I recently lost my father and used the CF CTA benefits to arrange my travel from NS to AB. I found out that there many ambiguities of knowledge within admin support system. I have discovered the realities, and I share this to assist folks who suffer a loss of a family member in the future.
The governing document is the CBI (Compensation Benefit Instruction) 209.51 CTA. This CBI rightfully came about because we as service members got dicked after the loss of the regular 707 service flights across the country. For a time, if a loved one passed away you were expected to make your own way home to take care of your family obligations. Thanks to pissed off servicemembers and families presenting their grievances to SCONDVA, we are now entitled to financial assistance. If you are approved for Compassionate Lve IAW with CFAO 16-1, then your are entitled to CTA.
The wake up call is that your CTA has been deemed taxable by Revenue Canada. To further complicate your refund, because it is refunded through the pay system, CPP & EI are taken off also. There is a 20% top up to your CTA but in reality that is reduced because it doesn't apply to the taxes you may have paid. If you are a WO or Capt you are paying close to a 40% income tax rate. What you put on your VISA card or drew from your savings is only a little over half covered.
I attempt to inform you and for those who deem this as an "oh well that's the cost of joining", I remind you we had a functional CF airline when I was younger and we had BLUEBARK, that got you home immediately. We enjoyed some progresss from SCONDVA, but we have a way to go the reinstate proper treatment of all CF members.
I will attempt to keep this post updated on any progress I make to ensure fair treatment.
Cheers,
The governing document is the CBI (Compensation Benefit Instruction) 209.51 CTA. This CBI rightfully came about because we as service members got dicked after the loss of the regular 707 service flights across the country. For a time, if a loved one passed away you were expected to make your own way home to take care of your family obligations. Thanks to pissed off servicemembers and families presenting their grievances to SCONDVA, we are now entitled to financial assistance. If you are approved for Compassionate Lve IAW with CFAO 16-1, then your are entitled to CTA.
The wake up call is that your CTA has been deemed taxable by Revenue Canada. To further complicate your refund, because it is refunded through the pay system, CPP & EI are taken off also. There is a 20% top up to your CTA but in reality that is reduced because it doesn't apply to the taxes you may have paid. If you are a WO or Capt you are paying close to a 40% income tax rate. What you put on your VISA card or drew from your savings is only a little over half covered.
I attempt to inform you and for those who deem this as an "oh well that's the cost of joining", I remind you we had a functional CF airline when I was younger and we had BLUEBARK, that got you home immediately. We enjoyed some progresss from SCONDVA, but we have a way to go the reinstate proper treatment of all CF members.
I will attempt to keep this post updated on any progress I make to ensure fair treatment.
Cheers,