Parents (Including Step Parents & Parent by Adoption) DD137-3 Application Assistance

When filling out the above form (DD 137-3), please include the following documentation as required by regulations. Failure to do so will result in a rejected application and a delayed result of the approval/denial process. NOTE: Only copies of the below documentation need to be submitted.
 

1. Service Members Birth Certificate: NOTE: This is required with every initial and recertification application submission to SDC. Service member’s birth certificate showing the parent(s) names. If the names on the birth certificate are different from the 137 then name change documents such as marriage licenses, divorce decrees, or court orders changing a name are also required. See below on foreign documentation:
   • Foreign documentation: Additional requirements are applied toward the verification of foreign eligibility documentation submitted to support enrollment of a dependent, including:
     • A full English language translation, which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and the translator's certification of competency to translate from the foreign language into English, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). Translation must be provided by a translator other than the individual presenting the document.
     • A written Judge Advocate General or local SJA opinion confirming use of the eligibility documentation, if the uniformed service member is stationed overseas.
     • Documentation that attests to the genuineness of the signature and seal, or the position of the foreign official who executed, issued, or certified the foreign documentation being presented to substantiate the dependency relationship to the sponsor.
2. Proof of Support: NOTE: If applicable, this is required with every initial and recertification application submission to SDC. This applies if the dependent does NOT reside in the same household as the service member or if the home the dependent and member live in together is not owned or rented by the member. If the dependent resides with the service member or their spouse in a home owned or rented by the service member, you can skip this documentation. If they do not, see the following list for acceptable proof of support: (NOTE: Cash contributions or purchase receipts are NOT acceptable forms of proof of support)
   • AD (discretionary) allotment for the claimed dependent or claimed dependent’s court-appointed custodian. A copy of your current LES includes this information.
   • Canceled checks (front & back) to the claimed dependent or claimed dependent’s court-appointed custodian.
   • Money order receipts to the claimed dependent or claimed dependent’s court- appointed custodian.
   • Electronic transfers made out to claimed dependent or claimed dependent’s court- appointed custodian.
   • Copies of bills paid on behalf of the dependent may also be used along with proof of payment.
   • If your dependent does not reside with you but lives in a home owned/rented by you, a copy of mortgage statement or rental agreement may also be used.
   • Joint accounts where the member is on the dependent’s account that is receiving the funds is permitted but we must have both the account providing the funds and the account receiving the funds along with all names on both and be able to see all transactions from and to each account.
3. Verification of Income: If the dependent has income this is required with every initial and recertification application submission to SDC. Income verification for the dependent is the ONLY income verification that is required. The Service Member must provide any proof of income received by the dependent. The verification includes:
   • The most current pay stub if they are currently employed.
   • If the dependent just started their job we need a letter or statement from the employer stating their start date.
   • If they stopped working within the last 12 months then a letter or statement from the employer stating when employment ended is required.
   • If the letter or statement does not state how/why the employment ended then a letter from unemployment stating the weekly/monthly benefit amount or that they are not eligible is also required.
   • If the dependent is employed then their most current tax return showing the amount refunded or owed must also be submitted.
   • State or federal aid with current dated documentation of the benefit amount the dependent(s) receive.
   • If applicable a current letter from the Social Security Administration (aged 60/62 years or older) stating the monthly benefit amount received for each month of the CURRENT year.
     • If the parent is the age of 60 or older and a widow or widower a letter from social security stating they are not receiving benefits on behalf of their deceased spouse is required or stating the monthly benefit amount they receive as well as all deductions and other income social security counts.
     • If the parent is the age of 62 or older, widow/widower or not, a letter from social security is required stating they are not receiving any benefits or stating the monthly benefit amount they receive as well as all deductions and other income social security counts.
     • If the parent is at or past the age of eligibility for full benefits a letter from social security stating they are not receiving any benefits and will not ever be eligible for themselves or deceased spouse (if applicable) is required.
   • Funds provided to the dependent by another person that is not the member or member’s spouse.
     • For funds that are provided to the dependent by someone other than the member or member’s spouse a signed, dated, and notarized statement from that person stating how much they provide and how often they provide it is required. The dependent must also sign and date this but their signature does not have to be notarized.
   • Foreign Pension.
     • If the parent’s country of origin is not in the United States and if the parent is the age of 60 or older and a widow or widower then a foreign pension letter from their home country stating they are not receiving benefits on behalf of their deceased spouse is required or stating the monthly amount they receive as well as all deductions and other income foreign pension counts.
     • If the parent is the age of 62 or older, widow/widower or not, then a foreign pension letter from their home country is required stating they are not receiving any benefits or stating the monthly amount they receive as well as all deductions and other income foreign pension counts.
     • If the parent is at or past the age of eligibility for full benefits a foreign pension letter from their home country stating they are not receiving any benefits and will not ever be eligible for themselves or deceased spouse (if applicable) is required.
     • NOTE: We use the social security ages and years for full eligibility for all countries since we are not aware of all countries' policies and requirements. If full-eligibility age is an older age than used in the U.S., please provide that information.

