SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 441351 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is not my case but, in BCT and in AIT I met with soldiers that were taking care of their parents financially. I remember one case specifically, we were in the PX in one of our "yellow passes" and he told me that he wanted new boots like everybody else. I asked him why he didn't just buy them since he had no further responsabilities than his cellphone. He told me that he was paying the rent of his mom's apt because she lost her job. Also, he told me that before joining he had 3 jobs to pay the rent and help with other stuff in the house, and I'm talking about a 20 years old soldier. In cases like this, should the soldier have the option to claim their parents as dependents? 2015-01-28T16:02:11-05:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 441351

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is not my case but, in BCT and in AIT I met with soldiers that were taking care of their parents financially. I remember one case specifically, we were in the PX in one of our "yellow passes" and he told me that he wanted new boots like everybody else. I asked him why he didn't just buy them since he had no further responsabilities than his cellphone. He told me that he was paying the rent of his mom's apt because she lost her job. Also, he told me that before joining he had 3 jobs to pay the rent and help with other stuff in the house, and I'm talking about a 20 years old soldier. In cases like this, should the soldier have the option to claim their parents as dependents?

2015-01-28T16:02:11-05:00 2015-01-28T16:02:11-05:00 SFC Vernon McNabb 441381

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have come across many instances where the Soldier had their parent as a dependent. The Soldier was required to take care of them, provide food, clothing and shelter, as well as medical and dental. I have a coworker right now who has his mother living with him, along with his wife and kid. When the parent is unable to take care of themselves, then the child (Soldier) should step up and take care of them. Our parents took care of us (I know not all parents were good parents, but you get what I am saying), so we should feel honored to take care of them.

2015-01-28T16:16:23-05:00 2015-01-28T16:16:23-05:00 Sgt Jennifer Mohler 442607

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, there is a way to make this happen. They should claim the parent so they get payed properly to help support the parent.

2015-01-29T09:14:16-05:00 2015-01-29T09:14:16-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 443132

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, absolutely.

2015-01-29T13:59:34-05:00 2015-01-29T13:59:34-05:00 CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member 443223

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unquestionably.

2015-01-29T14:44:36-05:00 2015-01-29T14:44:36-05:00 CPT Richard Riley 443274

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Some research has yielded these sites for further information .....<br /><br />Secondary Dependency: What is it and how to apply<br /><br />There are times when your dependents may include more than your spouse and children. These added dependents can increase your financial responsibilities. If you’re responsible for the financial support of other family members, you may be eligible to add them as your secondary dependents.<br /><br />Preparing and submitting applications to have eligible persons included as your secondary dependents can ensure you receive the benefits and allowances you and your dependents are entitled to<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/secondarydependency.html">http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/secondarydependency.html</a><br /><br />WHAT IS A DEPENDENT PARENT BENEFIT?<br />A Veteran whose parent(s) are dependent upon him/her for financial support may be paid additional benefits. Dependency of a parent is based on need. Both the parental relationship and financial dependency of the parent must be established to qualify for this benefit. <br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/DependentParent.pdf">http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/DependentParent.pdf</a><br /><br />HOW TO MAKE A RELATIVE A MILITARY DEPENDENT <br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.monterey.army.mil/legal/family_law/MAKING_A_MILITARY_DEPENDENT.pdf">http://www.monterey.army.mil/legal/family_law/MAKING_A_MILITARY_DEPENDENT.pdf</a>

2015-01-29T15:13:12-05:00 2015-01-29T15:13:12-05:00 2015-01-28T16:02:11-05:00