Cameron Miranda
Military families can add parents or secondary dependents to their household. This includes parents-in-law. To qualify, the parent-in-law's income must be less than half of their living expenses. The process for claiming a secondary dependent differs by branch, but generally involves filling out the Secondary Dependency Application (DD Form 137), which includes the Worksheet for Determining Financial Support. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has recently updated its policies to offer a simpler second option: providing a copy of the prior year's tax return showing the claimed individual as a dependent.
Can I make my mother-in-law a military dependent?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it possible? | Yes |
| Who can be a dependent? | Mother-in-law or parent-in-law |
| Requirements | Must be able to show that you have been providing at least 50-51% of her income/living expenses for at least the last 24 months. |
| Other requirements | The income of the potential dependent parent must be less than half of their living expenses. |
| Documentation | Service member's birth certificate and marriage certificate. |
| Other documentation | Affidavits or other specific documentation. |
| Benefits | Increased Basic Allowance for Housing, Uniformed Services Identification and Privileges (USIP) card, travel allowances, morale, welfare, and recreation privileges, use of the commissary and exchange, medical coverage, etc. |
| Other Information | The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has more information about enrolling a parent as a secondary dependent. |
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What You'll Learn
Military in-laws can be made secondary dependents
To qualify as a secondary dependent, the in-law must be financially dependent on the service member. This means that the service member must provide more than 50% of the claimed individual's support or living expenses. The process for claiming a secondary dependent differs by branch, but it generally involves filling out the Secondary Dependency Application (DD Form 137), which includes a Worksheet for Determining Financial Support. This demonstrates that the sponsor is providing more than half of the claimed individual's support.
Recently, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has offered a simpler second option for proving financial dependency: providing a copy of the prior year's tax return showing the claimed individual as a dependent. This option is only available for the Army and certain types of Navy dependents. To seek dependent status for an adult family member such as a mother-in-law, a request for a dependency determination must be filed with DFAS. This requires specific documentation, such as the service member's birth certificate and marriage certificate.
It is important to note that adding adult dependents can be challenging, and the military is generally reluctant to approve these requests. Even if the individual is approved as a secondary dependent, they will only be eligible for certain benefits and may not have access to the same level of healthcare as other dependents.
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Benefits of adding a mother-in-law as a dependent
Adding your mother-in-law as a dependent can provide several benefits, both for yourself and your mother-in-law. Firstly, you may be eligible for increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as part of your active duty benefits. This allowance can help cover the costs of accommodating your mother-in-law, whether she lives with you or in a separate residence.
Additionally, your mother-in-law may be able to access medical care through TRICARE Plus at a nearby military treatment facility. However, it is important to note that TRICARE does not cover civilian care for secondary dependents, and they may only be eligible for primary medical care.
Another advantage is the potential tax benefits you may receive. By claiming your mother-in-law as a dependent, you may be eligible for tax credits and deductions, such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit. This credit can help offset the costs of caring for your elderly dependent while you are working. Furthermore, you may be able to deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses for your dependent mother-in-law on your tax returns.
It is worth noting that to claim your mother-in-law as a dependent, you typically need to demonstrate that you provide more than half of her financial support. This includes expenses such as groceries, housing, utilities, and medical care. Additionally, your mother-in-law's income must be below a certain threshold to qualify as a dependent.
While there are benefits to adding your mother-in-law as a dependent, it is important to carefully consider the potential challenges and responsibilities that come with this decision. It may be a financial burden, and there are specific requirements and processes that need to be followed, which can vary by branch of service.
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Tricare coverage rules for parents
If you're on active duty for over 30 days or are retired, you can apply to have your dependent mother-in-law receive care in military hospitals and clinics and enroll in Tricare Plus. To qualify as a dependent, you must provide at least 51% of your mother-in-law's income and prove that she can't provide for herself due to disability or another reason. Even then, the military is often reluctant to add adult dependents.
As a secondary dependent, your mother-in-law would only be able to use Tricare if she lived by a base, as secondary dependents can only use Tricare at military treatment facilities (MTFs). Tricare will not pay for civilian care for secondary dependents, even with a referral from a military provider.
The process for claiming a secondary dependent differs by branch, but it generally involves filling out the Secondary Dependency Application (DD Form 137) and demonstrating that you provide more than half of your mother-in-law's financial support. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has recently introduced a simpler alternative: providing a copy of the prior year's tax return showing your mother-in-law as a dependent. However, this only applies to the Army and certain Navy dependents.
