• DD Form 137-3 
•  
• Relationship Documents (not required for In-Loco Parentis)
  • The complete chain of documentation to prove sponsor-dependent relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.). Example for Parent-in-law: Submit sponsor’s marriage certificate and a copy of spouse’s birth certificate. Example for Parent: Submit the sponsor’s birth certificate.
  •  
• Proof of Household Expenses Paid (DD Form 137-3: Section 6)
•  
  • List the household expenses for all persons living in the home. If an expense was one-time only, do not show this as a monthly expense; list it as an expense for the past 12 months. Documentation to show proof of household expenses paid is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of household expenses paid
  •  
• Proof of Personal Expenses Paid (DD Form 137-3: Section 7)
•  
  • List personal expenses for parent, parent’s spouse, and their unmarried minor who are not fully employed and who live in the same household (regardless of who is paying for them). Do not list personal expenses for the sponsor, the sponsor’s immediate family that is not the claimed dependent, or any other person. Documentation to show proof of personal expenses paid is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of personal expenses paid
  •  
• Parent(s) Assets (DD Form 137-3: Section 8)
•  
  • List all assets such as real estate, personal property, farm and/or business equipment, automobiles, trucks, cash, savings, stocks, bonds, etc., whether owned separately by parent, jointly with spouse, or jointly by parent or spouse with another person. Unliquidated capital assets are not income. Dependents are not required to deplete their capital assets to establish dependency on a sponsor. However, proceeds from the liquidation of capital assets may be considered income depending on the disposition of such proceeds. Count all monies obtained from the liquidation of capital assets as the dependent's income, unless reinvested in another capital asset.
  •  
  • Documentation to show proof of claimed assets is NOT required unless the asset is considered income and is claimed as such on the DD 137 Form.
  •  
  •  
• Verification of Claimed Dependent’s Income (DD Form 137-3: Section 9)
•  
  • List all gross income received by or on behalf of the claimed dependent, whether taxable or nontaxable, and whether received monthly, quarterly, or yearly. If any income received includes funds for children, be sure to show amount received for them. List income for parents and children separately. If any income received during the 12 months was a lump-sum (one-time) payment, be sure to state the income was a lump-sum payment. Income verification documents are always required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application..
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of verification of income.
  •  
• Proof of Contribution (DD Form 137-3: Section 10)
•  
  • If the dependent resides with the sponsor, then you can skip this documentation requirement.  If dependent does not reside with the sponsor, evidence of contribution from the sponsor to the dependent is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page to show proof of contribution.
  •  
• Justification of Non-Support (if applicable)
•  
  • If the claimed dependent and his/her spouse live apart, provide complete reason parent’s spouse does not support the claimed dependent in the remarks section of the DD 137-3 Form.

The Following documents are required for In-Loco Parentis Applicants only
These documents are required in addition to above listed documents

• DFAS Form 9124 (Affidavit by member) 
• DFAS Form 9124 (Affidavit by claimed dependent) 
• DFAS Form 9125 (Two (2) third-party affidavits NOT completed by relatives of the member or the claimed dependent) 

