How can I add my grandmother to my deers?

2020-08-16T21:34:08-04:00

Hi guys I was wondering if someone could tell me how can I add my grandmother to my deers I’m trying to compassionate reassignment due to medical issues and my Chaiplin told me that it would help if she was on my deers but I’m not sure on how to add her on and how long will it take

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 11:57 PM

2020-08-16T23:57:56-04:00

I am not sure why they would say that but that is not the case. Below is the regulations about it. The military doesn't consider a grandparent as a direct relative unless they raised you and you have them listed as loco parentis. A passing of a grandparent isn't covered under emergency leave either. I am very weary of your service if you are trying to be the care giver of your grandparent. Your chaplain is not well informed but I am sure they mean well. This is one of the burdens of being in the military. I have had all of my grandparents pass. I was not able to attend the funeral at times due to the military. Your command can let you go but they are not required to let you go.

Who can be secondary dependents?
Secondary (non-primary) dependents can include:

-Parent, parent-in-law, step-parent, parent by adoption, or any person who stood ‘in-loco parentis’ (in the place of a parent) to you for at least five years prior to your emancipation.
-Unmarried children ages 21 and 22 who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education on a full-time basis.
-Ward of the court, unmarried, and placed in the permanent legal physical custody of the member, or if not permanent custody for a period of at least 12 consecutive months.
-Unmarried child over age 21 incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity that occurred while the child was considered a dependent of yours as a member or retired member, or is considered the dependent of a deceased member (while under age 21 or under age 23 and a full-time student).

https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/SecondaryDependency/SDC/

Defense Finance and Accounting Service MilitaryMembers SecondaryDependency SDC

The official website of the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 17 at 2020 10:36 AM

2020-08-17T10:36:37-04:00

Talk to the DEERs office and your S1. They will be able to answer your questions and see what applies in your situation. As Capt Rosa stated, it may not apply to your situation but let S-1 and the DEERs office be the ones to tell you that.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-08-17T14:34:19-04:00

It is simple. Go to the DEERS office and tell them what you want to do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 3:47 PM

2020-08-17T15:47:56-04:00

Your chaplain is incorrect. This is why chaplains shouldn’t give administrative advice. CPT Private RallyPoint Member outlined all the requirements for a compassionate and in order to make your grandfather a dependent you would have to demonstrate that you provide more than half his financial maintenance

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 5:38 PM

2020-08-17T17:38:23-04:00

I don't think you can just add anyone as a dependent.

I did a compassionate reassignment and the only reason I went to the chaplain is my daughter's PCM at the time said it sometimes helped to have a memo from a chaplain as part of the packet. But he never gave me any admin advice. He talked to me about my situation to get a better idea on the memo since I had never talked to him before then.

What are you trying to get a compassionate for?