Marine Mother-In-Law: On-Base Living Options

Military bases are often compared to small towns, and it is not uncommon for service members to have their spouses and children live with them on base. However, it is less common for parents or in-laws to live on base with their service member children. While it is possible for a Marine to have their mother-in-law live with them on base, there are specific requirements that must be met.

A dependent ID is required to travel freely on base

A dependent ID is required for anyone who wishes to travel freely on a military base. This includes the mother-in-law of a marine, who can be registered as a dependent if the marine provides more than 50% of their financial support.

Dependent IDs are issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) and are available from any Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site. These sites are located on military bases, at National Guard armories, and at reserve training locations. They may be called by a variety of names, including the Pass and ID office, Military Personnel Flight, DEERS office, Personnel Support Detachment, ID Card Section, S1, or One Stop.

To obtain a dependent ID, individuals must bring two forms of identification, including a state or federal government-issued photo ID. Dependents who are US citizens or persons will also need a Social Security number or tax ID number. If the dependent is a spouse, they must bring their marriage certificate. If the dependent is a child under 18, they will need proof of relationship to their military sponsor, such as a birth certificate.

In addition to facilitating free movement on base, dependent IDs also provide access to certain benefits and privileges. These may include health benefits through TRICARE, access to commissary and exchange, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and other privileges. The specific benefits covered will be displayed on the dependent ID card.

The mother-in-law must be financially dependent on their child, with over 50% support

For a mother-in-law to live on a military base, she must be designated as a dependent of the service member. In the case of a mother-in-law, this requires that the service member provides more than 50% of their financial support. The greater the level of financial support, the easier it is to get approval for dependent status.

Dependent status provides the mother-in-law with full access to base facilities, including medical facilities, on a space-available basis. It also allows them to obtain a dependent ID, which enables them to travel freely on base. However, they may still need passes for entry during periods of base restrictions, such as those imposed due to COVID-19.

It is important to note that having dependents may come with certain limitations. For example, there may be restrictions on the activities a parent dependent can engage in while on the base. Additionally, the process of obtaining dependent status can be complex, and specific regulations, such as the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), should be consulted to ensure compliance.

Furthermore, it is worth considering the dynamics of living on base versus off-base options. While living on base provides certain benefits and conveniences, there may be advantages to renting a place under Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and utilising the additional money for other purposes. Ultimately, the decision should consider the specific needs and preferences of the family involved.

The mother-in-law will have access to base facilities, including medical

A mother-in-law can live on base with her Marine relative, provided that the relative can prove they support the mother-in-law financially by more than 50%. If approved, the mother-in-law will have access to base facilities, including medical, on a space-available basis. She will also be able to access the BX and commissary. To make a parent a dependent, the specific Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) should be consulted.

Dependent IDs are required for travelling freely on base. The mother-in-law will need passes to access the base, and there may be additional challenges if there are base restrictions in place, for example, due to COVID. It is worth noting that there are limits to the number of things a parent dependent can do on base.

The mother-in-law will need an ID card to access the base

To answer the question, "Can a marine mother-in-law live on base?" we must first consider the requirements for accessing and living on a military base. While there may be specific variations in policies depending on the branch of the military and the particular base in question, one consistent requirement is the need for an ID card.

There are a few ways in which the mother-in-law can obtain an ID card. One way is to be designated as a dependent of a military member. In this case, the service member would need to provide proof that they financially support the mother-in-law to a significant degree, typically more than 50%. This process is outlined in the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR). Once approved as a dependent, the mother-in-law would receive a dependent ID card, which allows her to access the base freely and utilize the facilities and services available to dependents.

Alternatively, if the marine's spouse (the mother-in-law's child) is living on base with them, the mother-in-law may be able to reside with them and obtain an ID card through this association. The spouse's marital status grants them "status," which includes the eligibility for an ID card and the possibility of living on base with their spouse, provided there is available housing. In the event that there is no room in base housing, the service member receives additional monthly funds to accommodate off-base housing.

It is important to note that, regardless of the method used to obtain an ID card, the mother-in-law's access to the base may still be subject to certain restrictions and pass requirements, particularly in times of heightened security or during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations are in place to maintain the safety and security of those living and working on the military base.

The marine must be married to qualify for family housing

To qualify for family housing on a military base, a marine must be married. Single soldiers will not be provided with housing and will have to live in the barracks on the base. If a marine is married, they will be given a house on the base where they can live with their spouse. This house will be separate from the barracks where unmarried soldiers live.

In the case that a marine has children, it does not change their housing situation. Unless the marine is married, they will not be given family housing. Once married, the marine's spouse will be given an ID card, which will allow them to live on the base with the marine and access the base's facilities.

If there is no room for the married couple in base housing, the marine will receive additional money each month to help pay for off-base housing. This allowance is to cover the cost of rent and other bills.

It is possible to have a parent live with you on a military base. To do so, you must prove that you financially support them more than 50%. The parent will then be given a dependent ID, which will allow them to travel freely on base and access the facilities.

Frequently asked questions