For active duty servicemen and their families, military life often means roaming around. You may be far from your extended family. But service doesn’t have to make caring for an extended family member more difficult.
Military families can sometimes add parents or “secondary dependents” to their household.
Table of ContentsWho is Considered a Secondary Dependent Parent? What is the difference between a live-in parent and a dependent parent? What are the benefits of adding my parent as a dependent? Benefits for Parental Dependents How can I determine if my parent is financially dependent? Income Expenses What forms do I need to start the process?
Who is considered a secondary dependent parent?
First, verify that the person you want to add as a dependent qualifies as a parent.
This is what DFAS says:
“The term parent extends to parents, in-laws, or an adult who took on responsibilities similar to those of a parent before you reached the age of 21. Legal adoption is not specifically listed as a requirement, but specific documentation such as a affidavit is required for most settlements. To qualify, the income of potentially dependent parents must be less than half of their living expenses.”
DFAS outlines a specific five-year period under the care of the parent for the adult to qualify as a parent.
What is the difference between a live-in parent and a dependent parent?
As service members PCS through several states, family units can live together for periods of time without becoming dependent. Cost of living and legal de facto dependency — not preference — determine whether parents can or should become military dependents, according to DFAS.
Non-dependent situations can look like this:
Your financially independent parent creates a home base in your home while you enjoy the motorhome life. Your financially independent parent will stay with you for a while to help with a new baby. Your spouse temporarily lives with relatives during a posting. add your parent(s) as dependents, so that they can go abroad with you PCS.
Dependent situations can look like this:
Assisting your parent(s) financially with living expenses. Taking on medical or healthcare-related costs for your parent(s). Becoming medically responsible as a caregiver for your parent(s).
While every family situation is unique, dependence essentially boils down to finances.
What are the benefits of adding my parent as a dependent?
Parents added as family members may qualify for military ID and medical coverage for Tricare Plus.
Benefits for Dependent Parents
Access to military bases. Possibility of PCS together with conscripts abroad. Ability to reside in postal housing with service members Service members who already receive BAH with dependents before adding a dependent parent will not receive an increase in BAH. Those whose dependents’ status would change from ‘without’ to ‘with dependents’ should expect the increase. Travel allowance when moving house. Access to military medical care at the base.
How can I determine if my parent is financially dependent?
Since financial responsibility is the most important factor, it may be helpful to talk extensively with a financial advisor, such as Military One Source. You can also contact DFAS directly by phone or email.
Family members may qualify if their income is less than half their actual cost of living.
Before you can declare dependency, you must have a good understanding of your parents’ income and expenses.
You must keep accurate and detailed receipts for contributions you make on behalf of your parents to prove their dependence.
Pay special attention to:
Income
Do your parents receive income from any of the following categories?
Social Security DisabilityPension FundsTrustsPassive Income (Are they paid monthly, quarterly, etc. from current or past business activities or deals?) Paychecks or unemployment
Make an inventory of all income categories to include all income made in the previous 12 months of your application.
Expenditure
The costs vary per person. DFAS has a handy list of overheads, including:
Household expenses (these may vary depending on whether your parent already lives with you) Medical expensesInsuranceRepairsFood
What forms do I need to start the process?
Each branch has a slightly different application process for parents and guardians.
For (in-law) parents you will in any case need the birth certificate and marriage certificate of the conscript. For stepparents you need the parents’ marriage certificate. For legal guardians, you may need additional documentation, such as affidavits. If the documents are foreign, you will need an approved English translation.
You can complete Army, Air Force and Space Force entries online or by mail. The Air Force and Space Forces require additional forms, including AF/SF Form 594 and DFAS Form 1856.
The Navy requires that you submit NAVPERS 1070/602 by mail or secure link.
DFAS does not handle claims for the Marines. Instead, submit your documentation and AVMC Form 10922 with your order.
This post Add a parent as a military dependent
was original published at “https://themilitarywallet.com/secondary-dependent-parents/”
