Free Dd 1561 Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Dd 1561

When military personnel find themselves separated from their families due to official duties, the Department of Defense offers a form of financial support known as the Family Separation Allowance (FSA). The DD Form 1561 is the official document used to apply for this benefit. Completing this form accurately is crucial for substantiating the entitlement and ensuring that the allowance is granted without unnecessary delay. Here, the focus is on guiding you through the steps required to fill out the DD 1561 form efficiently and correctly.

1. Start by entering the member’s name in the first field, formatted as Last, First, Middle Initial.
2. Fill in the grade of the member in the second field.
3. Provide the social security number of the member in the third field.
4. In the fourth field, specify the branch and organization to which the member belongs.
5. Mark the appropriate box in section 5 to indicate the type of FSA being claimed: FSA-T (Temporary), FSA-R (Restricted), or FSA-S (Ship).
6. Enter the complete current address(es) of dependent(s) in field 6.
7. For field 7, provide the date (DDMMYY) the member departed from their residence to the unit home station or mobilization point.
8. Section 8 requires checking boxes that apply to the member’s situation, attesting that:
• The member is not divorced or legally separated from their spouse.
• Any dependent children were not in the legal custody of another person upon receiving military orders.
• The dependent is not a member of the military service on active duty, except for spouses as noted in the form.
• The member’s sole dependent is not institutionalized for a known period exceeding one year.
• For claiming FSA for parents, confirm dependency status approval and shared residence.
• Regarding marital status, indicate whether the member was residing with their military spouse before separation due to military orders.
9. Include information about any last TDY or deployment, specifying if it was within the last 30 days from the current TDY or deployment in section 8g.
10. In section 9, the member must acknowledge their understanding of the conditions under which they must notify their commanding officer about any changes in dependency status or the location of dependents.
11. Sign and date the form to certify the information provided is accurate.

After completing Part I of the DD Form 1561, review the document for accuracy and completeness before submission. The subsequent sections of the form will be completed by a certifying officer, ensuring all data supports the member's claim for Family Separation Allowance. Submitting this form correctly is a key step in receiving the entitlement, designed to offer some financial relief during times of family separation due to military duty.

What is a DD Form 1561?

The DD Form 1561, also known as the Statement to Substantiate Payment of Family Separation Allowance (FSA), is a document used by military members to apply for FSA. The form verifies a service member's eligibility based on certain criteria and serves to provide necessary information for the processing of FSA payments.

Why is the DD Form 1561 necessary?

This form is crucial because it substantiates a member's claim for Family Separation Allowance. It collects information to evaluate the member's application for FSA, ensuring accurate and rightful payments. It also aids in creating an audit trail and maintains records for both payment validation and in the event of recovering erroneous payments.

Who is authorized to receive Family Separation Allowance?

FSA is available to military members who are on duty away from their permanent duty station, under conditions that warrant the payment. These conditions include being separated from their dependents due to military orders, such as temporary duty (TDY) or deployment, for an extended period.

What are the types of FSA mentioned in the DD Form 1561?

The form outlines three types of Family Separation Allowance: FSA-T (Temporary), FSA-R (Restricted), and FSA-S (Ship). Each type pertains to specific conditions under which the service member is separated from their dependents.

How does a service member substantiate their entitlement to FSA?

A service member substantiates their entitlement by completing the DD Form 1561, providing accurate information regarding their deployment, military orders, and dependent status. Documentation supporting the deployment and orders may also be required to validate the claim.

Is disclosure of personal information mandatory on the DD Form 1561?

While the disclosure of social security numbers and other personal information is stated as voluntary, failing to provide the requested information may result in the non-consideration of the FSA application.

What actions must a service member take if there is a change in dependency status?

Members are required to notify their commanding officer immediately upon any change in dependency status, including if dependents move to or near the duty station for an extended period. This ensures that FSA payments are accurately reflected and prevents erroneous payments.

