Get DD 137-7 2008-2023

Incapacitated Child (21 years or over) Forms: DD Form 137-5. A medical sufficiency letter signed by a Uniformed Services medical provider or civilian physician is also required. Use this example of a medical sufficiency letter to get started.

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. Check with your personnel office about regulations that may further define who may qualify as a secondary dependent.

In the military, parents, parents-in-law or someone who has acted as your parent (the term for this is "in loco parentis") can be made your "secondary dependent," as can disabled adult children and minor children of whom you have custody.

The Dependency Determination Section reviews and adjudicates claims for Basic Allowances for Housing (BAH); determination of eligibility for other related privileges and benefits for select categories of family members; and investigates complaints of nonsupport.

You must submit the Servicemember's or spouse's birth certificate and proof of the relationship, DD Forms 137-3 and 1172 to show financial dependency, and proof of the family member's identity to DFAS.

To be considered a secondary dependent, your family member needs to actually be financially dependent on you — meaning their income must be less than half of their living expenses and you must contribute more than one half.

A DD Form 137-7 is also known as a Dependency Statement – Ward of the Court. It is used by the Department of Defense. This form will be used to verify the relationship between the person filling out the form and the person they are claiming as a dependent when this dependent is a ward of the court.

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): The information will be used to determine the relationship and dependency of the claimed dependents and determine the member's entitlement to authorized benefits.