Understanding EFMP: The Exceptional Family Member Program Explained

Key Takeaways

• EFMP is a mandatory DoD program that ensures military families with special needs are assigned to locations where appropriate medical and educational services are available
• Enrollment does not negatively affect the service member’s career—EFMP information is not shared with promotion or selection boards
• EFMP enrollment is required before registering for TRICARE ECHO, which provides up to $36,000 annually in supplemental benefits for qualifying conditions
• The program covers a wide range of conditions including physical disabilities, developmental disorders, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and educational special needs
• Each branch administers EFMP slightly differently, but all share the core mission of supporting families and coordinating assignments

Table of Contents

• What Is the Exceptional Family Member Program?
• Who Qualifies for EFMP?
• How to Enroll in EFMP
• How EFMP Affects Assignments
• TRICARE ECHO Benefits
• Respite Care Programs
• EFMP Family Support Services
• PCS Moves with EFMP
• EFMP by Branch
• Common Concerns About EFMP
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Exceptional Family Member Program?

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory Department of Defense program designed to support military families with special needs. When a service member has a spouse, child, or other dependent who requires specialized medical care, therapy, or educational services, EFMP ensures those needs are considered during the assignment process.

The program has three core components: identification and enrollment of family members with special needs, assignment coordination to match families with duty stations that can support their requirements, and family support services that help navigate available resources.

EFMP exists because military life involves frequent relocations, and not every installation or geographic area offers the same level of specialized care. A family with a child receiving speech therapy, behavioral intervention, or special education services needs assurance that similar services will be available at their next duty station. EFMP provides that coordination.

The program is not optional. Active duty service members who have family members meeting EFMP criteria are required to enroll. This isn’t punitive—it’s protective. Enrollment ensures the military doesn’t inadvertently assign a family to a location where critical services are unavailable.

Who Qualifies for EFMP?

EFMP covers a broad range of conditions affecting military dependents. The program isn’t limited to severe disabilities—many families with relatively common conditions qualify and benefit from enrollment.

Medical Conditions

Physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, and conditions requiring ongoing specialist care typically qualify for EFMP. This includes conditions like asthma requiring pulmonology care, diabetes requiring endocrinology management, heart conditions, seizure disorders, and orthopedic conditions requiring regular treatment.

Mental health conditions also qualify, including diagnosed depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and other conditions requiring psychiatric care or ongoing therapy.

Developmental and Intellectual Conditions

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common reasons for EFMP enrollment. Children with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and similar conditions qualify for the program.

Educational Special Needs

Children who receive special education services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or early intervention services under an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) should be enrolled in EFMP. This ensures their educational needs are considered during assignments, particularly for overseas moves where DoDEA schools or host nation schools may have different capabilities.

Sensory Impairments

Hearing or vision impairments beyond those correctable with standard glasses or hearing aids qualify for EFMP, particularly when specialized services or equipment are required.

Temporary vs. Permanent Conditions

EFMP enrollment isn’t necessarily permanent. If a condition resolves—for example, a child who previously needed speech therapy but has since met all developmental milestones—families can work with their EFMP office to update or disenroll. However, as long as a qualifying condition exists, enrollment is mandatory.

How to Enroll in EFMP

The enrollment process varies slightly by branch, but the general steps are consistent across the military.

Step 1: Obtain Enrollment Forms

The primary enrollment forms are DD Form 2792 (medical summary) and DD Form 2792-1 (educational summary, if applicable). You can obtain these forms from your Military Treatment Facility (MTF), EFMP office, or download them from official DoD sources.

DD Form 2792 must be completed by a healthcare provider who can document the family member’s medical condition, required treatments, and ongoing care needs. DD Form 2792-1 is completed by school officials for children receiving special education or early intervention services.

Step 2: Medical Documentation

Schedule an appointment with your family member’s primary care manager or specialist to complete the medical portions of the enrollment paperwork. The provider will document diagnoses, current treatments, required medications, therapy needs, and any equipment or specialized care requirements.

Gather supporting documentation including recent medical records, specialist reports, and therapy notes. The more complete your documentation, the more accurately the assignment system can match your family with appropriate duty stations.

Step 3: Educational Documentation (If Applicable)

For children receiving special education services, contact your child’s school to complete DD Form 2792-1. Attach a copy of the current IEP or IFSP. The school will document the types of services your child receives, placement type, and educational accommodations required.

Step 4: Submit to EFMP Office

Submit completed forms to your installation’s EFMP office. In the Army, this is typically through Army Community Service. In the Air Force, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Navy families work through Fleet and Family Support Centers, and Marine families go through Marine Corps Community Services.