It's important to note that secondary dependents who receive ID cards must go through a redetermination process every four years, and annual redetermination is required for those claiming BAH. Failure to recertify will result in suspended benefits and potential debt. If support drops below 50%, it should be reported immediately.
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Application process for adding parents-in-law
The process for claiming a secondary dependent differs depending on the branch of the military. For parents or parents-in-law by marriage, you will need the service member's birth certificate and marriage certificate. If the documents are in a foreign language, you will need an approved English translation.
For the Army, Air Force, and Space Force, you can submit your application online or by mail. The Air Force and Space Force require additional forms, including AF/SF form 594 and DFAS form 1856.
For the Navy, you will need to submit NAVPERS 1070/602 by mail or secure link.
For the Marines, you will need to submit your documentation and AVMC form 10922 to your command. DFAS does not handle claims for the Marines.
To qualify as a dependent, the income of the potential dependent parent must be less than half of their living expenses. The sponsor must provide more than 50% of the claimed individual's support, including medical expenses, costs for clothing, and housing.
To prove financial dependency, you can provide either:
- The Secondary Dependency Application (DD Form 137), which includes the Worksheet for Determining Financial Support.
- A copy of the prior year's tax return, showing the claimed individual as a dependent.
Once you have the appropriate paperwork, take the completed DD Forms to the 176th Finance Battalion Customer Service office. They will forward the paperwork to DFAS-Indianapolis, which will make a formal determination of whether the person qualifies as a dependent. This process can take 3-6 weeks. If your application is not approved, you can reapply for dependency at a later time.
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Financial considerations for adding a dependent
Adding a dependent to your finances is a big decision and there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the definition of a dependent and the criteria they must meet. A dependent is typically a qualifying child or relative who relies on you for financial support. This means that the dependent must receive over 50% of their financial support from you. This support can include living expenses, medical expenses, and educational expenses. It is worth noting that the dependent cannot be claimed on anyone else's tax return and must meet certain relationship criteria.
Secondly, it is crucial to understand the financial implications of adding a dependent. Claiming a dependent can reduce your taxable income, which may result in tax savings. Additionally, you may be eligible for increased allowances, such as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and other benefits such as travel allowances, welfare, and medical care. However, it is important to carefully weigh the costs of supporting a dependent against the potential financial benefits. As one source notes, adding a dependent can hurt your finances, credit, and savings in the long run.
Thirdly, the process of claiming a dependent can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the branch of the military involved. For example, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has recently simplified the process by allowing individuals to provide a copy of their prior year's tax return showing the claimed dependent. However, other branches may require a more complex application process, such as filling out a Secondary Dependency Application (DD Form 137) and demonstrating financial support through a Worksheet for Determining Financial Support.
Finally, it is important to consider the long-term financial commitments and potential changes in circumstances. Adding a dependent is a significant responsibility and it is crucial to ensure that you can provide for their financial needs over the long term. Additionally, any changes in your dependent's status, such as their income level or living situation, should be reported promptly to avoid potential issues with benefit suspension and debt accumulation.
In conclusion, adding a dependent to your finances requires careful consideration of the eligibility criteria, financial implications, application process, and long-term commitments. It is important to seek out specific guidance from financial professionals or military support services to ensure you understand the full scope of the decision and its potential impact on your financial situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a mother-in-law can be made a military dependent. She would be considered a secondary dependent.
A secondary dependent is someone who relies on a service member for more than 50% of their living expenses. This includes parents, parents-in-law, or someone who has acted as a parent (known as "in loco parentis").
A secondary dependent may receive benefits such as an increased Basic Allowance for Housing (not to exceed full BAH with dependents), a Uniformed Services Identification and Privileges (USIP) card, travel allowances, morale, welfare, and recreation privileges, and use of the commissary and exchange. They may also be eligible for primary medical care at a nearby military treatment facility under TRICARE Plus, but this is not always the case.
The process for claiming a secondary dependent differs by branch. It generally involves filling out the Secondary Dependency Application (DD Form 137) and demonstrating that the sponsor provides more than half of the claimed individual's support. Alternatively, a copy of the prior year's tax return showing the claimed individual as a dependent can be provided. Specific documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and affidavits, may also be required.