What happens if a service member fails to notify the change in dependency status?

If a service member fails to report changes, it may lead to overpayments of FSA, for which the member could be responsible for repaying. This could also affect their record and may carry disciplinary actions for failing to comply with the requirements.

Filling out the DD Form 1561 for Family Separation Allowance (FSA) can be complex, and mistakes can easily occur if individuals are not careful. One common error comes from incomplete or inaccurate reporting of dependents' current addresses in section 6. It's crucial for members to detail complete and up-to-date addresses for all dependents to support their FSA claim. Omitting or incorrectly entering this information can lead to delays in FSA processing or even denial of the allowance.

Another frequent oversight is in section 8, relating to the certification of facts about the member's family and duty situation. Members sometimes incorrectly mark the boxes or leave this section incomplete. This part of the form is essential for verifying the eligibility criteria for FSA. For example, inaccurately stating marital status or the duty status of a dependent can misrepresent eligibility, resulting in the return of the form for correction or the incorrect disbursement of funds.

Section 9's requirement for a signature and date is often overlooked. The importance of this section lies in its function as a formal declaration of the correctness and completeness of the information provided. Skipping this step can stop the evaluation process in its tracks, as an unsigned or undated form is considered incomplete by processing standards.

Regarding the choice between types of FSA (Temporary, Restricted, Ship) in section 5, members can mistakenly select the wrong type because they misunderstand the definitions or criteria for each category. This error can significantly impact the evaluation of their application, as each FSA type has specific eligibility conditions. An incorrect selection may lead to an unwarranted denial, requiring the member to reapply with the correct information.

Lastly, an error often occurs in not updating the commanding officer through section 9 upon any change in dependency status or dependents' residency. This oversight can lead to wrongful FSA payments that the member will need to repay. Staying communicative about changes ensures the member's pay records accurately reflect their eligibility for FSA and avoids the inconvenience of recouping overpayments.

When processing the DD Form 1561, which is a Statement to Substantiate Payment of Family Separation Allowance (FSA), several other documents and forms are often required to comprehensive evaluate and process the application. These additional documents help ensure that all prerequisites are met, and the member qualifies for the FSA based on the detailed criteria set forth by the military pay system. Here's a brief overview of these complementary documents.

• DD Form 1351-2: This form, the Travel Voucher or Subvoucher, is critical for documenting official travel performed by the member, which may justify the FSA claim. It includes detailed information about the travel dates, locations, and the nature of the trip, providing an audit trail.
• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): The LES shows a detailed record of a service member's pay, entitlements, deductions, and allowances, including any FSA payments. This document can be used to verify that the member is in an appropriate pay grade and receiving entitlements according to their claim.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders: PCS orders substantiate a member's claim that they have been moved to a new duty station, potentially qualifying them for FSA if the move resulted in family separation. The orders provide the location, date, and terms of the assignment.
• Dependency Application/Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93): This form lists the service member's dependents and is necessary to establish who the FSA is intended to support. It’s vital for validating the familial relationships and dependency status referenced in the FSA application.

Together, these documents paint a full picture of the service member's situation and entitlement eligibility. They are indispensable parts of the assessment process, ensuring that FSA payments are correctly distributed to those who legitimately qualify. Each document serves a vital role in substantiating the FSA claim, contributing to a transparent, accountable, and efficient processing system.

The DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," shares similarities with the DD Form 1561 in its purpose to provide official documentation for service members. Both forms serve crucial roles in substantiating claims and benefits post-service or during active duty, respectively. The DD Form 214 is essential for veterans to access benefits, proving military service and conditions of discharge, while the DD Form 1561 substantiates entitlement to Family Separation Allowance, highlighting the service member's family setup and deployment details.

The VA Form 21-686c, "Declaration of Status of Dependents," is another document that parallels the DD Form 1561 by collecting information on dependents for benefit purposes. While the VA Form 21-686c is used to adjust veterans' benefits based on the number and status of dependents, the DD Form 1561 establishes eligibility for additional allowances due to family separation. Both forms assess and verify the dependency status to ensure accurate benefit disbursement.

