Free Dd 137 5 Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Dd 137 5

Filling out the DD Form 137-5 might seem complex at first glance, but by breaking down the steps, this process can become more manageable. The purpose of completing this form is to verify the dependency status of an incapacitated child over the age of 21. This is crucial for members of the military as it determines if the child is eligible for certain benefits and entitlements. Before beginning, gather all necessary documentation related to the child's incapacitation, financial information, and any previous applications related to the entitlements requested.

1. Start by reading through the entire form to understand the type of information you are expected to provide.
2. In Section 1, mark the entitlements requested, such as BAH, USIP CARD, or TRAVEL ALLOWANCE. Clearly indicate if this application is a first attempt or a subsequent one by checking the appropriate box and providing the date of the last application if applicable.
3. Fill out the member information in Section 2, including name, DoD ID number, rank, status, residence, contact information, and marital status. Be precise in this section to avoid any delays with the application.
4. Complete the section regarding the member's child (Section 3) with the child's full name, DoD ID number if available, date of birth, and relationship to the member.
5. If the child has ever been married, mark "Yes" and attach the required documentation, as stated in Section 3.f.
6. Sections 4 and 5 require details about the child's other parent(s) and residence. Provide accurate and comprehensive information regarding the child's living situation and other parents involved.
7. If applicable, complete information about the child's stay in a hospital or institution including expenses and those responsible for these expenses in Sections 6 and 6 continued.
8. Detail the household composition and expenses in Sections 7 and 8. Include information about everyone living with the child and all associated living expenses.
9. List the child's personal expenses in Section 9 and all sources of the child's income in Section 10, ensuring to attach any necessary verifications.
10. If the child has been employed or attended school since reaching age 21, provide the details in Sections 11 and 12. Include the type of employment or education pursued and any associated income or scholarships.
11. In Section 13, outline the contributions made by the member to the child’s support over the past 12 months.
12. Use the Remarks section (11) to provide additional information that could not be fully explained in the previous sections or that requires clarification.
13. Review the Penalty Provisions, and upon agreeing, the person with physical custody of the child and the member must sign and date the form in the presence of a notary public, who will also sign and stamp the document in Section 15.

Once completed, double-check the form for accuracy and completeness to prevent any potential delays. Remember to make a copy for your records before submitting the original form to your local serving Personnel/Payroll Office.

What is the DD Form 137-5 used for?

The DD Form 137-5 is used to establish the relationship and dependency status of an incapacitated child over the age of 21. It helps determine a service member's entitlement to claim authorized benefits for their dependent.

Who is required to complete the DD Form 137-5?

This form must be completed by a service member who has an incapacitated child over 21 years of age and is seeking to claim benefits for that child. If the child resides with someone other than the member, or if the member is deceased, the child or child's representative must complete part of or the entire form, respectively.

What documentation is needed along with DD Form 137-5?

Verification of the child’s income and a statement about the child's incapacity are required. If applicable, documents like the child’s birth certificate, medical evaluations, and proof of previous benefits approved or denied should be attached.

How long does it take to complete the DD Form 137-5?

The estimated average time to complete this form, including gathering the needed information, is between 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens if the DD Form 137-5 is not completed properly?

If the form is not properly completed, benefits for the dependent may be suspended until the required information is provided. Incomplete forms can lead to delays in the approval process.

Is there an expiration date for the OMB approval of the DD Form 137-5?

Yes, the current OMB approval for this form expires on June 30, 2024.

Where should the completed DD Form 137-5 be returned to?

The completed form should be returned to the local servicing personnel/payroll office.

What are the penalties for providing false information on the DD Form 137-5?

Providing false information on this form may lead to fines or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both, according to Title 18 U.S. Code Section 1001. These penalties are in place to prevent fraudulent claims.

Filling out the DD Form 137-5, which is used to establish the dependency on an incapacitated child over age 21, can be a challenging task. One common mistake is not providing complete and accurate information for all requested details. For instance, applicants often leave certain fields blank that should be filled in, leading to significant delays in the processing of the form. It is essential to carefully review all sections and provide comprehensive responses for each item, even if the response is "Not Applicable" or "N/A," as the instructions specify.

Another mistake is the failure to attach required verification documents. The form requires verification of income, among other details, which is a crucial step in determining eligibility for benefits. When these documents are not attached, or when the provided information is insufficient or outdated, it can result in the denial of the application. Ensuring that all necessary documents are current, clearly readable, and properly attached to the form is critical for a successful application process.

