibility will be based on LON determination. If the LON assessment disqualifies the dependent for respite care, benefits expire on the date the PCS occurs. If determined eligible, the Service Member must apply for respite care benefits at the new duty station under updated eligibility guidelines. (6) Changes to respite care hours and eligibility for current respite care users will not take effect until 1 October 2025, with the exception of a PCS move occurring on or after 1 July 2025. f. Priority Placement on Navy Housing Waitlist. Navy Housing applicants with family members enrolled in EFMP deemed eligible for a priority placement on the Navy Housing waitlist will be afforded the priority. Housing waitlist priority does not guarantee immediate housing assignment, but helps to quickly and adequately house those requiring permanency in living arrangements. Any housing accommodation requests should be provided to landlord. (1) Sailors with a previous assignment letter of EFMP categories 4 and 5, as well as enrollees designated in writing by the CSC, will be afforded the priority placement until 1 October 2025. After 1 October 2025, only those designated in writing via the CSC will be eligible for priority housing placement. (2) Non-Navy applicants applying for Navy housing will need to contact PERS-456 to validate priority placement on the Navy Housing waitlist. (a) Provide proof of enrollment in service EFMP. If enrollment letter is not available, PERS-456 will contact the respective service to validate. (b) Provide a copy of the DD-2792, DD-2792-1, and Individualized Education Program (IEP)/Individualized Family Service Plan, as applicable. 3. Legal Assistance for Special Education Concerns. Navy Region Legal Service Offices (RLSO) are available to provide special education legal support to families enrolled in the EFMP, as appropriate. General Legal Assistance Attorneys located exclusively at RLSO Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, VA; RLSO Southwest in San Diego, CA; and RLSO Southeast in Jacksonville, FL consult with EFMP Special Education Liaisons, EFMP Case Liaisons, and School Liaisons on an as needed basis. Various team members may consult with EFMP families on a variety of topics related to availability of schools, special education school meetings, due process, IEPs, housing, medical, and information and referral services. Additional resources are available at: https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Portals/76/Family_Readiness/Documents/Legal Assistance_%20May%202024.pdf?ver=NYl_EqDkQ5pwmXPPTCKFKg%3d%3d Special Education Attorney Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9kMrXphMGU 4. For questions concerning identification and enrollment/disenrollment, respite care, and family support, please contact the Centralized EFMP Office directly at 901-874-2496 or at efmp_admin.fct@navy.mil. (a) Navy's EFMP websites: (1) MyNavy HR: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Exceptional-Family-Member/ (2) CNIC: https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Family-Readiness/Fleet-And-Family-Support-Program/Work-and-Family-Life/Exceptional-Family-Member-Program/ (b) Navy EFMP mobile resources: (1) Navy's EFMP App: https://www.applocker.navy.mil/#!/apps/17B6E14B-2502-438C-880B-4D98B4512038 (2) MyNavy Family App: https://www.applocker.navy.mil/#!/apps/A3E45417-7665-4E93-B703-659F6B34C404 (c) Special Education resources: (1) Special Education Attorney Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9kMrXphMGU (2) Navy Legal Assistance Program: https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Portals/76/Family_Readiness/Documents/Legal Assistance_%20May%202024.pdf?ver=NYl_EqDkQ5pwmXPPTCKFKg%3d%3d 5. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// -
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SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RETENTION BONUS
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 101726Z DEC 24 MID120001620527U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 247/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/DEC// SUBJ/SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RETENTION BONUS// REF/A/DOC/ASN/26SEP2024// REF/B/DOC/U.S.C.