Fill Out Your Dd 137 3 Form

What is the DD Form 137-3?

The DD Form 137-3, also known as the Dependency Statement – Parent, is used to establish the relationship and financial dependency of a parent on a member of the Uniformed Services. This form is necessary for military personnel to claim benefits for their parents, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or other allowances. It is crucial for active duty members and their dependents to fill it out accurately to avoid any disruption in benefits.

Who needs to complete the DD Form 137-3?

The service member must complete the first part of the form. If a parent is unable to fill it out due to health or physical disability, a representative can do so on their behalf. In this case, the representative must provide adequate information about their relationship with the parent and the reason for their assistance. All required items must be filled out, with proper signatures and notary verification when necessary.

What information is required on the form?

The form collects a range of information including details about the member, the parent(s), their living situation, household income, and monthly expenses. It requires specifics such as contact information, the number of individuals living in the household, and any contributions the member makes toward their parent’s support. Accurate and complete details are necessary to prevent delays in processing.

What happens if the form is incomplete or inaccurate?

Failure to complete the DD Form 137-3 properly may lead to delays in processing claims for dependent benefits. If any section of the form does not apply, the applicant should write "N/A". Missing or unclear information can result in automatic disapproval of benefits until the discrepancies are resolved.

Is submitting the DD Form 137-3 voluntary?

While the form is technically filled out voluntarily, it is important to note that without submitting the necessary information, a service member may experience a suspension of their dependent allowances. Therefore, providing accurate details on this form is essential for maintaining benefits.

What is meant by 'Fair Rental Value' (FRV) in the context of the form?

Fair Rental Value (FRV) is defined as a reasonable amount that one would expect to pay to rent a dwelling similar to the one where the parent resides. This value is crucial for those parents living in the member's home or in a residence owned by the member and helps define the support provided for benefits such as BAH. The purpose is to assess appropriate housing costs in relation to eligibility for benefits.

Where should the completed form be sent?

Once completed, the DD Form 137-3 should be returned to the local serving personnel or payroll office of the member. This is where it will be processed to evaluate dependency status and eligibility for benefits based on the information provided.

Completing the DD Form 137-3 is a critical process for determining dependency status. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen. One common error is failing to answer all questions. Each section is designed to gather essential information. Leaving questions blank can lead to delays in processing your application. If a question does not apply, simply write "NOT APPLICABLE" or "N/A." This small step can save time and avoid complications.

Another frequent issue involves incomplete or inaccurate contact information. It is vital to provide a complete address and accurate telephone numbers for both the member and the parent. Omitting any details, like apartment numbers, can hinder communication. Additionally, not including a current email address may restrict any electronic correspondence regarding your application.

Verification of income is essential. Many individuals overlook the requirement to submit proof of income, which can significantly delay the processing of the application. All sources of income must be documented clearly. For parents, this includes wages, pensions, and any government assistance. If a source of income is applicable, but not documented, it will be seen as an incomplete submission.

Many also fail to provide the necessary notarization. If a representative fills out the form for the parent, the form must be notarized. Neglecting to do so can invalidate the application. Make sure that proper signatures are obtained, and ensure the date is correctly filled out. This can trip up even the most diligent applicants.

Additionally, applicants often forget to explain any special circumstances in the Remarks section. This section is not only for extra details but also for clarifying anything unusual about the dependency claim. Whether it’s a unique relationship detail or an explanation of living arrangements, transparency is essential.

Not listing all dependents is another error. Failure to list every child and their contributions will complicate the assessment of dependency. The form requires detailed information on each child, including their monthly financial contributions. This helps to calculate the degree of dependency, ensuring accurate benefit determination.

Another mistake involves misunderstandings regarding “Fair Rental Value” (FRV). If the parent lives in a member’s home, the FRV must be estimated and explained in detail. Many applicants either miscalculate or neglect to include this information entirely. The FRV should reflect what a landlord would charge in rent.

Lastly, not adhering to the submission deadlines can lead to missed opportunities. Ensure that the completed form is returned to the appropriate personnel or payroll office promptly. Late submissions can result in denied benefits. Being proactive in this regard is beneficial for all parties involved.

The DD Form 137-3, known as the Dependency Statement - Parent, is a crucial document used to establish the dependency relationship for benefit entitlements within military families. Aside from this form, there are several other important documents commonly utilized in conjunction with the DD Form 137-3. These documents help streamline the process of verifying dependencies and facilitating associated benefits.

• DD Form 1172-2: This form is used to apply for a Uniformed Services Identification Card. It captures vital information about dependents, which is necessary for access to military facilities and healthcare services.
• DD Form 2656: The Application for a Uniformed Services Annuity form allows military members to designate beneficiaries for their retirement benefits. This ensures dependents receive appropriate benefits upon the member's passing.
• DD Form 214: This document serves as a record of military service. A member's DD Form 214 can provide context about their service and contribute to establishing eligibility for certain benefits.
• VA Form 21-526EZ: This is used to apply for veterans' benefits, including disability compensation. Dependents may need to be listed to determine eligibility for additional support.
• DD Form 724: The Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a claim form for survivors of deceased military members. It establishes dependency status necessary for compensation claims.
• DA Form 5960: This form is for requesting a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and includes information on dependents. Proper completion is essential for determining housing allowances.
• SF 1199A: The form of Authorization for Direct Deposit of Federal Benefits is used to set up direct deposits for benefits. It may require dependent information for specific payment considerations.
• Form W-2: This form shows an individual's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld, helping verify income for financial assessments related to dependent claims.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in supporting the benefits and allowances related to military dependents. Proper documentation facilitates the evaluation process and ensures that eligible families receive their entitled support without unnecessary delays.