A third error involves incorrect or unclear information about the child's residence and expenses. The DD Form 137-5 requires detailed information regarding the child's living situation, including expenses and sources of income. Applicants sometimes provide vague or incomplete details about the child's residence or fail to accurately itemize expenses and income. This lack of clarity can hinder the accurate assessment of the child's dependency status and the entitlement to benefits. Providing precise, itemized information in these sections is crucial.

Lastly, a notable mistake is not updating the form when changes occur in the child's financial circumstances, marital status, physical custody, or dependency upon the service member. The form explicitly requires notifying the service concerned of any changes in these areas. Failure to do so may not only affect the current benefits but also lead to complications or penalties for providing outdated or false information. Staying vigilant about these changes and promptly updating the necessary information is imperative for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the application.

Completing the DD Form 137-5, designed to establish dependency for incapacitated children over age 21, is a critical step for service members to secure entitled benefits for their dependents. However, this form doesn't exist in isolation; several other documents often accompany it to provide comprehensive information and comply with the requirements set forth by the Department of Defense. Knowing these associated documents ensures a smoother process for obtaining the necessary support.

• Birth Certificate: This verifies the child's age and relationship to the service member, a cornerstone piece of evidence needed alongside the DD Form 137-5. It is often the first document requested to establish the basic eligibility criteria for benefits.
• Medical Documentation: Detailed records from healthcare providers that outline the child's incapacity, its nature, and the expected duration. These documents are vital in proving that the child meets the definition of "incapacitated" as required by the form.
• Proof of Financial Dependency: Financial statements and other relevant documents that demonstrate the child's dependency on the service member for over half of their support. This may include bank statements, expense reports, and other financial records that detail the costs associated with the child's care.
• Legal Custody Documentation: If applicable, court orders or legal documents that affirm the service member's custody of the child or their legal responsibility for the child's care. This is particularly important in cases where the biological parents are divorced or separated, and one parent is the primary caretaker.

Understanding and compiling these documents alongside the DD Form 137-5 can significantly expedite the process of establishing dependency and ensure that incapacitated children of service members receive the support to which they are rightfully entitled. It's a multifaceted process that emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and the necessity of having all relevant documentation in order for a successful application.

The DD Form 1173, known as the Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, shares similarities with the DD Form 137-5 in its goal of identifying dependent eligibility. This form is issued to dependents of active duty military members, reservists, and retirees to prove their eligibility for military benefits and privileges. Like the DD Form 137-5, which establishes the dependency of an incapacitated child over age 21, the DD Form 1173 requires verification of dependency status but extends to a broader group of military dependents, ensuring they can access commissaries, exchange stores, and medical benefits.

The VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, also parallels the DD Form 137-5. It is used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine eligibility for benefits based on dependent status. Both forms require detailed information about dependents to assess eligibility for certain benefits; however, the VA Form 21-686c focuses on dependents of veterans, such as spouses and children, to adjust veterans’ benefits accordingly, while the DD Form 137-5 specifically addresses the needs of incapacitated children over age 21.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization Form shares a connection with the DD Form 137-5 through its handling of private information. Although the HIPAA form primarily allows the sharing of an individual’s health information with specified parties, both forms demand stringent protection of sensitive data under privacy laws. They embody the principle of safeguarding individuals' private information, despite serving different primary purposes—one for health information sharing and the other for military dependent benefit eligibility.

The I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, resembles the DD Form 137-5 as it involves asserting financial support for certain dependents. The I-864 is utilized in immigration processes when a sponsor agrees to financially support a family member seeking to immigrate to the United States. Similar to how the DD Form 137-5 requires a service member to document their financial support to an incapacitated child, the I-864 mandates that sponsors provide proof of financial ability to support the immigrant to ensure they do not become public charges.

Last, the Social Security Administration’s SSA-820-BK, Work Activity Report - Employee, relates to the DD Form 137-5 in its requirement for detailed reporting about an individual's circumstances. Though the SSA-820-BK is focused on documenting a person's work activity to determine eligibility for disability benefits, both forms are integral in assessing individuals' status to grant or continue benefits. Specifically, where the SSA-820-BK monitors employment activity that might affect disability benefits, the DD Form 137-5 monitors dependency status for military benefits, both reflecting the thorough vetting process required by federal entities.

Completing the DD Form 137-5, the Dependency Statement - Incapacitated Child Over Age 21, is crucial for military members to ensure their incapacitated child continues to receive entitled benefits. Given the gravity of accurately completing this form, here are key do's and don'ts to consider:

• Do thoroughly read the instructions before starting the form. Understanding each section is vital to provide accurate and complete information.
• Do provide detailed and accurate information about the child's medical condition, including supporting documents that establish the child's incapacity.
• Do verify the child's income and expenses over the past 12 months, as these details are critical in determining the dependency status.
• Do ensure that all questions are answered. If a particular question does not apply, indicate with "NOT APPLICABLE" or "N/A" to avoid any incomplete responses.
• Do have the form notarized once completed to validate the information provided.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records.