// REF/C/DOC/DOD/11JUL16// REF/D/DOC/BUMED/27JUL16// REF/E/DOC/DOD/FEB24// NARR/REF A IS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY (MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS) SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RETENTION BONUS AUTHORIZATION. REF B IS TITLE 37, U.S. CODE, PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES. REF C IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION 1304.34, GENERAL BONUS AUTHORITY FOR OFFICERS. REF D IS THE BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY INSTRUCTION 1300.2B, SUITABILITY SCREENING, MEDICAL ASSIGNMENT SCREENING, AND EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION AND ENROLLMENT. REF E IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION 7000.14, VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 2, REPAYMENT OF UNEARNED PORTION OF BONUSES AND OTHER BENEFITS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the renewal and modification of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Retention Bonus (LRB) for eligible SWOs. 2. Program Authority. This program is authorized under section 332, Title 37 U.S. Code. In line with reference (a), the SWO LRB is effective through 30 September 2027 unless otherwise rescinded or superseded. All applications for the bonuses contained within this program will be submitted to the Navy Personnel Command SWO Assignments (PERS-41) for approval, payment processing, and tracking. 3. Program Overview. This message summarizes the provisions of the SWO LRB. All information provided herein is applicable to both Active Component (AC) and Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) SWO personnel, except where otherwise noted. The following general summary is provided: a. SWOs promoted to LCDR will have the opportunity to commit to the SWO LRB. The Navy will pay qualified officers for 3 years of obligated service from the completion of the 12th Year of Commissioned Service (YCS) through the completion of their 15th YCS. LCDRs with at least 11 YCS, but not more than 12 YCS, are eligible for the SWO LRB. AC SWOs will receive a $22K bonus on the anniversaries of their 12th, 13th, and 14th YCS. In line with references (a) and (b), TAR SWOs will receive $12K on the anniversaries of their 12th, 13th, and 14th YCS. b. Officers currently under SWO LRB contract are not eligible for the new payment structure and renegotiation of the current SWO LRB contracts. c. References (b) and (c) limit career retention bonus amounts. While officers may receive multiple retention bonuses under section 332 of reference (b) over a career, total bonus payments under this authority may not exceed $300K for AC officers and $150K for TAR officers. 4. Program Eligibility a. Must meet all four of the following requirements: (1) Qualified and serving as an Active Duty SWO (designators 1110 or 1117), (2) Permanently appointed LCDR. (3) Have at least 11 YCS, but no more than 12 YCS. (4) Completed two afloat Department Head (DH) tours, a single longer tour, or be within 12 months of periodic rotation date for late DH options on the flexible career path according to the DH sequencing plan as assigned by PERS-41. b. If assigned to an at-sea tour by PERS-41, eligible officers must be sea duty assignable as defined by reference (d). Additionally: (1) An officer under contract and assigned to an at-sea tour and evaluated as no longer fit for sea duty by an appropriate medical authority, following a period of Temporary Limited Duty (TLD), will have a stop payment placed on their account and receive no further SWO LRB payments. However, an officer on TLD who is reasonably expected by the assigned medical officer to make a full recovery and be found fit for sea duty will continue to receive scheduled payments. This determination will be completed by PERS-41 in line with the appropriate medical authority's findings. (2) An officer found unfit for continued Naval Service by an appropriate medical authority will have a stop payment placed on their account and receive no further SWO LRB payments. (3) Should a previously ineligible officer later become fit for sea duty, payments will resume at normal intervals for the remainder of the anniversary payment(s). Retroactive pay is not authorized for any bonus payments that were scheduled during the period the officer was ineligible. c. Career Intermission Program (CIP). An officer participating in CIP will be ineligible to receive LRB payments during the intermission period. Scheduled payments will resume upon return to service and in line with the payment structure. d. Operational Deferment. An officer in an operational deferment status will remain eligible to receive LRB payments. e. An officer is not eligible to receive both the SWO Department Head Retention Bonus (DHRB) and LRB concurrently. f. Bonuses will be paid in line with the payment structure in paragraph 6. 5. Program Execution a. The SWO community manager is assigned as the program manager and is delegated the authority to administer the SWO LRB program according to applicable laws, Department of Defense directives/instructions and this NAVADMIN. b. PERS-41 receives applications submitted in the format referenced in paragraph 7. PERS-41 is delegated the authority to: (1) Evaluate eligibility of SWOs applying for the SWO LRB program. (2) Approve SWO contracts to remain on Active Duty for the stated period in exchange for a SWO LRB. (3) Administer LRB payments. c. All applications require written endorsement from the applicant's Commander, Commanding Officer (CO), or equivalent superior in charge. d. Officers under a LRB agreement are not eligible to apply for the Permanent Military Instructor (PMI) program, or any redesignation programs that result in a change to any designator other than 1110 or 1117. An officer under a LRB agreement may submit an application for PMI or any redesignation program once the date of application is within 12 months of the final day of bonus obligation. 