• DD Form 137-3 
•  
• DD 1172-2
•  
  • Only required if the sponsor is retired at time of application. Not required for In-Loco Parentis. 
  •  
• NAVPERS 1070/602
•  
  • ​Only required if sponsor is Active Duty or Reservist. To obtain your NAVPERS 1070/602, log into Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) and print the document. Please ensure you and your approving officer electronically or manually sign the document before submission. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
• Relationship Documents (not required for In-Loco Parentis)
•  
  • The complete chain of documentation to prove sponsor-dependent relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.). Example for Parent-in-law: Submit sponsor’s marriage certificate and a copy of spouse’s birth certificate. Example for Parent: Submit the sponsor’s birth certificate.
  •  
• Proof of Household Expenses Paid (DD Form 137-3: Section 6)
•  
  • List the household expenses for all persons living in the home. If an expense was one-time only, do not show this as a monthly expense; list it as an expense for the past 12 months. Documentation to show proof of household expenses paid is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of household expenses paid.
  •  
• Proof of Personal Expenses Paid (DD Form 137-3: Section 7)
•  
  • List personal expenses for parent, parent’s spouse, and their unmarried minor who are not fully employed and who live in the same household (regardless of who is paying for them). Do not list personal expenses for the sponsor, the sponsor’s immediate family that is not the claimed dependent, or any other person. Documentation to show proof of personal expenses paid is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of personal expenses paid.
  •  
• Parent(s) Assets (DD Form 137-3: Section 8)
•  
  • List all assets such as real estate, personal property, farm and/or business equipment, automobiles, trucks, cash, savings, stocks, bonds, etc., whether owned separately by parent, jointly with souse, or jointly by parent or spouse with another person. Unliquidated capital assets are not income. Dependents are not required to deplete their capital assets to establish dependency on a sponsor. However, proceeds from the liquidation of capital assets may be considered income depending on the disposition of such proceeds. Count all monies obtained from the liquidation of capital assets as the dependent's income, unless reinvested in another capital asset.
  •  
  • Documentation to show proof of claimed assets is NOT required; unless the asset is considered income and is claimed as such on the DD 137 Form.
  •  
• Verification of Claimed Dependent’s Income (DD Form 137-3: Section 9)
•  
  • List all gross income received by or on behalf of the claimed dependent, whether taxable or nontaxable, and whether received monthly, quarterly, or yearly. If any income received includes funds for children, be sure to show amount received for them. List income for parents and children separately. If any income received during the 12 months was a lump-sum (one-time) payment, be sure to state the income was a lump-sum payment. Income verification documents are always required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of verification of income.
  •  
• Proof of Contribution (DD Form 137-3: Section 10)
•  
  • If the dependent resides with the sponsor, then you can skip this documentation requirement.  If dependent does not reside with the sponsor, evidence of contribution from the sponsor to the dependent is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page a list of acceptable documents to show proof of of contribution. 
  •  
• Justification of Support
•  
  • The claimed dependent must explain change in their financial circumstances that makes them dependent on the sponsor for more than half of their support in the remarks section of the DD Form 137-3 Form.
  •  

The Following Documents are Required for In-Loco Parentis Applicants Only
These documents are required in addition to above listed documents. (Note: An affidavit is a notarized written statement attesting to the relationship)

• DFAS-CL Form 1751/38 (Initial application only) 
• Affidavit completed by the Claimed Dependent attesting to Relationship. An affidavit is a notarized written statement attesting to the relationship.

 

• DD Form 137-3 
•  
• AF Form 594 (Only required if you are applying for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)). Not required for USIP applications. 
•  
• DFAS Form 1856
•  
  • Only required if you are submitting your initial application and applying for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Not required for USIP applications and sponsor’s seeking redetermination of BAH entitlements.
  •  
• Copy of Sponsor’s Orders
•  
  • Only required if sponsor is Reserve or National Guard
  •  
• Relationship Documents (not required for In-Loco Parentis)
•  
  • The complete chain of documentation to prove sponsor-dependent relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.). Example for Parent-in-law: Submit sponsor’s marriage certificate and a copy of spouse’s birth certificate. Example for Parent: Submit the sponsor’s birth certificate.
  •  
• Proof of Household Expenses Paid (DD Form 137-3: Section 6)
•  
  • List the household expenses for all persons living in the home. If an expense was one-time only, do not show this as a monthly expense; list it as an expense for the past 12 months. Documentation to show proof of household expenses paid is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of household expenses paid.
  •  
• Proof of Personal Expenses Paid (DD Form 137-3: Section 7)
•  
  • List personal expenses for parent, parent’s spouse, and their unmarried minor who are not fully employed and who live in the same household (regardless of who is paying for them). Do not list personal expenses for the sponsor, the sponsor’s immediate family that is not the claimed dependent, or any other person. Documentation to show proof of personal expenses paid is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of personal expenses paid.
  •  
• Parent(s) Assets (DD Form 137-3: Section 8)
•  
  • List all assets such as real estate, personal property, farm and/or business equipment, automobiles, trucks, cash, savings, stocks, bonds, etc., whether owned separately by parent, jointly with souse, or jointly by parent or spouse with another person. Unliquidated capital assets are not income. Dependents are not required to deplete their capital assets to establish dependency on a sponsor. However, proceeds from the liquidation of capital assets may be considered income depending on the disposition of such proceeds. Count all monies obtained from the liquidation of capital assets as the dependent's income, unless reinvested in another capital asset.
  •  
  • Documentation to show proof of claimed assets is NOT required; unless the asset is considered income and is claimed as such on the DD 137 Form.
  •  
• Verification of Claimed Dependent’s Income (DD Form 137-3: Section 9)
•  
  • List all gross income received by or on behalf of the claimed dependent, whether taxable or nontaxable, and whether received monthly quarterly, or yearly. If any income received includes funds for children, be sure to show amount received for them. List income for parents and children separately. If any income received during the 12 months was a lump-sum (one-time) payment, be sure to state the income was a lump sum payment. Income verification documents are always required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of verification of income.
  •  
• Proof of Contribution (DD Form 137-3: Section 10)
•  
  • If the dependent resides with the sponsor, then you can skip this documentation requirement.  If dependent does not reside with the sponsor, evidence of contribution from the sponsor to the dependent is required. Any substantiating documentation submitted must be dated within the past 12 months of receipt of application.
  •  
  • See Acceptable Documents tab on this page for a list of acceptable documents to show proof of contribution.
  •  
• Justification of Non-Support (if applicable)
•  
  • If the claimed dependent and his/her spouse live apart, provide complete reason parent’s spouse does not support the claimed dependent in the remarks section of the DD Form 137-3 .

