CEA Eligibility Certificate application process

Claimants should allow at least six weeks to complete the CEA Eligibility Certificate process. The accompanying table details the process and the possible times taken by each stage. The initial information pack and the CEA Eligibility Certificate (‘The Form’) are obtainable from CEAS only and are usually sent by post. After that The Form may be faxed to the various authorities to speed up the process. This process is to be read in conjunction with a CEA Eligibility Certificate and the covering letter sent from CEAS.

The CEA Policy and application process is subject to major review.

Please refer to the current version of JSP 752 and any related Defence Information Notes (DINs) for updates

Serial	Stage	Claimant’s action	Others’ action	Minimum time taken	Approximate accumulated time	Comments
1	Selecting a School	Claimant contacts CEAS about CEA (Board) before making any commitment to a school	CEAS take details and sends the compulsory information pack and uniquely numbered CEA Eligibility Certificate (The Form) to claimant	5 days (allowing for postal service)	5 days	This may be longer for those located overseas due to the postal service in those countries. All initial claimants must receive an information pack from CEAS
2	Application process (Part 1) Service Claimant	Claimant reads information pack and JSP752 Ch 9. Claimant completes Part 1 of The Form		1 day minimum	6 days	NB: Failure to complete this part fully and correctly will result in delays at the approval stage. Part 4 may also be completed at this point
3	Application process (Part 2) Assignment Authority	Claimant sends The Form to his/her Assignment Authority	Assignment Authority completes, signs and stamps Part 2 of The Form and returns it to claimant	10 days	16 days	This time frame can be reduced if The Form is faxed to and from the Assignment Authority
4	Application process (Part 3) Commanding Officer	Claimant sends The Form to his/her Commanding Officer (CO)	CO completes and signs Part 3 of The Form and returns it to claimant	1 day	17 days	Time frame is dependent on the availability of the CO or nominated signatory
5	Application process (Part 4) Service Claimant	Claimant completes Part 4 of the Form. The Form and a copy of a letter from the chosen school offering the child a place, are sent to CEAS		1 day	18 days	Faxed copies of The Form and letter are acceptable
6	CEAS Checking process (Part 5)		CEAS checks The Form and follows up any queries with the claimant, Assignment Authority or CO	5 days	23 days	Please ensure that claimant’s full contact details (phone/fax and email) are included on the form as this time frame may be extended awaiting response to written queries
7	Updating of database		CEAS updates family mobility history on database	1 day	24 days	Family mobility is the main criteria for claiming CEA and a record is required by SP POL
8	Issue of Certificate(s)		CEAS issues Boarding School Certificate and/or Eligibility Certificate	5 days (allowing for postal service)	29 days	Eligibility Certificate is signed, dated and stamped. It is valid for a maximum of three years from the date of that stamp. Non-urgent Certificates will be sent by post
9	Claiming on JPA	Claimant has documentation verified by HR staff in Admin Office before making claim on JPA		1 day	30 days	Claimant must take Certificate(s) and the first term’s invoice from the school to Admin Office when making a claim

The timings given are for guidance only. Some stages make take considerably longer, especially if there are queries or if the form has been completed incorrectly. Any comments or suggestions about this process should be directed to SP POL.

Further information
Choosing a suitable school for your son/daughter is a complicated exercise. You are therefore advised to gather as much information as possible before making a choice. You can obtain further advice and assistance through CEAS. CEAS can provide specialist advice and assistance on many aspects of education, including choosing a school.

For further information please contact:

Children’s Education Advisory Service
Building 190
Trenchard Lines
Upavon
Pewsey
Wilts SN9 6BE
Tel: 01980 618244
Upavon Mil: (94344) 8244
Email: enquiries@ceas.detsa.co.uk
Website: www.mod.uk/ceas

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