• Don't rush through the form. Taking your time to provide accurate and comprehensive information is crucial.
• Don't leave any sections blank unless specified to do so. Incomplete applications can delay processing and might affect the benefits.
• Don't forget to include required verification documents, such as medical assessments or financial statements, which support the claim of incapacity.
• Don't hesitate to seek assistance if you're unsure about how to fill out any part of the form. Consulting a legal advisor or a veterans' affairs office can provide clarity.
• Don't submit the form without reviewing it for accuracy and completeness. Errors or omissions can lead to processing delays.
• Don't overlook the need to report any changes in the child’s financial circumstances, marital status, physical custody, or dependency status, as required by the instructions of the form.

By adhering to these recommendations, you can ensure that the DD Form 137-5 is completed accurately and efficiently, facilitating a smoother process in securing the benefits for your incapacitated child.

Understanding the DD Form 137-5, crucial for securing benefits for an incapacitated child over age 21, can sometimes be confusing due to prevalent misconceptions. Here are seven common misunderstandings and their clarifications:

• It's Only for Biological Children: The DD Form 137-5 applies not only to biological children but also to stepchildren, adopted children, and children born out of wedlock, as long as the child is dependent on the service member for over half of their support.
• Only Active Duty Members Can Apply: Contrary to this belief, the form can be filled out by members across various statuses including Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retired, and even by a representative if the service member is deceased, ensuring a wide array of military families have access to potential benefits.
• Submission Guarantees Approval: Filling and submitting the form does not automatically guarantee approval. The entitlements requested through the form undergo a thorough review process where all provided information is verified before any benefits are granted.
• No Penalty for Non-compliance: While submission is voluntary, failing to provide complete and accurate information can lead to a suspension of dependent entitlements until proper documentation is provided, contrary to the notion that there are no repercussions for incomplete submissions.
• Legal Marriage Affects Eligibility: A common misunderstanding is that if the child has ever been married, they automatically become ineligible. However, the form itself asks if the child has ever been married, indicating that marriage status is considered in the context of dependency rather than as an automatic disqualifier.
• It's a One-Time Submission: The DD Form 137-5 requires updates should there be any changes in the child's financial circumstances, marital status, physical custody, or dependency on the service member. It isn't a one-and-done form; ongoing accuracy is required to maintain entitlements.
• Only Financial Information is Necessary: While financial details are crucial, the form also requests comprehensive data including the child's living situation, personal expenses, income, employment, and school attendance. This misinformation can lead to incomplete submissions, potentially delaying the review process.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals seeking to provide for an incapacitated child over the age of 21 through military benefits can better understand the importance of accurately and fully completing the DD Form 137-5, ensuring all required information and documentation are provided for a thorough review process.

Filling out the DD Form 137-5 is a critical step for service members in the United States who are requesting entitlements for an incapacitated child over the age of 21. This form serves as a dependency statement and aids in verifying the child's dependency status for benefits purposes. Here are six key takeaways to understand when filling out and using the DD Form 137-5:

• Thorough completion is mandatory: The form must be filled out completely and accurately. The service member or the child’s custodian, where applicable, should ensure that no section is left blank. If a question does not apply, indicating “N/A” (not applicable) is required.
• Notarization is required: Once filled out, the form must be signed and dated by the service member or the child’s custodian and notarized. This step is crucial for the form to be considered valid and processed for benefits determination.
• Income and expenses documentation: Detailed information about the child’s income and expenses over the past 12 months is necessary. Verification documents need to accompany the form to support the declared income and expenses, ensuring a smooth verification process.
• Employment and school attendance: The form requests specifics about any employment the child has engaged in, including employer name, dates of employment, and salary. Additionally, if the child has attended college since reaching age 21, this information must also be documented, indicating the nature of attendance (full-time or part-time) and the field of study.
• The importance of accuracy and honesty: It is imperative to approach this form with honesty. Falsifying information or concealing facts can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The directions clearly highlight the legal implications of submitting false information.
• Notification of changes: The form includes a section where the custodian promises to inform the concerned service department about any change in the child’s financial circumstances, marital status, physical custody, or dependency status. This ensures that the child’s entitlements are always based on the most current information.

Failure to provide complete and accurate information can lead to the suspension of the dependent entitlements until the service member can furnish the required documentation. Given the complexity and importance of the DD Form 137-5, service members are advised to seek assistance if they have any questions or need clarification on how to accurately fill out the form.