Service Estates
General information
When a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) dies, the CAF will collect and administer the deceased member’s service estate prior to distributing it in accordance with the deceased member’s will or, in the absence of a will, in accordance with applicable law.
The Service Estate is comprised of three main components:
- severance pay entitlement (if applicable);
- service pay and allowances; and
- personal effects in the care and custody of the CAF.
The Minister of National Defence has appointed the Judge Advocate General (JAG) as Director of Service Estates. On behalf of the JAG, the Service Estates Section of the Directorate of Law/Compensation, Benefits, Pensions & Estates carries out the administration and disbursement of military Service Estate entitlements in relation to CAF members who die while serving. This entails coordinating with several people — including unit level personnel, JAG field offices, the deceased’s executor or liquidator or the estate administrator, family members and private sector legal counsel — to ensure that any legal complications are resolved prior to authorizing the release of personal effects and disbursement of the Service Estate monetary entitlements.
Unclaimed Service Estates
In rare cases, the Service Estate of deceased CAF members remains unclaimed. When this happens, the Director of Service Estates causes the net assets of the Service Estate to be deposited in a special trust account pending final distribution to the person or persons entitled.
If you believe you are entitled to the Service Estate of a deceased CAF member, please inquire with the Director of Service Estates.
Important message to CAF units
Designated Assistants should inform the Director of Service Estates by e-mail or telephone, when they have been assigned to a specific casualty case. At the same time, they shall provide their telephone number and email address.
Committee of Adjustment (COA) Presidents should also advise the Director of Service Estates, by e-mail or telephone, when they have been assigned to a specific casualty case. At the same time, they shall provide their telephone number and email address.
Attention: Important step
Before any of the deceased’s personal effects are released, authority must be obtained by the unit from the Director of Service Estates.
Relevant Legislation & Directives
Section 42 of the National Defence Act (NDA):
Section 43 of the NDA (and Chapter 26.20 of the Queen’s Regulations and Orders for the Canadian Forces (QR&O)):
QR&O, Chapter 21.41:
QR&O, Chapter 25:
Defence Administrative Orders & Directives (DAOD) 7011 Series – Service Estates & Personal Belongings:
- DAOD 7011-0 Service Estates and Personal Belongings
- DAOD 7011-1 Responsibilities for Service Estates and Personal Belongings
Defence Administrative Orders & Directives (DAOD) 7012 Series – Wills:
- DAOD 7012-0 Wills
- DAOD 7012-1 Preparation and Administration of Wills
- DAOD Form 7012-1A Will
- DAOD Form 7012-1B Affidavit of Execution of Will
- DAOD Form 7012-1C Will Certificate
Contact Us
Director of Service Estates
Office of the Judge Advocate General
National Defence Headquarters
Major General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Dr., 7th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2
Email: JAGEstates-SuccessionsJAG@forces.gc.ca
Telephone: (343) 574-4459 or (613) 277-0462