How long does it take to make somebody a dependent?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:06:47 -0400

My brother has served in Army for about a year or more as medic and currently is stationed in Hawaii but is in Thailand right now for his training. He wants to make my mother as his dependent once he come back from Thailand. She has citizenship, currently retired and around 70 years of age. She wants to move to Hawaii and live there out of barrack with my brother. How much housing allowance will they receive? How long will it take for her to become dependent?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 12 at 2020 11:08 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 23:08:45 -0400

She will need to be dependent on him something to the tune of 75% or more, potentially lots of dollars, and not always what it sounds cracked up to be.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 12:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:46:52 -0400

How can I make my parent a dependent?
To seek dependent status for an adult family member, such as a father, mother, father-in-law, mother-
in-law, stepparent, or someone in loco parentis, DFAS will apply a financial test to determine
whether the family member receives over half of his/her income from the Servicemember. You must
submit the Servicemember’s or spouse’s birth certificate and proof of the relationship, DD Forms
137-3 and 1172 to show financial dependency, and proof of the family member’s identity to DFAS.
For someone loco parentis, this will include affidavits that that person stood in a parental capacity for
at least five years prior to the Servicemember (or spouse’s) 21st birthday.
https://www.dfas.mil/dfas/militarymembers/SecondaryDependency/SDC/SDC_FAQ.html

SDC_FAQ.html

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 1:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 01:16:13 -0400

Just because she wants to live in Hawaii does not mean she may qualify as a dependent. Although the process seems easy, they’re needs to be a documented reason to make her a dependent. Additionally, even if she is qualified as a depended, she would need Command sponsorship to come to the island and receive housing which can only be done if your brother has 12 months remaining on island

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 7:13 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 07:13:27 -0400

It's called "Secondary Dependency" or "Non-primary Dependents" for parent, parent-in-law, step-parent, parent by adoption, or any person who stood 'in-loco parentis' (in the place of a parent) to you for at least five years prior to your emancipation. Also, unmarried children ages 21 and 22 who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education on a full-time basis. Your primary dependent(s) is (are) your spouse or/and children.
How long does it take to make somebody a dependent?
Well, Time is not a factor here. There is no waiting period to submit a new claim. It also depends if your claim is approved or disapproved... and, if action(s) not needed for correction. However, you should receive a determination within 30-45 business days.
To qualify as a secondary dependent, the individual’s income, not including your contribution, must be less than one-half of the actual living expenses.
If your brother or yourself is ready to submit the initial application or redetermination package, make sure your brother contact DFAS office at 1-888-DFAS 411 (332-7411), option 4, then option 2. Nonetheless, y'all can submit complete application packages via the secure AskDFAS link: https://corpweb1.dfas.mil/askDFAS/custMain.action?mid=5340.

custMain.action