Vacation Travel Assistance

Vacation Travel Assistance (VTA) is an additional benefit available under the Isolated Post and Government Housing Directive for employees living and working in isolated posts.

The VTA amount for isolated post locations are published by the Treasury Board Secretariat in the spring of each fiscal year. For those locations with an Environment Allowance classification of 4 or 5 (Appendix A), an additional VTA amount is published and payable in the fall of each fiscal year. The VTA is a fixed amount paid per person and applies to the employee and any dependents over the age of two (2) years. There is no requirement to travel, take leave, or time off in lieu of payment to receive the VTA payment.

Eligible employees are required to apply for the VTA annually, or bi-annually, where applicable. You must immediately report any changes to your personal circumstances that may affect your eligibility, such as changes to marital status and/or dependents by submitting an amended application form.

Employee Responsibilities
  1. You must complete and sign the Travel Authority and Advance (FIN 5030) form and submit it to your manager / Section 34 Manager for approval.
    • Purpose of Travel/Destination: Input Vacation Travel Assistance
    • Other Expenses: Include details of your dependents
    • Estimated Reimbursable $: Refer to the current VTA rates and enter the total VTA you are requesting
  2. If you are in a common-law relationship, you will also need to complete Appendix N – Common-Law Partner Declaration and submit it along with your application.
Manager / Section 34 Manager Responsibilities
  1. Approve and sign the Travel Authority and Advance (FIN 5030) form received from your employee.
  2. Open a request via the HRSC Portal:
    • Section: I am a Manager;
    • Select "Pay-Related Action";
    • Complete the Employee Information section;
    • Category: Select "Entitlements"
    • Sub-Category: Select "Vacation Travel Assistance (VTA)";
    • Effective date: Date of eligibility;
    • Additional Comments: Include all relevant information;
    • Attach the required documents
    • Submit your request

Note: There is no need to complete a Pay Action Request (PAR) form. This will be done by the Compensation Services Directorate when the request is sent to the Pay Centre for processing.

Submit a Pay Escalation Request
  • Employee responsibility

    If you are experiencing a pay issue related to the VTA you must refer to the Pay Escalation Process and, if deemed appropriate, submit an escalated pay issue request using the category Inaccurate Pay, sub-category Missing / Inaccurate Isolated Post Allowance.

  • Manager / Section 34 Manager responsibility

    If an employee is on leave or has been terminated and is experiencing a pay issue related to their VTA, you must refer to the Pay Escalation Process and, if deemed appropriate, submit an escalated pay issue request on their behalf using the category Inaccurate Pay, sub-category Missing / Inaccurate Isolated Post Allowance.