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Managing the care and services for a family member with special needs — whether it’s a spouse, child or dependent adult — is a lot easier with the right support. The best place to start is to enroll them in the Exceptional Family Member Program.
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Family-to-Family Health Information Centers
Nov. 28, 2022, 9:24 a.m. 2 minute read

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers are nonprofit organizations familiar with the issues facing families with special needs. They can connect you to resources that can provide and finance health care for your children, help locate assistance, and explain legislation.
Family having fun
Military OneSource Special Needs Consultations
Sept. 16, 2022, 12:00 a.m. 2 minute read

Military OneSource special needs consultants provide enhanced support for military families with special needs. Special needs consultants are available by phone or video to help you navigate the medical and educational needs of your family, and connect you with military and community based support.
Happy girl playing under sheet
See What’s New With the Exceptional Family Member Program
July 20, 2022, 9:56 a.m. 3 minute read

Learn more about the EFMP & Me tool and other program highlights to improve the experience for military families with special needs.
Caretaker with elderly patient
Respite Care Services for Families With Special Needs
July 14, 2022, 2:42 p.m. 4 minute read
Taking care of a family member with special needs can be more than a full-time job. As a parent and/or caregiver, it’s natural to want to give your all to your loved one, but everyone needs a break, whether that’s to go to an appointment, run err...
Service member and woman in wheelchair dancing
An Overview of Adults With Special Needs
March 3, 2022, 9:49 a.m. 4 minute read

Supporting adult family members with complex needs may involve collaboration with a variety of support systems and community-based services.
airmen and children
How the Exceptional Family Member Program Can Benefit Your Service Member and Their Family
Nov. 18, 2021, 2:13 p.m. 4 minute read

The Exceptional Family Member Program can help military families with special needs thrive in military life.
Mother and daughter smiling
Recognizing the Importance of Special Education Law to Families
Sept. 22, 2021, 8:54 a.m. 2 minute read

Service attorneys, paralegals and Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Providers from around the world participated in a five-day, joint-service legal training on special education law.
Woman living independently
Person-Centered Planning
Sept. 16, 2021, 8:26 a.m. 4 minute read

Person-center planning is a military-supported initiative to help individuals with disabilities direct their own lives — with options to plan housing, work, finances and more.
Mom on computer beside special needs child
Spring Clean Your EFMP SCOR
April 8, 2021, 3:10 p.m. 3 minute read

Keeping your Special Care Organizational Record organized and up to date makes it easy for you to use and ready if someone needs to step into your role as a caregiver.
Young family blowing bubbles in the park
Making the Most of EFMP Family Support Services with the EFMP Family Needs Assessment
Feb. 3, 2021, 4:46 p.m. 2 minute read

The Family Needs Assessment is a way for any military family who has a member with special needs to create an action plan for support.
child with arm around soldier
Help Improve Support for Families with Special Needs
Feb. 2, 2021, 3:17 p.m. 2 minute read

Families with special needs can offer feedback about their recent experiences with the Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support services by using the EFMP Family Support Feedback Tool.
Smiling child in purple sweater
The Exceptional Family Member Program: Three Parts Working Together
Jan. 26, 2021, 2:44 p.m. 3 minute read

EFMP is made up of three separate components. Learn how these parts work together to benefit service members who have a family member with special needs.
Service member filling out tax form
Tax Breaks for Families With Special Needs
Jan. 6, 2021, 1:54 p.m. 3 minute read

If you are filing taxes on behalf of yourself or a family member with special needs, you may be eligible for certain tax breaks.
Military family of four playing in front of their house
COVID-19 Resources for Parents With Children With Special Needs
Oct. 15, 2020, 2:59 p.m. 17 minute read

Use these resources for military parents of children with special needs to make the best of a difficult time.
Man coaching boy in baseball
Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support
June 2, 2020, 1:32 p.m. 3 minute read

Exceptional Family Member Program family support teaches military families with special needs the skills they need to make the best decisions for the person they’re supporting and gives them the confidence and strength to improve their quality of life.
mother holding little girl with special needs on her back
EFMP & Me Online Tool Empowers Military Families With Special Needs
June 1, 2020, 8:14 p.m. 3 minute read

For families with special needs, the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs Exceptional Family Member Program provides support and resources to help you thrive in military life. Now, the new EFMP & Me online tool, available through Military OneSource, expands and tailors support to help you quickly navigate services, connect with resources and advocate for yourself or your family member with special needs ‒ anytime, anywhere.
Marine is meritoriously promoted by staff sergeant.
Marine Study Finds EFMP Enrollment Does Not Negatively Impact Military Careers
April 6, 2020, 6:52 p.m. 3 minute read

Good news: Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, does not negatively affect career progress and promotion, according to a study conducted by the Marine Corps Operational Analysis Division.