The Following Documents are Required for In-Loco Parentis Applicants Only

These documents are required in addition to above listed documents:

1. Affidavit by the Sponsor Attesting to Relationship*

2. Affidavit by the Claimed Dependent Attesting to Relationship*

3. Two (2) Third-Party Affidavits Attesting to Relationship*

Note: an Affidavit is a notarized written statement attesting to the relationship
 

When applying for secondary dependency benefits, you must complete and submit the DD Form 137-3 and attach all required supporting documentation listed in ‘How to Prepare your Secondary Dependency Application’. Failure to do so may result in a delayed final determination and/or a disapproved application.

Once you have completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your request for secondary dependency benefits via askDFAS:

Army / Air Force / Space Force:

1. Access askDFAS here 
2. Under category, select Army or Air Force
3. Under subcategories, select as appropriate: 4. Enter your information and complete all applicable dropdowns 
5. Upload completed and signed DD 137-7 Form / Supporting Documents  (If you have more than 10 attachments, please combine into a single PDF document before uploading)
6. Click ‘Submit’ 

Navy:

1. Access askDFAS here 
2. Under category, select Navy Secondary Dependency Claims
3. Under subcategories, select as appropriate: 4. Enter your information and complete all applicable dropdowns 
5. Upload completed and signed DD Form 137-7 / Supporting Documents  (If you have more than 10 attachments, please combine into a single PDF document before uploading)
6. Click ‘Submit’ 

* IMPORTANT: After submitting your application, you’ll receive an automated email containing an askDFAS ticket number, please keep track of this information.

Alternatively, you can submit your application by mail to the appropriate address in the Contacts & Addresses tab. Make sure you review instructions and have included all required documents prior to mailing your application.  Please note: Applications for secondary dependency are NOT accepted via fax or email.

To maintain benefits, sponsors must continue to provide over 50% support for their Parent/Parent-In-Law/In Loco Parentis dependent and are required to submit a secondary dependency redetermination. When to submit the redetermination varies based on the benefits the secondary dependent receives. 

Be sure to keep your contact information current in MilConnect-MyProfile so that you will receive timely notification.

When to apply for redetermination…
 

• * Annual redetermination is required for a sponsor who receives a housing allowance (BAH) for a secondary dependent.
• * Quadrennial (every 4 years) redetermination is required for a secondary dependent who receives an Uniformed Services Identification and Privileges Card (commonly referred to as USIP card or ID card).
• * Sponsors may apply up to 90 days prior to their secondary dependent status expiration.
• * DoD will send the sponsor an email or a postcard reminder approximately 90 days before the redetermination deadline.

What to know…

• * To apply for redetermination, submit a full secondary dependency application to the appropriate agency. Review application requirements for your branch of service.
• * Failure to re-certify any secondary dependent will result in the suspension of benefits received on behalf of that dependent and the potential for a debt.  Regardless of redetermination type, sponsors may apply up to, but no sooner than, 90 days prior to their secondary dependent status expiration.
• * Should your secondary dependents’ status lapse and your BAH is stopped, you will not be authorized back payment of BAH for the period during which the individual(s) were not officially recognized as a dependent.
• * For additional information about redetermination requirements, please check out Military Connect FAQs

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Common mistakes to avoid to ensure your application for secondary dependency is ready to submit when you are.