 
Highlighted Information:
 

• Help with completing DD Form 137-3:
  • Include all supporting documents listed that apply and are required.
  • All forms must be filled out completely! If a block does not apply, put “N/A” – failure to do so will result in the application being returned without action. If there are more boxes in a section then information you have to provide the remaining boxes cannot be left empty. They must be filled with N/A or 0.00. (Example page 3 section 5: If only 2 people live in the home then all of the information blocks for them must be completed or filled with N/A and/or 0.00. The remaining blanks after the 2 people are listed must also be filled with N/A and/or 0.00.
  • Mark “X” for BAH, USIP, &/or Travel in section 1 on page 1 to identify what you are applying for.
  • Mark “X” (Yes or No) yes for first application – If no, give the date of last application (this can be estimated if the date is unknown).
  • Status AND branch of service – both must be selected not one or the other, BOTH. If the member is retired their dependents are only eligible for USIP.
• Service Member’s Residence address – where the service member lives. Also, provide a mailing address if different from the physical address.
• Service Member’s Military address – if they are still active this must be completed. Their military address cannot be the same as their mailing/residence. If the member is retired mark N/A.
• Phone – identify as commercial or DSN.
• Email address, if available.
• Claimed dependent’s name and address of employer – Answer completely.
• Claimed dependent is married – If the parent is married then the spouse’s information must still be listed and all blanks must be completed. If they are not being claimed they do not sign page 5.
• Claimed parent and his/her spouse live apart – Provide complete reason and documentation that parent’s spouse does not support your claimed parent.
• List both the name and address of the owner of the dwelling where the claimed dependent resides. If the home is rented the owner cannot be the member or the dependent, it must be the name of the person or company that owns the home they are renting and the address for that person or company.
• Persons are living where claimed dependent lives – List all residing in that household including the claimed dependent and member.
• FRV – If the parent lives in the member’s home that is owned by the member FRV must be used, even if there is a mortgage. Please refer to the instructions on page 3 section 6 of the 137. If FRV is used they must state where they obtained the FRV or provide the documents they used to get that amount. If FRV is used and the parent and member live in someone else’s home proof of no mortgage is required. If the parent lives in their own home mortgage free proof of no mortgage is required and NONE is written in the amount box in section 6 letter A. If there is a mortgage and FRV is used due to the requirement the mortgage or deed are still required to show who is responsible for that mortgage/deed.
• Rent/Lease – If the home is rented or leased a copy of the rental or lease agreement is required showing who signed as responsible paying parties, the monthly amount paid, and if the home is subsidized housing or not.
• Mortgage – If the mortgage is claimed due to the requirement of it being the dependent’s home or someone else’s home a copy of the mortgage statement showing the monthly payment and escrow if paid in mortgage is required.
• Household expenses – All expenses for the entire household is a requirement for the claimed dependent’s residence, not just the claimed dependent’s share regardless of who pays for the expenses. (See expenses breakdown for information specific to each expense type.)
• Utilities – Always itemize the utilities by listing the utilities claimed and the monthly amount for each on page 5 of the 137 and for each utility that is over $200 per month a current bill with dates supporting the expense is required.
• Household Other – Always itemize household other expenses by listing the items claimed and the monthly amount for each on page 5 of the 137 and for each expense that is over $200 per month a current bill or receipt with dates supporting the expense is required.
• Personal expenses – List all expenses for the claimed dependent only, regardless of who pays for them. (See expenses breakdown for information specific to each expense type.)
• USIP – If there is a USIP expense claimed that must be supported by EOBs from Tricare, pharmacy statements showing what Tricare paid, a statement from the doctor(s) showing what was billed and what Tricare paid, and/or a statement from the military medical installation.
• Transportation – Always itemize the transportation expense by listing the items claimed and the monthly amount for each on page 5 of the 137 and for each expense that is over $200 per month a current bill or receipt with dates supporting the expense is required.
• Vehicle Payment – If a vehicle payment is claimed proof of the vehicle payment through the most current loan statement for the car along with a copy of the vehicle’s registration is required. If the dependent is not listed on the registration then the car payment cannot be claimed.
• School – If there are any school expenses either for the parent or a dependent of the parent listed then a current dated bill is required to support those expenses. Loans due to a school bill cannot be used.
• Personal Other – Always itemize personal other expenses by listing the items claimed and the monthly amount for each on page 5 of the 137 and for each expense that is over $200 per month a current bill or receipt with dates supporting the expense is required.
• Income – List all income and monetary support received by dependent from any source other than from yourself.
• Remarks – Identify the block number from the form that the comment relates to. If you are requesting BAH state the start date that you request in this block as well and be sure all supporting documents support this date also.
• Signatures/Notaries – make sure all signatures are completed. All notary blocks must be notarized. Failure to have the documents notarized will result in the return of the application without action. The notary signature relates to the name of the dependent or guardian. The member must also sign and date at the bottom. If a POA signs for the parent then a medical statement from their doctor stating why they cannot sign is required.
• All foreign documents must be translated to English.

