DAF Form 4455: EFMT Emergency Family Member Travel – If you are an active-duty Airman, Guardian, or their family member facing a medical crisis involving a seriously ill or injured service member, understanding the DAF Form 4455 (Emergency Family Member Travel or EFMT Form) is critical. This official Department of the Air Force form supports the Emergency Family Member Travel (EFMT) Program, which helps eligible family members travel to the bedside of a hospitalized service member when their presence is deemed necessary for the member’s health and welfare.
What Is DAF Form 4455 and What Does EFMT Stand For?
EFMT stands for Emergency Family Member Travel. The DAF Form 4455 is the official worksheet/form used to document and request this travel support under Department of the Air Force policy.
The program primarily assists when an active-duty Airman or Guardian is classified as Very Seriously Ill/Injured (VSI) or Seriously Ill/Injured (SI) and is receiving inpatient care. It enables designated family members to travel to the medical facility, helping with emotional support and recovery while alleviating some financial burdens through authorized travel.
Key points:
- It implements Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) provisions for bedside travel.
- Recent updates (as of DAFI 36-3002, July 2025) expand guidance on multiple trips within a 60-day window under extenuating circumstances.
- The form is managed within the broader casualty assistance and wounded warrior support framework, including coordination by the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program in many cases.
Download the official DAF Form 4455 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf4455/daf4455.pdf
Always use the most current version from the official DAF e-Publishing site.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Family Member Travel (EFMT)?
Eligible service members typically include:
- Active-duty Airmen and Guardians (USAF/USSF) who are VSI or SI.
- In some cases, Reserve Component members on active duty, cadets/midshipmen, or certain retirees, per JTR rules.
Eligible family members (up to three may be authorized in many situations):
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents (including stepparents)
- Siblings
- Other individuals in loco parentis relationships, as defined in policy.
The attending physician/surgeon and the service member’s commander or medical facility head must determine in writing that the family member’s presence is necessary.
Note: This is distinct from routine emergency leave travel for a family member’s illness/death (often handled via AF Form 988/972 and potential Air Force Aid Society/American Red Cross assistance). EFMT under DAF Form 4455 focuses on travel to the bedside of the ill/injured service member.
How to Use DAF Form 4455? – Step-by-Step Process
- Medical Determination: The attending medical authority and command determine the need for family travel.
- Initiate Request: Unit Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR), First Sergeant, Commander, or AFW2/Wounded Warrior support staff typically coordinate. The DAF Form 4455 is used to document the request.
- Complete the Form: Fill out sponsor (service member) information, family member details, travel itinerary needs, relationship to the member, and justification based on medical input. Follow any instructions printed on the form.
- Routing and Approval: Submit through the appropriate chain (often involving the medical facility and unit leadership). Approval leads to issuance of Invitational Travel Orders (ITOs) or equivalent authorization.
- Travel Execution: Authorized travel is usually government-funded or reimbursed per JTR rules. This may cover commercial airfare, lodging, and incidental expenses in approved cases.
- Documentation: Retain copies along with medical statements and orders.
Tip: Contact your unit leadership, Military Personnel Section (MPS), or the Air Force Wounded Warrior Enrollment and Airmen Support section promptly. For wounded/ill/injured cases, AFW2 often plays a key role in executing EFMT.
Policies are detailed in DAFI 36-3002 (Personnel Casualty Matters), which covers EFMT procedures, reporting for VSI/SI/NSI cases, and coordination with Pay and Allowances Continuation (PAC) where applicable.
Common Questions About DAF Form 4455 and EFMT
Is DAF Form 4455 the same as Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) for PCS moves?
No. FMTS (via myVector/DAF Family Vector) is for screening special needs during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and relates to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). DAF Form 4455 is specifically for emergency bedside travel in casualty/serious illness situations.
Can I get financial help for travel?
For EFMT to a service member’s bedside, travel is often authorized via official orders. Separate emergency leave travel (e.g., member traveling due to a family member’s crisis) may qualify for American Red Cross/Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) interest-free loans or grants in cases of financial hardship. Call 1-877-272-7337 for ARC support.
How many family members can travel?
Up to three designated individuals may be authorized, depending on the determination by medical and command authorities.
Where do I find the latest instructions?
- Official form: DAF e-Publishing site.
- Governing instruction: DAFI 36-3002.
- Local support: Unit commander, First Sergeant, Casualty Assistance, or AFW2.
Additional Support Resources for Air Force Families
- Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2): Coordinates EFMT for many seriously wounded, ill, or injured cases.
- AFPC EFMP Central Cell: For questions involving special needs (distinct but sometimes overlapping support network).
- Military OneSource and installation Military & Family Readiness Centers.
- American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces: Emergency communication and financial assistance coordination.
Final Advice
Facing a family medical emergency while serving is incredibly stressful. The DAF Form 4455 EFMT process exists to ensure loved ones can be present without unnecessary barriers. Act quickly: reach out to your chain of command and medical team immediately.
Always verify the latest policy in DAFI 36-3002 and use the current official form from e-Publishing, as procedures can be updated. For personalized assistance, contact your local support offices—do not rely solely on general information.
Official Download: DAF Form 4455 PDF
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force policies as of 2025–2026. Policies are subject to change; consult official sources and your command for guidance specific to your situation.