How would I go about requesting a hardship discharge?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 13:10:58 -0400

Backstory: my husband passed unexpectedly last month in a wreck, he was national guard and we have a 2 year old. I was told I could request a hardship discharge, but no one could give me any other info. My 6 is up either way in January if not able to get the hardship!

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Jun 26 at 2021 1:24 PM

SGT Robert Wager — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 13:24:47 -0400

I am so sorry for your loss. I would start with a meeting with your chaplain. I am sure if that is what you want/need they can walk you through the process.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2021 1:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 13:44:37 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I am sorry for your loss.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2021 2:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 14:08:55 -0400

With the amount of time it can take to process voluntary separations you are probably better off just waiting it out. It is possible to get a voluntary separation submitted, signed and approved in a month or two, but that's when you dig into the reg and walk it through yourself. Even then, you're usually going to get it approved for 90 days later. So, you walk a separation packet through in a month, you get out 90 days later and you've only saved yourself two months after all that work and headache

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2021 2:18 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 14:18:52 -0400

Sorry for your loss. S1 will process, and your COC should help. The 1SG and your NCOIC would be a great help. See the Chaplain as well.

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made Jun 26 at 2021 4:59 PM

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 16:59:04 -0400

Are you active reserve or active duty?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 26 at 2021 5:04 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 17:04:11 -0400

I would talk to your S1 and Chaplain. They will be able to get you the answers you need

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 26 at 2021 7:51 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 19:51:15 -0400

Sorry to hear of your loss. If I were in your shoes I would go see the Chaplain. I saw them do things I didn't think possible when I was in the Corps. No matter what you know the governments old saying, "Hurry up and wait!"

Response by LTC Mark Ensign made Jun 26 at 2021 8:44 PM

LTC Mark Ensign — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 20:44:08 -0400

I agree with the earlier recommendations to discuss your options with your COC and Chaplain.
If a hardship discharge is what you need, obtaining one is not at all unreasonable.
That said, also consider not immediately dismissing the possibility of continuing in the military.
With a solid Family Care Plan in place, I have seen many single parent Soldiers continue to serve successfully.
My deepest condolences for your loss and the best to you whatever you decide.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 26 at 2021 10:10 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 22:10:50 -0400

As MAJ Ken Landgren mentioned, Family Care Plan may work for you. Absolutely pursue the Hardship, as well, but if you (and your Commander) are motivated, lack of a FCP can have you out of the Army in 60 days.

But.... keep in mind that a rapid transition gives you no time at all to actually TRANSITION. Remaining until ETS and using these next 6 months to make the most out of SFL-TAP and set yourself up for success as a civilian is a VERY smart play if you can do it.

Response by MSG Rob Canarios made Jun 27 at 2021 7:50 AM

MSG Rob Canarios — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:50:44 -0400

You could try discharge under AR 600-20 Chapter 5-8. This reg covers single parent in the Army requiring a family care plan.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Jun 28 at 2021 4:45 AM

CPT Andrew Wright — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:45:19 -0400

Use your Chain of Command and/or talk to your Unit Administrator about transferring to the IRR. About the only paperwork needed is a 4651-R and some signatures. Best of Luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2021 5:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:20:55 -0400

AR 135-178. Talk to Chaplain, PSG, and submit request through CoC.