Changes to Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) 211 Service Benefits for Ill and Injured members

November 17, 2021 - Defence Stories

In order to better meet the needs of ill and injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Treasury Board approved several changes to CBI 211 in May 2021. While initially some of the benefits were created to only support members who had become ill or injured as a result of service in Afghanistan, the criteria are now expanded so that the benefits are available to more members.

Among the changes is an update of the requirements for benefits in support of members who have been ill or injured in service to Canada. As of May 13, 2021 the Attendant Care Benefit (CBI 211.04), the Caregiver Benefit (CBI 211.05) and the Spousal Education Upgrade Benefit (CBI 211.06) will be available to all ill and injured members, regardless of where they’ve been injured while on duty, following an assessment by a Canadian Forces Medical Officer or authorized civilian physician.

Another significant change is the reimbursement process for the Home Assistance Benefit (CBI 211.03), which authorizes the reimbursement of payments for housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance for a member's principal or temporary place of residence. Starting in January 2022, this benefit will be administrated solely by the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, regardless of which unit they currently belong to. This change will provide an increase to the level of benefit provided to eligible CAF members, while aligning more closely to similar benefits provided by Veterans Affairs Canada.

• Beneficiaries will now be able to contact service providers directly instead of coordinating through Medavie Blue Cross, and be reimbursed by submitting a claim with assistance from the services section of the closest CAF Transition Centre (TC).
• Members who are currently receiving housekeeping services through Medavie Blue Cross will receive a letter with further instructions about their file.

The updated CBI 211 can been found here. Questions may be directed to the Administrative Response Centre (ARC) at CMPARC.CRACPM@forces.gc.ca or your local CAF TC.