6. LRB Payment Structure a. Applications for LRB must be submitted between the 11th and 12th YCS. Approved applicants will receive payments on the anniversary of their 12th, 13th, and 14th YCS. In the case of SWO LCDRs approved for the late DH career path who complete their SWO DHRB obligated service after the completion of 12 YCS, the 3 years of obligated service for the SWO LRB may begin immediately after the completion of SWO DHRB obligated service. For example, officers who elect for a late DH tour start would normally conclude their DHRB obligated service at 12 YCS and would be eligible to apply for LRB bonus in line with the prescribed application window described in paragraph 4.a(3). If approved, those officers will still receive LRB bonuses in line with the pay schedule. b. SWO AC officers (1110) will receive the LRB in line with the following payment structure ($66K maximum): (1) $22K on the YCS-12 anniversary; (2) $22K on the YCS-13 anniversary; (3) $22K on the YCS-14 anniversary; c. In line with reference (a) through (c), TAR officers may only receive a maximum of $12K per year in bonuses. SWO TAR officers (1117) will receive the LRB in line with the following payment structure ($36K maximum): (1) $12K on the YCS-12 anniversary; (2) $12K on the YCS-13 anniversary; (3) $12K on the YCS-14 anniversary; 7. Application Process a. General Notes (1) Application format can be found on the PERS-41 page of the NPC website at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Detailing/Officer/Pers-41-SWO/Pay-Incentives/ (2) Applications will be binding upon the date of approval by PERS-41. (3) Applications received in the incorrect format or not meeting eligibility requirements defined in this NAVADMIN will be rejected. b. Officers must submit a copy of the signed original contract and CO's endorsement by e-mail to the applicable assignment officer and/or civilian assistant. 8. Recoupment and Repayment Policy. Repayment policy is governed by section 373 of reference (b) and reference (e). A Service Member of the uniformed Services who enters into a written agreement with specified service conditions for receipt of a bonus is entitled to the full amount of the bonus if the member fulfills the conditions of the written agreement. If the member fails to fulfill the service conditions specified in the written agreement for the pay, then the pay may be terminated and the Service Member may be required to repay an amount equal to the unearned portion of the pay. SWO LRB payments will be stopped for officers who become ineligible for this incentive or fail to complete the full period of additional obligated service. a. For officers who die while serving under a SWO LRB service agreement, the remaining SWO LRB balance will be paid as a lump sum as part of the settlement of the final military pay account of the officer. If death is determined to be the result of the misconduct of the member, future payments will be stopped and unearned portions of the bonus will be recouped, as applicable, in line with procedures established for members whose inability to complete a contracted period of service is voluntary or the result of misconduct. b. Recoupment exception to policy determinations will be made by Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy Division (OPNAV N13). 9. Additional guidance, information, and updates regarding the SWO LRB are available at the MyNavy HR website, https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Detailing/Officer/Pers-41-SWO/Pay-Incentives/ . 10. Points of Contact a. LCDR Aaron A. Jochimsen, PERS-411B, (901)874-3373/DSN 882 or aaron.a.jochimsen.mil@us.navy.mil. b. CDR Eric Winn, SWO community manager, BUPERS-311, (901)874- 3173/DSN 882 or eric.winn2.mil@us.navy.mil. c. CDR Kirk Morris, TAR community manager, BUPERS-351, (901)874-4346/DSN 882 or kirk.n.morris.mil@us.navy.mil. 11. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 12. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// -
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Navy Overhaul of Exceptional Family Member Program Raises Concerns over Ditching Categories
Months after sending a letter to families forecasting the change, the Navy has formally announced the revamp of its Exceptional Family Member Program by removing the categories that were a key aspect of the program and instead moving to an "individualized approach for case management," according to a Navy message released Monday.
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