Treasure Board Approves Assistance for Military Duty Absence (AMDA)

This spring, the Assistance for Military Duty Absence (AMDA) took effect, allowing families to receive additional funds while a loved one is away.

“The purpose of AMDA is to provide monetary assistance to members to offset some of the additional expenses related to the care of their dependents as a result of being absent from their home for service reasons. It is not meant to compensate a member’s full dependent care expenses,” states CANFORGEN (Canadian Forces General Message) 031/25.

The AMDA went into effect April 1, 2025.

Broadened Definition

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) says the AMDA will allow a broader definition of the application of assistance to all CAF members who have a dependent child, removes the 24-hour minimum absence requirement, and more clearly defines the service reason absences which are deemed applicable.

A copy of the amended Compensation Benefits Instruction (CBI) Chapter 209 will be posted on the CBI website in the near future.

“AMDA’s entitlement and maximum reimbursable amounts have been updated and de-linked from the Public Service policy to more closely reflect the potential additional dependant care expenses incurred due to the mandatory absence of the member,” added the military.

Other Changes

The Treasury Board also approved minor administrative changes to the relocation benefits. The minor administrative change went into effect March 1, according to the military.

“In particular, the policy/process regarding the continuation of in-transit storage of household goods and effects after a member’s entitlement expires is updated,” reads the CANFORGEN.

Questions can be directed to a military personnel’s local orderly room. The CMP Administrative Response Centre is also available to provide simplified access to clarification and interpretation of the CMP personnel policies.

• email: [email protected], or
• contact: PLUS CMPARC-CRA CPM@CMP D MIL PERS MGT@OTTAWA-HULL, or
• Calling: 1-833-445-1182.