Similar to the DD Form 1561 is the SF 1199A, "Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form," in its functionality for facilitating proper payment of allowances or benefits. The SF 1199A is used by individuals to start direct deposit for various federal payments, whereas the DD Form 1561 is specific to military members for Family Separation Allowance payments. Both ensure funds are accurately deposited into the rightful account, thus streamlining the payment process.

The "Leave and Earnings Statement" (LES) complements the DD Form 1561 by providing a detailed summary of a service member's pay, allowances, and deductions, including any family separation allowance sought through the DD Form 1561. The LES verifies the financial transactions related to military pay, making both documents integral for service members to manage and understand their compensation and entitlements.

The DA Form 31, "Request and Authority for Leave," connects with the DD Form 1561 through its usage in documenting leave times that might coincide with periods of family separation. This leave form, necessary for processing official leave from duty, indirectly influences the Family Separation Allowance claims, as the time away could affect eligibility or the period claimed on the DD Form 1561.

IRS Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is tangentially related to the DD Form 1561 through the reporting of taxable income, which might include family separation allowance. This connection lies in the consideration of military benefits as part of taxable income under certain conditions, making it necessary for service members to report allowances received, per the substantiation provided by the DD Form 1561, during tax season.

Another document, the DD Form 1351-2, "Travel Voucher or Subvoucher," shares a purpose with the DD Form 1561 in documenting official travel and entitlements, albeit for different reasons. Where the DD Form 1351-2 is centered around reimbursing travel expenses for military personnel, the DD Form 1561 focuses on justifying entitlement to Family Separation Allowance based on deployment or duty assignments away from family.

The SF 86, "Questionnaire for National Security Positions," while primarily a security clearance document, overlaps with the DD Form 1561 in collecting personal and family information. Both forms require detailed personal data and background information to assess eligibility and integrity, one for security clearance and the other for allowance entitlement.

Lastly, the BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) Documentation aligns with the DD Form 1561 in its role of providing financial benefits based on family status and housing needs. While BAH supports housing for service members based on dependency, location, and rank, the DD Form 1561 caters specifically to the financial offset of being separated from family due to military duty.

When filling out the DD Form 1561, which is a Statement to Substantiate Payment of Family Separation Allowance (FSA), there are several key do's and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure the process is completed accurately and efficiently. This guidance can assist service members in navigating the procedure seamlessly.

1. Review the entire form to understand what information is required before starting to fill it out.
2. Provide accurate personal information, including the service member’s full name, grade, and social security number, ensuring it matches official records.
3. Clearly indicate the type of FSA being requested by marking the appropriate box: FSA-T (Temporary), FSA-R (Restricted), or FSA-S (Ship).
4. Include the complete and current address(es) of dependent(s) as required in section 6 of the form.
5. Ensure all dates are written in the correct format (DDMMYY) as specified on the form.
6. Carefully read and mark the certifications concerning dependency status and understanding of obligations while receiving FSA.
7. Sign and date the form in Part I to verify the information provided is accurate and true.
8. Notify your commanding officer immediately of any changes in dependency status or if your dependent(s) move to or near your station for more than the specified continuous days.
9. Include any additional pages if necessary, clearly marking them as a continuation of the DD Form 1561 with appropriate references to sections being continued.
10. Consult with a superior or legal advisor if you have any doubt or questions regarding the form or your eligibility for FSA.

