Exceptional Family Member Program
EFMP
Resources
The Exceptional Family Member Program ensures military families with special medical or educational needs are assigned to installations where those needs can be met. Everything you need to navigate enrollment, PCS moves, IEPs, and support services.
New PCS orders?Notify your installation's EFMP office immediately. Assignment screening for your family member's needs must happen before orders are finalized.
Understanding EFMP
Army-specific enrollment, case management, and installation EFMP offices
Navy enrollment and family support services
Marine Corps EFMP enrollment and support resources
Air Force EFMP enrollment, reassignment coordination, and installation resources
Coast Guard equivalent to EFMP: enrollment and coordination for members with family special needs
PCS Moves with EFMP
Specialized Training of Military Parents — free training and support for navigating IEPs, special education, and service coordination during PCS moves
IEP continuity, IDEA rights, and school enrollment protections during a PCS — what your child is entitled to on day one at the new school
Step-by-step PCS checklist — add EFMP coordination to your timeline early, before orders are finalized
Review the installation guide for your gaining duty station — look for school quality, proximity to medical centers, and off-post resources
Special Education & Services
Federal law guaranteeing a Free Appropriate Public Education for children with disabilities — applies at every duty station in the US
Special education services at Department of Defense schools worldwide — IEPs, evaluations, and full support programs
Army program providing early intervention services for children ages 0 to 3 on or near installations
Free federally-funded centers in every state offering IEP navigation support and disability rights training
Respite Care & Support
Find respite care resources and lifespan respite programs in your state — civilian community programs that supplement installation-based support
Faith-based respite, disability ministry, and support resources specifically for military families living with disability
Each installation has an EFMP family support coordinator — find your installation guide to locate the office contact information
National nonprofit providing caregiver support, respite, and disability services for military and veteran families
Rights & Legal Protections
State-level benefits and protections including accessible housing, disability-related tax exemptions, and school choice programs — searchable by state
If the servicemember has a service-connected disability, understand how the rating affects household benefits and eligibility
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — broader than IDEA, applies to students who need accommodations but may not qualify for a full IEP
Federal protections for active duty servicemembers including lease termination rights — critical when EFMP needs require a quick housing change
Housing & Accessibility
VA grant up to $126,526 (FY2026) to build or modify a home for veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting mobility — cap adjusted annually each October
Connect with a veteran or military spouse agent who understands accessible housing needs and the unique timing constraints of EFMP families
Your BAH determines off-post housing budget — critical when on-post accessible housing has a waitlist at the gaining installation
Find an agent near your next installation who understands accessible housing, medical proximity needs, and the unique timing pressures of EFMP families.
Find an Agent →Disability-related tax exemptions, accessible housing protections, and school choice programs vary by state. Find what applies at your next duty station.
State Benefits →