 
Avoid common mistakes;

• An Illegible or incomplete application package
  • Type or print, legibly, on all forms.
  • Ensure you read the printed instructions carefully and thoroughly.
  • All blocks on the various forms must be completed or marked “N/A” to ensure nothing is missed.
  • All foreign documents must be translated to English.
• Missing forms/documentation
  • Proof of member’s support – If applicable to your situation then evidence of support is required. A dependent support allotment, canceled checks, money order receipts, electronic transfer receipts, etc. are acceptable proof of support. See above for full details.
  • Unacceptable documents – For proof of support: ATM withdrawal receipts, bank statements showing withdrawals, or purchase receipts.
  • Relationship documents – Member’s birth certificate and all name change documents supporting different names than what are listed on the member’s birth certificate to what is on the 137 such as marriage licenses, divorce decrees, or court orders changing a name.
  • Medical statement – NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED: If the parent is ill or incapable of caring for themselves it is an option to include a medical statement that states all Activities of Daily living the parent cannot do at all and/or requires assistance with as this COULD assist with your application. This IS required if the parent CANNOT sign the form for themselves. The statement must be signed by a licensed medical doctor, psychologist, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant only.

 
ALL DOCUMENTATION SUBMISSIONS:
All packages can be submitted only two ways. Note: No fax or email is accepted.

1. Online submission through the www.dfas.mil claims module. (Direct link to make a ticket is: https://corpweb1.dfas.mil/askDFAS/custMain.action?mid=5340. This will require documents to be scanned onto the computer and then uploaded to the ticket online. After a ticket is created, you will be emailed your ticket number for reference and updates on your application. This is the preferred method.
2. By Mail: All packages may be sent via mail to the address below:

Attention ARMY SECONDARY DEPENDENCY TEAM DFAS
8899 East 56^th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249.