• Do not leave any required fields blank. If a section does not apply, clearly mark it as "N/A" to indicate it was reviewed but not applicable.
• Do not provide false or misleading information, as this could result in legal penalties, including the possibility of having to repay any funds received in error.
• Do not forget to check and double-check the certification statements before signing to confirm they apply to your situation.
• Do not disregard the importance of promptly notifying changes in circumstance that might affect your FSA eligibility.
• Do not overlook the instruction to include your commanding officer in communications regarding FSA or changes in your status.
• Do not fill out the form in a hurry; take your time to ensure all information is correct and complete.
• Do not use outdated forms; ensure that the DD Form 1561 is the current version in use by the Department of Defense.
• Do not forget to include the spouse’s SSN if claiming FSA due to the spousal military service, when applicable.
• Do not sign the form without reviewing all entered information for accuracy and completeness.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help or clarification from a personnel officer or legal advisor when needed.

Understanding the DD Form 1561, which is the Statement to Substantiate Payment of Family Separation Allowance (FSA), can sometimes be complicated due to prevalent misconceptions. It's crucial to clear up these misunderstandings to ensure military members and their families can fully benefit from the allowances they are entitled to.

Misconception 1: FSA is automatically granted to all military members. A common misunderstanding is that every service member is entitled to FSA simply by being in the military. In reality, FSA is only provided under specific conditions such as temporary duty (TDY) assignments, unaccompanied permanent change of station (PCS), or when serving aboard a ship away from the home port, as indicated in sections 10, 11, and 12 of the DD Form 1561. The member must also substantiate their entitlement to FSA through this form.

Misconception 2: Disclosure of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) is mandatory. The form does stress the importance of providing SSNs for processing; however, it makes it clear that disclosure is voluntary. Failure to provide a SSN can result in the non-consideration of FSA, a point highlighted under the Privacy Act Statement. It's a balance between privacy concerns and the practicalities of processing FSA claims.

Misconception 3: FSA entitlement is the same for all service members. The DD Form 1561 outlines different types of FSA (FSA-T, FSA-R, FSA-S) for which a member can apply, based on their specific circumstances, such as temporary duty assignments or restrictions on dependent travel. Each type has its own eligibility criteria, as detailed in sections 7 through 9, challenging the notion that FSA entitlement is uniform across all service members.

Misconception 4: FSA is only for spouses and children. While spouses and children are the most commonly acknowledged dependents, the form also allows for the claim of FSA for parents (see section 8e). This expands the definition of a dependent, accommodating a broader family structure and recognizing the diverse family needs within the military community.

Misconception 5: Claiming FSA is a one-time process. The process to claim FSA is not static. As noted in section 9, service members are required to promptly notify their commanding officer of any change in their dependency status or if their dependents move to or near their station for more than the specified duration. The need for ongoing communication emphasizes that FSA claims must be actively managed and are subject to changes in the member's or their dependents' circumstances.

Clarifying these misconceptions is essential for ensuring that service members and their families have a clear understanding of their entitlements and the processes involved in claiming the Family Separation Allowance.

Understanding the DD 1561 Form is essential for military members seeking Family Separation Allowance (FSA). FSA is designed to assist families when a service member is deployed or on temporary duty away from their usual station. Here are five key takeaways to remember when filling out and using the form.

• The authority for FSA is provided under Title 37, U.S. Code, Section 427, ensuring a legal basis for the benefit.
• Precise personal and dependent information, including Social Security Numbers and current addresses, is crucial for evaluating FSA eligibility and must be accurately provided for processing.
• FSA entitlement is dependent on the service member's circumstances, such as not being divorced or legally separated, not having dependents in the custody of another person, or not claiming FSA for a dependent who is also a military member on active duty. These conditions must be certified by the service member in Part I of the form.
• The requirement to notify the commanding officer about any changes in dependency status or dependent location is critical to maintaining the integrity of FSA payments and to avoid overpayments.
• The form serves multiple purposes, such as substantiating FSA payments, providing an audit trail, and maintaining records in the service member's pay account. Therefore, careful completion and timely submission of the DD 1561 form are paramount.

For service members, understanding and accurately completing the DD 1561 form is essential for the proper receipt of Family Separation Allowance. It not only helps in ensuring financial support during times of deployment but also in keeping service records accurate and up-to-date.