• When possible, all forms must be filled out completely; if a block does not apply, write “N/A”
• Status – mark ‘X’ to indicate your current service status, as well as your Branch of Service
• Persons Living in Household – list all persons residing in that house including the claimed dependent
• Remarks (if applicable) – if adding remarks, please identify the block number from the DD 137 Form the remarks relate to
• Signatures/Notaries – make sure all signatures are completed. All forms with notary blocks MUST be notarized; failure to have the documents notarized will result in return of the application without action. The notary signature relates to the signature of the dependent or guardian.
• You must complete and submit the DD 137 From and attach all required supporting documentation listed in ‘How to Prepare your Secondary Dependency Application’.

What documents do I need to keep?
We strongly recommend that you save every document showing income earned and expenses (i.e., W2, receipts, bills, invoices, proof of payment etc.) incurred on behalf on your claimed dependent throughout the year; these items may be needed for approval of your secondary dependency request. Additionally, be sure to keep a copy of anything you submit, as well as the askDFAS ticket number contained in the automated email you receive after submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

To view the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Secondary Dependency claims process click here. (Link to askDFAS FAQ area)

For additional assistance or to find answers to questions not available on DFAS.mil, please use our toll free phone number listed here.  Additionally, your personnel or finance office can help get you answers to secondary

Secondary Dependency – Contact Information

Army

• Incapacitated Child
• Parent-In-Law, Step-Parent(s), Parent by Adoption, or In-Loco Parentis
• Student (BAH Only)
• Legal Custody Wards

DFAS-Indianapolis
Attention: JFLAKA DFAS INDIANAPOLIS
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200
Phone: (888) 332-7411; when prompted select option 4, then option 3, 2, 3 and 1.
 
Air Force

• Incapacitated Child
• Parent-In-Law, Step-Parent(s), Parent by Adoption, or In-Loco Parentis
• Student (BAH Only)
• Legal Custody Wards

DFAS-Indianapolis
Attention: JFLTBA AF Dependency 8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200
Phone: (888) 332-7411; when prompted select option 4, then option 3, 2, 3 and 2
 
Space Force

• Incapacitated Child
• Parent-In-Law, Step-Parent(s), Parent by Adoption, or In-Loco Parentis
• Student (BAH Only)
• Legal Custody Wards

DFAS-Indianapolis
Attention: JFLTBA AF Dependency 8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200
Phone: (888) 332-7411; when prompted select option 4, then option 3, 2, 3 and 3.
 
Navy

• Parent-In-Law, Step-Parent(s), Parent by Adoption, or In-Loco Parentis
• Legal Custody Wards

DFAS-Cleveland
ATTN: Dependency Claims
1240 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone: (888) 332-7411; when prompted select option 4, then option 3, 2, 3 and 4.
 
DFAS does not make secondary dependency claim determinations for the following services and/or dependent types. Please direct secondary dependency questions to the applicable service. 
 
Navy

• Incapacitated Child
• Student

PERS 31-D
Benefits and Eligibility Section
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-3120
Toll Free phone: 1-866-827-5672
DSN: 822-3360
Fax: (901)874-2766
e-mail: CSMailbox@navy.mil      
 
Navy Personnel Command (NPC)
BUPERS 26 5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 30855-3320
Phone: (866) 827-5672
DSN: 882-3462
 
Marine Corps

Marine Corps Headquarters
Manpower and Reserve Affairs MRP-1
3280 Russell Road
 Quantico, VA 22134-5103
Commercial phone: (703) 784-9529
DSN: 278-9529
Fax: (703) 784-9827
e-mail: MRP1@usmc.mil
 
Marine Corps Personnel Project Office
3280 Russell Road
Code MRP1
Quantico, VA 22134
 
Coast Guard 

Coast Guard Personnel Service Center
444 S.E. Quincy Street Topeka, KS 66683
Phone: (785) 339-3441
e-mail:  PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil
 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Commissioned Personnel Center CPC1
1305 East West Highway Room
4284, Routing Code SOU57140
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282
Phone: (301) 713-0852
 
NOAA 1315 East-West Highway SSMC #3,
Room 12100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
 
Public Health Service (PHS)

United States Public Health Service Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel Readiness
ATTN: DEERS
1101 Wootton Parkway, Plaza Level, Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (240) 453-6131
Page updated August 16, 2021