What is the DOD C&B Handbook?
The C&B Handbook is a reference guide of programs and resources available to wounded, ill, and injured Service members and the people in their support networks. It is a living document, updated annually by DOD in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Labor, and Education as well as the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Military Services.
How it useful to Service members and their families?
Navigating recovery, reintegration, or transition can be confusing and overwhelming. There are a multitude of government and non-government resources available, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. The C&B Handbook serves as a starting point for Service members and their support networks to find government programs and resources they can use during this journey. It provides a centralized location that briefly introduces and summarizes programs and resources, while providing links for further information.
Download the Handbook
What’s new in this edition?
- Updates to the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (Chapter 2)
- Changes to the Commissary and Exchange Benefits (Chapter 4)
- New Information for the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Benefits (Chapter 9)
- Updates to the VA Health Care Benefits (Chapter 10)
What programs and benefits are available to wounded, ill, and injured Service members?
As summarized throughout the C&B Handbook, there are many programs and resources available to wounded, ill, and injured Service members, such as personalized recovery support, mental health care, legal assistance, DOD and VA disability processing, disability severance pay or disability retirement, Social Security Administration disability payments, VA Home Loan Guaranty and other VA benefits, tuition assistance, and more.
What resources are there for caregivers and family support networks?
Chapter 3 of the C&B Handbook provides an extensive list of organizations, military support programs, and other resources which help families and caregivers through the complexities of supporting a Service member during recovery. Examples include:
- Military and Family Support Centers, located on nearly every base/installation, which assist Service members and their families with maintainÂing healthy relationships and lifestyles, strengthening interpersonal competencies and problem-solving skills, and managing finances;
- Caregiver Resource Directory, which provides military caregivers with information about national-level resources and programs available for their support;
- Military and Family Life Counseling Program, which supports Service members, their families, and survivors with face-to-face non-medical counseling services worldwide;
- Family Advocacy Program, which provides comprehensive prevention services and treatment for Service members and their families who have experienced incidents of child abuse and neglect or domestic abuse; and
- TRICARE Respite Care Program, which provides a break for primary caregivers who have been caring for an ill or injured Service member at home and assisting with activities of daily living.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Each Military Service branch has personnel dedicated to answering compensation and benefits questions. For Service-specific assistance, please contact the appropriate wounded warrior program via the following links: