Secondary Dependency - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If all appropriate documentation is submitted with your application, it will take 6-8 weeks for you to receive a final determination. Failure to provide supporting documents may delay or prevent consideration of your application.

After submitting your document(s), a ticket number will be emailed to you for reference and updates. Please keep this ticket number until a final determination. You can check the status of your application using the ticket number provided.

If your application was disapproved, you will receive a letter including the reason for disapproval and action(s) needed for correction.

Upon completing the correction(s), resubmit your application and supporting documentation on a new ticket.

There is no waiting period to submit a new application.

For information on a specific dependent type or how to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency – General Information and select the appropriate dependent type.

Regulatory guidance requires the sponsor to submit to recertify every four (4) years for the dependent's ID card. The sponsor must prove the claimed dependent is still ‘in fact’ dependent on the sponsor to maintain eligibility.

To learn more about financial dependency or support, visit Secondary Dependency – General Information.

DFAS does not process dependency claim determinations for Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or Public Health Service.

For additional assistance or to find answers to your questions, please visit Secondary Dependency – Contact Information (All Other Branches).

A medical statement issued by a physician in support of the military treatment facility or authorized TRICARE service provider, dated within 90 days of application, stating verbatim:

• the claimed dependent is incapable of self-support due to his/her condition.
• age at which condition was first diagnosed or began. If applicable, the physician’s statement must reflect that the incapacitation occurred after the 21st birthday but before the 23rd birthday, while the dependent was a full-time student.
• whether or not condition and incapability of self-support is permanent.

 Please use this example of a medical sufficiency letter to get started.

For more information or to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency – Incapacitated Child (21 years of age or over).

Your parent(s) may reside in their own home, regardless of location (CONUS/OCONUS).

For more information or to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency – Parent(s).

You must complete a separate application for each parent and submit it with the required supporting documentation.

For more information or to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency – Parent(s).

According to the DoD Financial Management Regulation: "a person who stood in place of the natural parent(s) to the Military Service member" is considered in-loco parentis. For Secondary Dependency purposes, the person(s) must have been in-loco parentis at any time for a continuous period of at least five years before the member's 21st birthday.

For more information or to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency – Parent(s).

If you are listed on the court order as a custodian of the minor child, you can claim them as your dependent.

If only the spouse is listed in the court order as custodian, then you do not have custody and may not claim the minor child. A modified court order listing you as one of the minor child's custodians would be required for you to claim the minor child as your dependent.

For more information or to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency – Ward of the Court (Under 21 years of age).

Yes, in order to apply for benefits, submit a DD137 and all required documents. If you are completing a Worksheet for Determining Financial Support to demonstrate financial support, please list financials from the last 12 months of the sponsor’s life to support your application.

Regulatory guidance requires the dependent recertify every four (4) years for the dependent's ID card. Financial determination must prove the claimed dependent is still ‘in fact’ dependent on the sponsor to maintain eligibility. For information on a specific dependent type or how to apply, please visit Secondary Dependency - General Information and select the appropriate dependent type.