The DD 137-3 form serves as a critical document for establishing dependency status for parents of military members. Similar in purpose and function, several other forms and documents address related issues of dependency and service entitlements. Below is a list of eight documents that share similarities with the DD 137-3:

• DD Form 1172-2: This form is used for applying for a dependent ID card and benefits for family members of military personnel. Like the DD 137-3, it requires verification of the relationship and any other necessary supporting documents to establish dependency.
• DA Form 3975: Known as the “Military Police Report,” this document can establish the status of dependents when investigations involve issues like domestic incidents. It contains details that may affect eligibility for various military benefits, similar to the DD 137-3.
• DD Form 214: While primarily a discharge document for military personnel, it often includes information about the service member’s dependents. This form assists in verifying eligibility for benefits for a member’s family, akin to the dependency verification purpose of the DD 137-3.
• VA Form 21-686c: This application for Dependency Claim for Veterans Affairs focuses on establishing the status of dependents for VA benefits. It parallels the DD 137-3 in its emphasis on verifying dependent status and the associated entitlements.
• SF 86: The Standard Form 86 is used for security clearance applications but mandates the reporting of dependents. It is similar in that it requires detailed information about family connections, especially those that might impact security risks.
• DD Form 1300: This is the Report of Casualty and is used to inform families about service members who are missing or who have died. It can provide insight into dependency claims and rights of survivors, aligning with the goal of verifying dependent relationships.
• DD Form 1351-2: This form pertains to travel reimbursements for military members, including provisions for travel authorized for family members. It often requires information similar to that found on the DD 137-3 to confirm eligibility for reimbursements or allowances based on dependents.
• Form W-4: Although primarily a tax withholding document, claiming dependents affects tax benefits. Proper documentation of dependent status is crucial for tax benefits, similar to claims made in the DD 137-3 for military benefits.

Understanding the similarities among these forms can help navigate the complexities of verifying dependent status and accessing necessary benefits. Each document plays a distinct role in ensuring that both service members and their families receive the support they need.

When filling out the DD Form 137-3, it is important to approach the process with care and attention to detail. Below are some guiding principles regarding what to do and what to avoid during this process.

• Do: Read all instructions thoroughly before starting the form.
• Do: Answer all questions completely. Include "N/A" for questions that do not apply.
• Do: Ensure all required signatures are obtained before submission, especially notarization if applicable.
• Do: Verify all income information and keep supporting documents ready for review.
• Do: Use the Remarks section to clarify any complex situations or additional information.

• Don't: Leave any sections blank. Incomplete forms will cause delays.
• Don't: Misrepresent any information. This could lead to serious consequences.
• Don't: Forget to return the completed form to the local serving personnel or payroll office.
• Don't: Overlook the deadline for submission. Timely submission is crucial for benefits.
• Don't: Ignore the need for proof of dependency. The parent must show over 50% financial dependency on the member.

By adhering to these dos and don'ts, you can navigate the filling of the DD Form 137-3 more smoothly, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your application for benefits.

• Misconception 1: The DD Form 137-3 is only for military members.

This form is specifically designed to assess parental dependency for benefits related to military service, but it applies to eligible dependents of both active duty and retired service members.

• Misconception 2: Completing the DD Form 137-3 is optional.

While filling out this form is voluntary, not submitting it will result in a suspension of dependent benefits. Therefore, timely completion is critical to maintaining entitlement to benefits.

• Misconception 3: The form can be submitted without any verification of income or support.

Verification of all income is necessary. This includes a detailed record of the member's contributions to the parent and any other financial-supporting documents.

• Misconception 4: Notarization is not necessary if the form is filled out by a representative.

It is crucial that if a representative completes the form on behalf of a parent, notarization is required to validate the submission. This ensures accountability and accuracy in claims.

• Misconception 5: The form only needs to be filled out once.

Submitting the DD Form 137-3 is often ongoing. If the member's status changes, or if the dependency status fluctuates, a new form may need to be completed.

• Misconception 6: Only financial status is considered for dependency.

The assessment of dependency is comprehensive and includes examining living conditions, household composition, and any other factors influencing the parent's need for support.

• Misconception 7: The DD Form 137-3 is universally accepted across all branches of the military.

While the DD Form 137-3 is a common form used, each military branch may have slight variations in their processes or requirements for submission. Always consult specific branch regulations for clarity.

Understanding the Dd 137 3 Form: This form is used to declare dependency for a parent of a member of the armed forces. Filling it accurately is crucial for benefit eligibility.

• Time Requirement: Expect to spend 30-60 minutes filling out this form.
• Complete All Sections: Every question must be answered. Responses like “N/A” are needed if a question does not apply.
• Notarization: If a representative fills out the form for a parent, notarization is mandatory.
• Financial Verification: Proof of income and contributions is required. This includes verification documents for all claimed income.
• Dependency Criteria: A parent must rely on the member for over 50% of their support to qualify for benefits.
• Return Location: Submit the completed form to your local personnel or payroll office.
• Review Before Submission: Incomplete or inaccurate information will delay processing and could suspend dependent entitlements.