Get Military Pay Secondary Dependency Guide 2011-2024

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.

In broader terms, a secondary dependent is any dependent who isn't your spouse or child under the age of 21. While secondary dependents often come with certain financial considerations, they may also qualify you for additional benefits during your time in service.

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.

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.

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.