PCS With Special Needs: Making EFMP Work for You

If someone in your family has medical, educational or developmental needs, a PCS needs extra planning. The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) exists to make sure the next location can meet those needs.

Know the three parts of EFMP

1. Identification and enrollment. Active duty families must enroll members with qualifying needs. Enrollment is updated regularly and when needs change.
2. Assignment coordination. Before orders are finalized, the program checks whether the needed medical and educational services exist at the proposed location.
3. Family support. EFMP Family Support staff at installations help you find resources, navigate schools and connect with other families.

EFMP is designed not to hurt careers. Its purpose is to avoid sending families where care is not available.

Before orders

• Make sure enrollment is current. Out-of-date paperwork can delay a move.
• Talk with your assignment manager or detailer about your family's needs and preferred locations.
• Use the free EFMP and Me online tool to work through enrollment and PCS checklists.

Once you have orders

• Contact EFMP Family Support at both the losing and gaining installations.
• For overseas moves, complete overseas family member screening early.
• Get referrals and medical records from current specialists and ask for recommendations in the new area.
• Ask TRICARE and your regional contractor about case management, which can help transition care.
• Request a Military OneSource special needs consultation for planning help.

Schools and IEPs

Bring the complete IEP or 504 plan, recent evaluations and progress reports. The new school must provide comparable services until it adopts or creates a new plan. The installation school liaison and EFMP Family Support can help you prepare for the first meeting. Some families also contact a parent training and information center in the new state.

Waitlists and Medicaid waivers

State Medicaid waiver programs and therapy providers often have waitlists. Some states have provisions to help military families keep their place in line when they move. Ask EFMP Family Support about the new state's rules, and apply as early as allowed.

Respite care

Some services offer respite care for EFMP families. Program administrators can change: for example, the Department of the Air Force EFMP respite program moved from Child Care Aware to direct Air Force management in 2026. Confirm current contacts with your installation.

Take care of yourself

Caregivers carry a heavy load during moves. Non-medical counseling through Military OneSource and local support groups can help.