Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
If you’re an active-duty servicemember with a family member who has special medical or educational needs, you’ve probably heard about the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP. Maybe you’ve been told to enroll, or someone brought it up in passing. Like many families, you might be wondering: What exactly is this program? Will it affect my career? Is it even worth enrolling?
EFMP is a lifeline that can make a real difference for families managing chronic medical conditions, disabilities, or special education needs across every branch of the military, and enrollment is mandatory.
In this article, we’ll walk through what EFMP is, who qualifies, what support is available, how to enroll, and why recent changes to the program help families more consistently. Whether you’re considering enrollment or are already part of the program, this guide will help you better understand how EFMP works and how to make the most of it.
What Is EFMP?
EFMP is designed to ensure that military families’ unique medical and educational needs are considered when it comes to duty assignments. That means if your child has autism or your spouse has a long-term illness, the military will take that into account when deciding where you’ll be stationed next.
This is a Department of Defense–wide initiative, not just a branch-specific one. So while the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force each administer EFMP within their own systems, the overall goal is consistent—to support service members and their families in staying mission-ready without sacrificing crucial care or education.
Who Is EFMP For?
EFMP is for active-duty servicemembers who have special needs dependents. These needs can include chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, developmental delays, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities that require an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
Think of EFMP as a way to help families get the support they need without having to constantly reinvent the wheel every time a PCS order comes through. By being enrolled, you’ll have better access to resources, coordinated care, and services that keep your family stable—especially during relocations.
Some examples of qualifying needs include:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- ADHD with significant impact on education
- Seizure disorders
- Cystic fibrosis
- Speech or language delays requiring therapy
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions requiring regular treatment
Even temporary conditions that last over six months and require ongoing care can qualify. The goal is to flag and support anything that could significantly affect the family member’s quality of life and require special services.
What Are the Main Components of EFMP Support?
EFMP has three key components that work together to support military families.
Identification and Enrollment
Suppose your dependent has been diagnosed with a condition that may require specialized medical care or special education services. In that case, early identification is key and helps flag those needs within the system. That way, when new orders are being considered, your family’s situation is already part of the conversation.
Assignment Coordination
One of the program’s most important functions is in its assignment coordination. Before PCS orders are finalized, the system checks to make sure that your next duty station has the medical specialists, therapies, or educational resources your family needs.
Support Services
Each military branch provides support services tailored to EFMP families. These can include:
- Case management (non-medical)
- Help with navigating school systems and IEPs
- Support groups
- Respite care (i.e., short-term relief for caregivers)
- Advocacy and resource workshops
Enrolling in EFMP
- Gather medical documentation for your dependent’s condition. This can include diagnoses, treatment plans, and specialist referrals.
- Educational assessments may be needed if the concern is school-related, like an IEP or 504 Plan.
- Submit the paperwork through your service’s EFMP office. Each branch uses different forms:
- Army: DA Form 5888 and DD Form 2792/2792-1
- Navy: Medical and educational forms processed through the Navy Family Support Program
- Air Force and Space Force: Enrollment via the Exceptional Needs Identification Tool (ENIT)
- Marine Corps: EFMP Case Management through Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)
Once everything is submitted, the paperwork is reviewed. If your dependent is eligible, they are officially enrolled in the program.
Understanding Assignment Coordination
One of the biggest worries servicemembers have is whether EFMP enrollment will block promotions or desirable assignments. EFMP doesn’t stop you from being promoted or serving in critical roles; it just ensures your assigned location is compatible with your family’s needs. If a base or post doesn’t have the right specialists or schools, the system flags it and looks for alternative options.
Yes, it might limit the list of available duty stations. But in exchange, you get peace of mind knowing your family isn’t being sent somewhere that can’t support their medical or educational care.
Accessing EFMP Family Support Services
Support services are where EFMP really shines. Whether you’re dealing with a new diagnosis or facing a tricky school IEP meeting, you can access EFMP Family Support through:
- Local installation EFMP offices
- Military OneSource consultants
- Special needs coordinators (usually found in Military Treatment Facilities)
These services include:
- Help with IEP meetings or 504 Plans
- Navigation of TRICARE coverage for specialists and therapies
- Advocacy during transitions
- Respite care for overwhelmed parents
- Workshops, webinars, and support groups
And this isn’t just a one-time thing. Services are available at every duty station and can even be coordinated during PCS transitions.
How to Access EMFP through Military OneSource
Military OneSource is a free, 24/7 resource provided by the Department of Defense to help servicemembers and their families handle just about anything military life throws their way. Whether you’re looking for confidential counseling, help with a PCS move, guidance on financial or legal matters, or support for a family member with special needs through the EFMP, Military OneSource is your go-to.
You can reach out to Military OneSource in the following ways to get more information about the program: \
- Phone: Call 800-342-9647 to speak with a consultant who can provide information and referrals related to EFMP.
- Live Chat: Visit the Military OneSource website and initiate a live chat session for real-time support.
The above channels connect you with experts who can guide you through EFMP enrollment, assignment coordination, and access to family support services.
Military OneSource’s EFMP & Me interactive tool offers the following services to every enrollee:
- Personalized checklists with a focus on your family’s specific needs and circumstances.
- Resource navigation to help you find services and support options
- Process guidance to help you understand and manage the various aspects of EFMP
Recent Changes and Improvements to EFMP
In 2023, the Department of Defense rolled out updates to EFMP policies with the aim of creating more consistency across branches. Before these changes, the process varied quite a bit depending on your service, and families often found themselves frustrated by inconsistent rules or confusing communication.
EFMP now includes:
- Standardized enrollment forms and screening tools
- Clearer assignment coordination guidelines
- Improved communication with families about eligibility decisions
- A formal appeals process if you disagree with a decision
These updates were based on direct feedback from military families, and they’re part of an ongoing effort to make EFMP more transparent and supportive across the board.
FAQs About EFMP
Will EFMP hurt my military career?
Your career progression, promotions, and professional development still move forward. What EFMP can affect is where you’re stationed—based on whether a location can meet your family’s needs. But many service members in EFMP have had long, successful careers.
Is enrollment mandatory?
Yes, if you have a qualifying dependent. Not enrolling when required can impact your PCS orders and may be flagged as a readiness issue. It’s not optional if your family meets the criteria.
Does EFMP cost anything?
Enrolling in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) won’t cost you a thing. While it’s a mandatory program if you have a family member with qualifying medical or educational needs, there’s no fee to sign up.
On top of that, many of the support services are completely free for families. The goal is to make sure you’re stationed in places that can meet your needs without adding financial stress.
Can my dependent age out of EFMP?
Yes, enrollment is regularly reviewed. If the condition improves or no longer qualifies, they can be disenrolled. On the flip side, some conditions are lifelong, and continued enrollment ensures ongoing support.
What happens if I qualify but don’t enroll?
Skipping enrollment can backfire. If your next duty station lacks appropriate care, your family could face serious gaps in medical treatment or education services. Enrolling early’s far better and ensuring your family’s needs are part of the planning process.
Additional Resources and Support for Families
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to access new resources, here are a few places to begin:
- Army EFMP Portal
- Navy EFMP Information
- Air Force EFMP-FS
- Marine Corps EFMP
- Space Force EFMP
- EFMP Coordinators at your base or installation
EFMP isn’t about limiting your service—it’s about helping your family thrive while you serve. When you’re balancing duty, deployments, and relocations all day, every day, the last thing you need is to be on your own trying to manage a dependent’s complex care. EFMP is built to ensure military families don’t have to choose between serving their country and caring for the people they love most.