The EFMP office reviews documentation, may request additional information, and processes the enrollment. You’ll receive confirmation of enrollment status, which you’ll need for TRICARE ECHO registration and assignment coordination.

Keeping Enrollment Current

EFMP enrollment should be updated every three years or whenever there are significant changes in the family member’s condition. If treatment needs increase, new diagnoses are made, or conditions improve, update your enrollment to ensure accurate assignment coordination.

How EFMP Affects Assignments

One of the most important—and most misunderstood—aspects of EFMP is how it affects the service member’s assignments.

The Assignment Process

When a service member is being considered for a new assignment, the gaining location undergoes a Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS). Medical and educational professionals review the EFMP documentation to determine whether the projected duty station can support the family member’s needs.

If services are available, the assignment proceeds normally. If the location cannot adequately support the family’s needs, the assignment may be modified or an alternative location identified. The goal is never to punish the service member but to ensure the family can access necessary care.

CONUS vs. OCONUS Considerations

Assignment coordination is particularly important for overseas (OCONUS) assignments. Medical and educational services available in the United States may not exist at overseas installations or in host nations. Some families with complex needs may be limited in their overseas assignment options.

For stateside (CONUS) assignments, educational considerations are generally not factored into assignment decisions because special education services are available throughout the U.S. under federal law. However, medical considerations apply to all assignments.

What EFMP Does NOT Affect

EFMP enrollment does not appear before promotion boards or selection boards. It does not negatively impact the service member’s career advancement, school selections, or professional opportunities. This information is used solely for assignment coordination and family support.

Many service members hesitate to enroll because they fear career consequences. This concern, while understandable, is unfounded. The program exists to help families, and enrollment is confidential from career-affecting decisions.

TRICARE ECHO Benefits

The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) is a TRICARE program that provides supplemental benefits beyond standard TRICARE coverage for eligible family members with qualifying conditions. EFMP enrollment is a prerequisite for ECHO registration.

What ECHO Covers

ECHO provides up to $36,000 per year in benefits for services and supplies not covered by basic TRICARE. Covered benefits include:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism (no annual or lifetime cap under the Autism Care Demonstration)
• Respite care for primary caregivers
• Training on assistive technology and special education devices
• Extended home health care for homebound beneficiaries
• Institutional care when a residential environment is required
• Transportation to and from qualifying institutions or facilities
• Durable medical equipment beyond standard TRICARE coverage

ECHO Eligibility

To qualify for ECHO, the family member must have a qualifying diagnosis of moderate or severe intellectual disability, a serious physical disability, or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition. The dependent must also be enrolled in EFMP and registered with the TRICARE regional contractor for ECHO.

Registration is not retroactive. You must register for ECHO before receiving services to have them covered. All ECHO services require prior authorization from your regional contractor.

ECHO Costs

ECHO has no enrollment fee, but families pay a monthly cost-share when using benefits. The cost-share is based on the sponsor’s pay grade—lower-ranking service members pay less. You only pay the cost-share during months when you actually use ECHO services.

For detailed information on ECHO registration and covered services, visit TRICARE’s ECHO page or contact your regional managed care support contractor.

Respite Care Programs

Caring for a family member with special needs is demanding, and military families often lack the extended family support network that civilian families rely on. Respite care programs provide temporary relief for primary caregivers.

ECHO Respite Care

Under TRICARE ECHO, eligible families can receive up to 16 hours of respite care per calendar month. This care must be provided by a TRICARE-authorized home health agency and is only available during months when the family is also receiving another ECHO benefit (such as ABA therapy).

During respite hours, the caregiver may leave the home while a qualified provider cares for the family member with special needs.

Extended Home Health Care (EHHC) Respite

Families receiving Extended Home Health Care benefits may qualify for additional respite—up to eight hours per day, five days per week. This benefit is for families with homebound dependents requiring skilled nursing care. EHHC respite cannot be used in the same month as standard ECHO respite.

EFMP Respite Care

Some branches offer respite care directly through EFMP, separate from TRICARE ECHO. Availability and eligibility vary by installation and branch. Contact your EFMP Family Support office to learn what respite options exist at your location.

EFMP Family Support Services

Beyond assignment coordination and medical benefits, EFMP provides family support services designed to help families navigate the complexities of raising a child or caring for a dependent with special needs.

