Army Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care Program
Eligibility for the Army's Respite Care Program is based on EFMP enrollment status, the exceptional family member's medical or educational condition, and deployment needs. Families can receive up to forty hours of respite care per month for each certified exceptional family member. For more information on the Respite Care Program or to apply for assistance, interested families should visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to locate and contact their local EFMP Manager.
Marine Corps EFMP Respite Care Program
The Marine Corps EFMP Respite Care Program provides temporary rest periods for family members responsible for the regular care of persons with disabilities. Eligible families enrolled in EFMP can receive up to forty hours of respite care per month. For more information on the Respite Care Program or to apply for assistance, interested families should visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to locate and contact their local EFMP Manager.
Navy EFMP Respite Care Program
Navy families who are enrolled in EFMP and have children birth to eighteen years of age labeled as Category IV or V may receive up to forty hours of respite care per month near certain Navy locations. For more information on the Respite Care Program or to apply for assistance, interested families should visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to locate and contact their local EFMP Manager.
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) Respite Care Program
The Air Force Aid Society's Program provides a break to families who care for an ill or disabled family member living in the household. AFAS assistance for respite care is based on both the need for respite and financial need. For more information on the Respite Care Program or to apply for assistance, interested families should visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to locate and contact their local Airman and Family Readiness Center.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) Respite Care Program
This program provides a break for a few hours a week or month to eligible Coast Guard clients who have twenty-four hour responsibility to care for an ill or disabled family member living in the household. Assistance for respite care is based on both the need for respite and financial need. For more information on the Respite Care Program or to apply for assistance, interested families should contact CGMA.
TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Respite Care
Through TRICARE ECHO, families may receive short-term care for a patient for a maximum of sixteen hours per month for any month a family member is receiving ECHO benefits. Unused hours may not be banked for future use. In home respite care services are meant to be a relief for parents to be deployed, be employed, seek employment, or pursue education. ECHO respite care services are provided by TRICARE-authorized home health agencies and include:
- ECHO respite care: 16 hours per month when receiving other authorized ECHO benefits
- EHHC respite care: up to 40 hours per week (eight hours per day, five days per week) for those who qualify
- Only one can be used in the same calendar month, they cannot be used together.
- Only available in the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Military Child Development Programs
Although the military child development programs are not required to provide respite care for military families with special needs, families can register with the Children and Youth office for assistance in locating an appropriate source of care. The cost varies based on the hourly care rate at each installation and parents are responsible for paying for care. |