EFMP’s PCS Roadmap for a Successful Summer Shift
A permanent change of station (PCS) move can be stressful, especially for military families with exceptional medical and/or educational needs.
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is committed to providing seamless support throughout your PCS transition. This guide serves as your roadmap for navigating the summer PCS season, keeping your family’s care coordinated, connected, and ready for the next chapter.
Your EFMP Team: Supporting Your PCS Transition
From the moment your orders are endorsed, EFMP family case workers (FCWs) at both your current and future installation begin coordinating support for your family. While you focus on packing, your EFMP team is working behind the scenes to ensure a seamless transition of care and support.
Initial Coordination: Your current and future EFMP installations are immediately connected to start planning for your family’s specific needs. A new FCW is assigned at your gaining installation, giving your family a direct point of contact before you arrive.
Personalized Support Planning: Your current FCW will connect with you to discuss your family’s specific needs. This conversation helps the EFMP team tailor support throughout the moving process. Your FCW will also review your EFMP paperwork and inform you if it is current. If any forms require updating, your FCW will advise you on the necessary steps to update the forms.
The Connection: About 90 days before your move, your current FCW initiates a conversation with your new, gaining FCW. They will discuss your family's needs to ensure the new team is prepared. Shortly after, your gaining FCW will introduce themselves to you directly.
Arrival and Transfer: Once you arrive and check into your gaining installation, your gaining FCW takes the lead, welcoming you and providing immediate assistance to ensure your family's smooth transition.
Your EFMP PCS Checklist for a Smooth Move
This checklist is designed to help you stay on track during your move and to make the transition of your medical and/or educational support as smooth as possible.
90+ Days Prior to Move
- Contact your current EFMP FCW. Discuss your upcoming PCS, review your file, and ensure all paperwork (such as DD 2792 and/or DD 2792-1) is up to date.
- Organize and obtain records, including:
- Medical: Obtain copies of all family medical records, including immunization records, prescriptions, and dosages from your current MTF or TRICARE provider.
- Educational: Request your child's latest Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, transcripts, and assessment reports.
- Create a "hand-carry" binder. Keep all crucial medical and educational documents in a secure binder that you will hand-carry to your new duty station. Do not pack these in your household goods shipment.
- Connect with the school liaison. Contact the school liaison at your current installation for assistance with school transitions, special education support, and advance registration.
60-90 Days Prior to Move
- Connect with your new gaining EFMP FCW. You should receive a call or email from your new FCW. This is your opportunity to discuss your family’s needs and ask questions about resources at the new location.
- Research local resources, including:
- Healthcare: Identify TRICARE-authorized providers, specialists, and hospitals near your new installation.
- Schools: Connect with the school liaison at your new installation to discuss enrollment, special education programs, and timelines.
- Discuss respite care eligibility. Talk to your current and gaining FCW to determine your family's eligibility for respite care. If eligible, discuss the process of securing a new provider at your next duty station to help minimize any potential gap in service.
- Get a sponsor. Ask about getting a sponsor at your new installation. A sponsor can provide valuable local tips on housing, schools, and the community.
30 Days Prior to Move
- Facilitate a smooth TRICARE transition. Contact your TRICARE-authorized provider to coordinate care as you transition between regions.
- Notify your child's school. Inform your child's current school or early intervention agency of your impending move to help speed up the transfer of information.
- Confirm childcare. If needed, investigate childcare options and begin the setup process at your new location through MilitaryChildCare.com.
- Prepare for travel. Work with your physician to address medication needs for the journey. If traveling by air with special medical equipment, contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
Upon Detachment and Arrival
- Alert your FCWs. Notify both your losing and gaining FCWs that you have detached and are en route to your gaining installation.
- Check-in upon arrival. Once you arrive at your new installation, contact your new FCW for a formal introduction and to receive any necessary immediate assistance.
- Schedule appointments. You can now schedule new patient appointments with your new physician and specialists. Connect with your new Military Treatment Facility or TRICARE-authorized provider to communicate your family’s medical needs.
- Enroll in school. Finalize your child's school enrollment, providing the hand-carried educational records as required.
A successful PCS starts with planning, communication, and connection. Your EFMP team is here to support your family every step of the transition process.
