Parents, should soldiers taking care of theirs be allowed to have them as dependents?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:02:11 -0500

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?

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Jan 28 at 2015 4:16 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:16:23 -0500

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.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Jan 29 at 2015 9:14 AM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 09:14:16 -0500

Yes, there is a way to make this happen. They should claim the parent so they get payed properly to help support the parent.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 1:59 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:59:34 -0500

Yes, absolutely.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 2:44 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:44:36 -0500

Unquestionably.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jan 29 at 2015 3:13 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:13:12 -0500

Some research has yielded these sites for further information .....

Secondary Dependency: What is it and how to apply

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.

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

http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/secondarydependency.html

WHAT IS A DEPENDENT PARENT BENEFIT?
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.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/DependentParent.pdf

HOW TO MAKE A RELATIVE A MILITARY DEPENDENT
http://www.monterey.army.mil/legal/family_law/MAKING_A_MILITARY_DEPENDENT.pdf