Should dependents lose privileges once they turn 18 and graduate from high school?

2016-05-17T00:00:43-04:00

Once the dependent turns 18 he or she can then join the service and earn the benefits on own.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 12:09 AM

2016-05-17T00:09:16-04:00

I feel it's not that way because that is a black and white way of putting things. The truth is life and situations are not black and white. What about college students still living at home going to a local college? Should they not still be able to be able to receive what ever "benefits" you are talking about. What specifically are you talking about them not receiving?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 17 at 2016 1:05 AM

2016-05-17T01:05:24-04:00

They can still have benefits until the age of 23 if they are college students. Other than that I see no reason why they should.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 7:44 AM

2016-05-17T07:44:07-04:00

My answer is no they should not lose their privileges. Simply put, not everyone, even if they are willing can join the service for a host of reasons. Medical or psychological reasons keep a host of the population disqualified for service.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 17 at 2016 8:28 AM

2016-05-17T08:28:23-04:00

By your comment, family members should not be attending college (giving up potential GI Bill benefits) and should just enlist at 18...this doesn't make sense.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 9:10 AM

2016-05-17T09:10:25-04:00

It would depend on your job

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made May 17 at 2016 9:51 AM

2016-05-17T09:51:41-04:00

No absolutely not. The military is a great path for some (like us here) but for most it is not. Many kids are not able to pass the entry screening due to one thing or another. A lot of kids want to go to college, learn a trade, etc. For them, they need to rely on their parents' health care until they join the adult work force. In many cases that is 4-6 years after High School. It is naive to assume that anyone who turns 18 should be able to join the military and get benefits. This isn't even close to reality.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-05-17T10:23:12-04:00

As someone who raised their right hand at 18 years old in order to pay for college, I would have to say no. If I ever have kids that join, I would want them to join because they want to, not because they feel like they have to. Especially if they are full time college students.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 10:27 AM

2016-05-17T10:27:21-04:00

As long as the person is a legal dependent they should not lose the privilege of being a dependent.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made May 17 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-05-17T13:49:09-04:00

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! When they graduate college, are on their own or they get married then yes but until then you are hamstring a college student from the get go. Insurance is through the roof, groceries are outrageous and if they are put out on their own at 18 without some help from parents and the benefits then they are already behind the power curve. Not to mention, they served too to support the one in uniform. Moving every two to three years, putting up with being without Dad or Mom for extended periods of time...I thin they have at least earned that until they graduate college AND ARE ON THEIR OWN.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 6:57 AM

2016-05-20T06:57:44-04:00

Very good question. Your child is covered for your benefits until they turn 21, the exception to this is if they are a full-time student and then they will be covered until their 23rd birthday. Now if they are not a full-time student they can apply for the TRICARE Young Adult program and still receive benefits under their Sponsor until their 26th birthday.

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Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Feb 10 at 2017 8:42 PM

2017-02-10T20:42:19-05:00

As long as they are working toward a degree, they should be able to keep dependent status.