Secondary Dependency (Parent) advice?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 20:28:29 -0400

I'm currently working on a secondary dependency package for my mother and speaking to the CO on Wednesday about keeping my BAH so that i don't lose the mortgage on my house, which would be very bad for my mother.
She is living with me in SC, currently, and i am an unmarried E-3(frocked E-4), with less than 2 years in the service. Has anyone successfully done this before? Do you have any advice for me?

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Oct 21 at 2014 2:47 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 14:47:40 -0400

I've successfully failed twice. Basically to succeed at obtaining a secondary dependent, you need to prove they are financially dependent on you with a valid reason (ie. in school full-time, unable to work due to medical, etc). I submitted my packet for my sister, I included my parents foreclosure documents, a notarized letter saying my dad had been laid off and was unable to get a job in the current job market, and bank statements of what I was providing. My first submission (I was deployed at the time), they said because I didn't pay for her housing (since I couldn't afford it as an E3!) that I did not provide enough for her to be a dependent (she was under 18 at the time). The second time I submitted (over 18) they said I needed a court order. I submitted it with a power of attorney for parental rights, and she was in college. Courts don't grant orders over the age of 18 unless you are determined to be medically or financially incompetent. I tried reasoning with DFAS that is was not possible to obtain a court order, and since she wasn't 21 she couldn't be a college-aged dependent, but logic is lost on them.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2017 12:41 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 00:41:20 -0500

I have done it for the last 4yrs. If your mother doesn't work and is not receiving any income its a slam dunk for approval. If she is receiving any kind of income though you have to match it dollar for dollar or more. Other wise they drop you. When you do get BAH it is better not to have the parent collocated as you can claim dual BAH. I myself do this, it is legal I have processed this through numerous people including the JAG office (Can never be too careful). Even if you live on the ship you get BAH for her no matter what.

Response by SSgt Rebekah Bradfield made Jun 6 at 2019 8:58 PM

SSgt Rebekah Bradfield — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:58:29 -0400

The main requirement has typically been proof that you are providing at least 50% financial support. I tried to get my dad as a dependent in order to enroll him in TriCare, but was just shy of that amount even though he was living with me.