How can I add a parent as a dependent?

2019-12-04T17:27:16-05:00

i was wondering on how i could have my mother listed as my dependent and have her move to new york with me? like what’s the process and what would i have to do? my mother is a single and she’s disabled(she gets paid for her disability) so it’s been hard for her to pay for bills so she’s literally broke and can barely pay for bills since i’ve been gone for 6 months. what do i have to do? i’d rather have her live in new york with me and have me watch her then have her live back home and struggle

Response by LTC Tom McNew made Dec 4 at 2019 5:42 PM

2019-12-04T17:42:19-05:00

Go talk to your S-1. First thing the Army is going to expect you to prove is that you provide more than 50% of her support. So if she is struggling to make ends meet and you can show where you've had to pay her bills or send her money, then you could be ok on that point.
She will also have to be willing to give up some of her independence and autonomy. Which may not be an issue either if she is already disabled.
It is not an easy process, but it is doable. Your S-1 can give you a packet that you'll have to fill out.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 4 at 2019 5:43 PM

2019-12-04T17:43:57-05:00

Google DFAS parent dependent, first hit. https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/SecondaryDependency/SDC.html

Do your initial research, get with your first line and put together your packet.

SDC.html

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 5:54 PM

2019-12-04T17:54:46-05:00

financially struggles alone are not valid reason to have a parent listed as a dependent. It would take legal documentation that she is not capable of caring for herself physically, medically or making financial decisions for herself. you would have to be declared a legal guardian. After that each military branch has their own limitations on parental guardianship. With that you would also require a family care plan to designate a care provider in the event that you deploy.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 4 at 2019 6:02 PM

2019-12-04T18:02:07-05:00

I did it by going to DEERS and filled out a simple form. She had to pass a means test. It was easy.

Response by SFC Joanna Rydzewski made Dec 5 at 2019 12:54 AM

2019-12-05T00:54:21-05:00

Seek advice from Jag. Best way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 5:49 PM

2019-12-10T17:49:59-05:00

"How can I make my parent a dependent? To seek dependent status for an adult family member, such as a father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, stepparent, or someone in loco parentis, DFAS will apply a financial test to determine whether the family member receives over half of his/her income from the Servicemember. 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 someone loco parentis, this will include affidavits that that person stood in a parental capacity for at least five years prior to the Servicemember (or spouse’s) 21st birthday."

https://home.army.mil/monterey/application/files/5515/4955/2846/How_to_Make_a_Relative_a_Military_Dependant.pdf

https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/SecondaryDependency/secondarydependency_Army.html

How_to_Make_a_Relative_a_Military_Dependant.pdf