Information and Referral

EFMP Family Support staff connect families with resources on and off the installation. They can help you find local therapists, support groups, recreational programs, and community organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Systems Navigation

Many Army installations have Systems Navigators—EFMP staff members who help families navigate the various systems of care including medical, educational, and community resources. They serve as guides through what can be an overwhelming landscape of services and agencies.

Relocation Assistance

When families PCS, EFMP Family Support can coordinate with the gaining installation to ensure continuity of services. They can provide information about resources at the new location and help families prepare for the transition.

Training and Workshops

EFMP offices often host workshops on topics relevant to special needs families: understanding IEPs, advocating for your child, managing caregiver stress, and accessing community resources. Check with your local EFMP office for upcoming events.

Special Needs Consultants

Military OneSource provides access to special needs consultants who can answer questions about EFMP, help locate resources, and provide guidance on navigating the program. Call 800-342-9647 and ask for a referral to a special needs consultant.

PCS Moves with EFMP

Relocating is challenging for any military family, but families enrolled in EFMP face additional considerations. Proper preparation can make the transition smoother.

Before You PCS

Ensure your EFMP enrollment is current before receiving orders. Outdated documentation can delay the assignment coordination process. If your family member’s needs have changed since the last update, submit revised forms.

Once you know your gaining installation, contact the EFMP office there. They can provide information about available services, help identify providers, and connect you with resources before you arrive.

Request copies of all medical records, therapy reports, and educational documents. While records should transfer through official channels, having personal copies prevents gaps in care during the transition.

Medical Continuity

Ask current providers for referrals or recommendations at your new location. For specialists, request that your current provider communicate directly with the new provider about ongoing treatment.

Ensure you have adequate medication supplies for the transition period. Some families request a 90-day supply before moving to avoid gaps while establishing care at the new duty station.

Educational Transitions

For children with IEPs, contact the new school as early as possible. Federal law requires schools to provide comparable services while they develop a new IEP, but the process is smoother when schools have advance notice.

Installation School Liaison Officers can help coordinate educational transitions. They understand both military timelines and local school district processes.

EFMP Family Support During PCS

Your EFMP Family Support office can connect you with the corresponding office at your new installation. Many installations assign a caseworker who contacts families before arrival and follows up during the transition to ensure services are in place.

Learn more about allowances, entitlements, and moving tips in our Military PCS Guide.

EFMP by Branch

While EFMP is a DoD-wide program, each branch administers it through different channels.

Army

Army EFMP is managed through Army Community Service (ACS). The program uses the Electronic EFMP (E-EFMP) system for enrollment and travel screening. Contact your installation’s ACS office to begin the enrollment process. The Army provides Systems Navigators at many installations to assist families.

Air Force and Space Force

Air Force and Space Force EFMP operates through Airman and Family Readiness Centers. The EFMP Central Cell at AFPC coordinates assignment reviews. The Air Force emphasizes an Installation Support Team (IST) approach with key stakeholders working together to support families.

Navy

Navy EFMP functions through Fleet and Family Support Centers. The Navy uses the EFMP Link system for enrollment management. Assignment coordination involves EFMP case managers who review projected assignments against family member needs.

Marine Corps

Marine Corps EFMP is administered through Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS). HQMC EFMP Assignment Case Managers coordinate assignments. The Marine Corps emphasizes the role of Family Caseworkers who maintain contact with families throughout the assignment cycle.

Coast Guard

Coast Guard EFMP operates through Health, Safety, and Work-Life offices. Given the Coast Guard’s smaller size and unique assignment locations, EFMP coordination is particularly important for ensuring families can access services.

Common Concerns About EFMP

“Will EFMP hurt my spouse’s career?”

No. EFMP enrollment does not affect promotions, selection for schools, or career advancement. The information is used solely for assignment coordination and is not visible to promotion boards. Many service members at all ranks have family members enrolled in EFMP.

“Will we be stuck at one location forever?”

EFMP doesn’t prevent moves—it ensures moves are to locations that can support your family. Most families continue to PCS normally. Some highly specialized needs may limit overseas options, but the vast majority of CONUS assignments can accommodate EFMP families.

“What if we disagree with an assignment decision?”

If you believe an assignment determination was made incorrectly, you can work with your EFMP office to provide additional documentation or request reconsideration. Each branch has processes for addressing assignment concerns.

“Can we disenroll if the condition resolves?”

Yes. If the qualifying condition no longer exists—for example, a child who has aged out of early intervention and no longer needs services—you can request disenrollment. However, if the condition still exists, enrollment remains mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is provided by USMilitary.org, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any government agency. For official EFMP information, contact your branch’s EFMP office or visit Military OneSource.