CAF Education Expense Reimbursement Program Resumed
Above image: Canadian Armed Forces personnel step off a Boeing CC-177 Globemaster at the Danylo Halytskyi International Airport in L’viv, Ukraine, on August 25, 2015 marking the beginning of Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training mission in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. OP UNIFIER – DND, Joint Task Force Ukraine.
The Education Expense Reimbursement (EER) Program has resumed for Regular Force members following a temporary pause to address administrative issues.
A new military message outlined the program’s new operational structure and key timelines for members interested in the program.
In the fall of 2024, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) issued a CANFORGEN informing its members that the Regular Force Self-Development Program would be temporarily paused due to staffing and funding, among other things.
New applications in the program, which is part of the Education Expense Reimbursement Program, were paused until March 31, 2025.
Key Upcoming Dates
CANFORGEN 061/25 outlines a number of key dates coming up the rest of the year for personnel interested in the EER.
Since April 1, Regular Force members have been allowed to access the website to submit a Self-Development Plan for adjudication. According to the CANFORGEN, those members who already have an endorsed Self Development Plan will not be required to resubmit it.
“On 15 May 2025, if your SDP is endorsed, the website will become available for the submission of individual course funding requests. Funding will continue to be allocated in accordance with available resources and the established funding matrix,” notes the CANFORGEN.
For courses that begin on Sept. 1, funding will be allocated from July 1. This funding will be assigned according to funding priorities identified in the Matrix and within the available budget.
“Members are advised to wait for notification that funding for their course has been approved before making any financial commitments,” notes the military.
It is advised that funding will not be approved for any courses that begin before Sept. 1, 2025.
Education Expense Reimbursement Program
The EER Program allows Regular Force members to receive up to 50 per cent of their education expenses reimbursed, to a maximum of $2,000 per academic year, and $8,000 over their career, according to the Canadian government website.
The program supports CAF members throughout their careers. Considering the importance of the program, the CAF continues to make adjustments to ensure its longevity, says the military.
Who is Eligible Regular Force
According to the Canadian Government website, those eligible for the program include “Regular Force Officers and Non-Commissioned Members can receive financial assistance for part-time studies to upgrade educational qualifications in the CAF.”
The website notes personnel may be reimbursed for 100 per cent of education expenses if the course of study is aligned with their profession and they successfully complete the courses approved in their Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
Regular Force Personnel eligible include:
- currently receiving pay and allowances
- completed basic training
- Self Development Program (SDP) has been “endorsed.”
Once a member’s SDP has been endorsed, they can submit their course for funding consideration. The course must be “funding approved” before members start the course, or they will not be reimbursed.
In previous messages, the military has informed its members that “continual monitoring and assessment” of the program is necessary to ensure that the program is effective for years to come.
Members have been encouraged to familiarize themselves with the funding program FAQ that is accessible through the National Defence Network.
Who is Eligible Reserve Force
“Primary Reserve members may be reimbursed for studying at a Canadian university or college to get a degree or diploma. The education reimbursement is up to 50% of your expenses with a maximum of $2,000 per academic year. The maximum benefit is $8,000 per career,” noted the website.
Reserve Personnel are eligible:
- in the Reserve Force
- successfully completed basic training
- have an approved ILP
- successfully complete their courses.
Questions
Questions regarding individual cases can be directed to the SDPEER Help Desk at SDPEER-PARFS(AT)FORCES.GC.CA or through the SDPEER website at accessible only on the National Defence network.
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