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FAMILY LIFE

• Transitional Comp. Home
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Points of Contact
• Program Policy/Requirements

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FAQs

What is the Transitional Compensation Program?
The Transitional Compensation Program provides monthly payments (from 12 to 36 months) to family members of service personnel who have been separated or discharged from military service due to domestic violence.


Who is eligible?
You may qualify to receive payments if...

• you were married to or are a family member and were residing in the home of the now separated service member when the offense occurred;
• the service member has served at least 30 days on active duty;
• the service member has been convicted of family member abuse and has:  been administratively separated; been discharged by court martial; or has received forfeiture of all pay and allowances for abuse;
• the charge was brought to court after 29 November 1993.

Other restrictions may apply.  Talk to the Commanding Officer, Victim Advocate, or Staff Judge Advocate for additional information about your eligibility or the eligibility of any children residing with the service member at the time of the abuse.

What are the benefits?
In addition to support payments, recipients of TCAFM may maintain medical benefits and MCCS privileges.

How much do I get and for how long?
It varies.  Anyone who is eligible for compensation will receive at least 12 months of payments.  Duration of payment will depend on service member's end of military obligation.  Payments will consist of minimum of 12 months, maximum of 36 months.

The rate of payment is set by law and should be used for living expenses, such as food, clothing, housing, and other necessities.

Could someone forfeit or lose Transitional Compensation entitlements?
Yes.  If the spouse receiving the payments remarries anyone, payments terminate as of the date of the remarriage.  If the former service member lives with the spouse of children receiving TCAFM, payments terminate.

If the domestic violence conviction is reduced to a lower punishment, or administrative separation is revoked, payments terminate.

How do I apply?
The Application for Transitional Compensation (DD Form 2698) is the key to receiving entitlements.  The service member's unit Commanding Officer or Legal Officer will complete the DD Form 2698 and will assist you in completing a Direct Deposit Form.  Compensation will begin after the application has been approved by Headquarters Marine Corps.

The Commanding Officer or Legal Officer must complete all of the information on the application before you sign and date it.  After it ahs been signed, the Commanding Officer or Legal Officer must mail it within 5 business days to the Headquarters Marine Corps Transitional Compensation Program Specialist for approval.

If you want more information about the Transitional Compensation program, contact your local Family Advocacy Program representative or Legal Office.

1.What is Transitional Compensation?

Transitional Compensation is a Congressionally authorized program allowing the Armed Forces to provide temporary monetary payments and limited military benefits to family members of service members who are separated from the Armed Forces due to domestic violence.

2. Why was the Program Created?

Transitional Compensation was designed in response to the Department of Defense ~Abused Victims" study. The results identified disincentives to reporting abuse and recommended actions, which might be taken to eliminate these disincentives. Shortly thereafter, the Program came into effect to assist family members in removing themselves from the abusive service members without experiencing extreme abandonment, such as a lack of financial support and removal of military privileges.

3. How should we use these payments?

Payments should be used for meeting life's necessities such as, food, shelter, and clothing. Payments may also be used to further education or to train for employment.

4. What are the benefits?

Monthly payments shall be at the rate in effect for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. Section 1311 Limited military benefits include medical, PX, commissary, and Marine Corps Community Services privileges.

5. When do the benefits start? How long do the benefits last?

Transitional Compensation benefits begin after Headquarters Marine Corps, Personal & Family Readiness Division, MRO, has reviewed the completed package and has rendered a decision on the eligibility of the request for benefits.

Commencement and Duration of Benefits:

• Enlisted:
  For an administrative separation, commencement for benefits is the date the Commanding Officer has notified the service member of the intent to separate the Marine from the Corps.
  
• Officer:
  For an administrative separation, commencement for benefits is the date of the Board of Inquiry (BOI).
  
• Enlisted or Officer:
  For a court-martial, commencement for benefits is the date of results of trial.
  

6. Who do I contact to receive more information?

For a victim Advocate near you please consult our Victims Advocate directory.


7. Who can I turn to; who else can help me?

There are several local and national organizations available, both public and private, that may be able to provide you with assistance.

(This is a limited source of references.)

NATIONAL VICTIM CENTER INFO LINK 1-800-FYI-CALL


STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITIONS

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