Fill Out Your Dd 137 5 Form

What is the purpose of the DD Form 137-5?

The DD Form 137-5 is used to establish the dependency status of an incapacitated child over the age of 21 for military pay purposes. It helps determine the relationship between the service member and the child, as well as assess the eligibility for benefits such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and travel allowances. It contains important information that directly influences the member's entitlement to support those dependents.

Who needs to complete the DD Form 137-5?

Completion of the form is required by the service member claiming the dependent benefits. If the child resides with someone other than the member, that person can assist in filling out specific sections. In the case of the member’s death, the child or their representative can complete the form, providing necessary details as outlined in the instructions. It is crucial that all parties involved provide accurate and comprehensive information to avoid delays in processing.

What happens if I do not complete the DD Form 137-5?

Failure to submit the completed form may lead to a suspension of dependent entitlements. Without the required information, the military cannot assess the dependency status or entitlement to benefits. To avoid interruptions in support, it’s essential to provide all necessary details and documentation in a timely manner.

What kind of information is requested on the DD Form 137-5?

The form requests a range of information, including personal details about the service member, the claimed child, and financial contributions. It includes sections for documenting income, employment, household expenses, and personal expenses for the child. Additional inquiries about living arrangements, support contributions, and educational pursuits are also included. Comprehensive answers ensure that the form serves its purpose effectively.

When filling out the DD Form 137-5, individuals often make several common mistakes that can result in delays or complications in processing their claims. One significant error is failing to provide complete information in the required sections. Each component of the form is essential for determining entitlements, and leaving any question unanswered can hinder the evaluation process.

Another frequent mistake involves neglecting to notarize the form as required. The instructions explicitly state that the form must be signed and notarized. Omitting this step can lead to the form being returned for corrections, which prolongs the time needed to process benefits.

Moreover, many people underestimate the importance of documenting all requested income sources. Claimants must list all gross income received on behalf of the child. Failing to provide verification documents for these income sources can complicate the determination of dependency. It is crucial to be thorough and accurate in reporting any financial contributions.

Additionally, individuals often forget to specify the correct residency type in the appropriate section. This oversight can confuse the dependency status of the child and cause unnecessary delays. Clearly identifying the living arrangement is crucial for accurate assessment.

Lastly, a common error is not utilizing the Remarks section or providing inadequate details when required. This space is intended for clarifying answers or explaining circumstances that don’t fit neatly into the provided categories. Taking the opportunity to add context can prevent misunderstandings and assist decision-makers in the review process.

The DD Form 137-5 is a crucial document for military service members claiming dependent benefits for incapacitated children over the age of 21. To effectively manage claims and provide necessary information, several other documents are often needed. Below is a list of common forms and documents that accompany the DD Form 137-5, along with brief descriptions of each.

• DD Form 1172-2: This form is required to verify and establish entitlement for benefits for dependents. It collects information regarding dependent eligibility and must be completed for initial enrollment in military benefits programs.
• DD Form 285: This document is a related application for military family member identification cards. It provides necessary information to obtain ID cards that grant access to military facilities and services.
• VA Form 21-527EZ: This form is used to apply for pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It helps determine income eligibility and can be relevant for the financial assessments needed for dependent claims.
• Social Security Administration (SSA) Form SSA-827: This authorization form allows the release of the disabled child's medical records to the SSA. It's crucial for verifying the child's incapacity when applying for benefits.
• State-specific Guardianship or Custody Documentation: If applicable, these documents verify legal custody or guardianship. They are vital for confirming dependency status when relevant to the member's benefits claim.

Gathering these forms and documents will help ensure a smoother claims process and support the dependents' eligibility for the necessary military benefits. It’s essential to provide complete and accurate information to avoid delays in processing these claims.

• DD Form 1172-2: This document verifies eligibility for benefits for military family members. It similarly assesses dependency and relationship status and is often required for issuing military ID cards.
• DD Form 214: The DD 214 is a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Like the DD 137-5, it captures essential details about a service member’s military history, including benefits eligibility. Both forms require accurate personal and service information.
• DA Form 2-1: This is the Personnel Qualification Record for Army service members. It includes details about dependents and can be used for benefits eligibility. Like the DD 137-5, it often requires notarization.
• SF 75: The Request for Annual Leave form tracks eligibility for military leave. It shares similarities with the DD 137-5 as it demands detailed personal information and relationships to ascertain benefits.
• DD Form 2870: Known as the Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information, this form is used to enable services to verify dependent health care eligibility. Both forms are linked to dependency verification for entitlement purposes.
• VA Form 21-686c: This form registers a dependent for Veteran Affairs benefits. It also confirms relationships and support, similar to the DD 137-5, to establish eligibility for benefits.
• DD Form 2656: The data on this form assists in determining retirement pay eligibility. Like the DD 137-5, it gathers detailed information about the service member’s family and dependents.
• Form W-4: This form is used to determine tax withholding. While focused on taxation rather than military benefits, both require information regarding dependents and can influence financial entitlements based on familial status.

When filling out the DD Form 137-5, here are seven important do's and don'ts to consider:

• Do complete the form fully.
• Don't leave any questions unanswered; if a question doesn't apply, indicate as "N/A."
• Do review your information for accuracy before submitting.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form.
• Do ensure the form is notarized if required.
• Don't use vague terms; be specific in explanations and remarks.
• Do return the completed form to your local personnel or payroll office promptly.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your submission is processed smoothly and efficiently.

When dealing with the DD Form 137-5, there are several common misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Here are seven of those misconceptions, along with clarifications to help clear up any misunderstandings:

1. It is only for service members' children under 21. Many believe this form is strictly for children under 21. However, it is also used for incapacitated children over that age, provided they meet certain conditions.
2. Submitting the form is optional. Some think they can choose whether or not to submit the form. In reality, while filling it out is voluntary, failing to do so can result in a suspension of dependent entitlements.
3. The form requires a lot of information that may not be necessary. While the form does request detailed information regarding the child and the household, this information is essential for determining eligibility for benefits.
4. Notarization can be skipped if I know the child. It is a common belief that notarization isn’t crucial if you have a close relationship with the child. However, notarization is required to ensure authenticity and verification of the information provided.
5. Only one parent needs to fill out the form. Some assume that only the member or the custodial parent should complete the form. In fact, both parents may need to provide information to establish support and dependency clearly.
6. Once submitted, I don’t need to check on the status. Individuals may think that after submission, the process is complete. However, it is advisable to follow up to ensure that all information has been processed correctly and that benefits are being received.
7. The form can be submitted at any time. There is a misconception that the timing of submitting this form doesn’t matter. However, certain benefits may require the form to be submitted within specific timeframes to avoid disruptions in support.

Understanding these misconceptions about the DD Form 137-5 can help ensure a smoother process for claiming dependent benefits and avoid potential pitfalls associated with incomplete or inaccurate submissions.

The DD 137-5 form is crucial for establishing the dependency status of a child over the age of 21 who may be incapacitated. Here are some key takeaways related to filling out and utilizing this form:

• Complete Information is Essential: Members must fill out the form thoroughly. Omitting any details or providing incomplete answers can lead to delays in processing.
• Documentation Required: Verification of income and other supporting documents are necessary to substantiate claims made in the application. This includes proof of expenses and support provided by the member.
• Notification of Changes: It is the responsibility of the member and the child’s custodian to inform the appropriate military service of any significant changes in the financial or custodial circumstances related to the child.
• Notarization is Mandatory: The completed form must be signed and notarized. Failure to do so may render the application invalid and result in denial of benefits.
• Privacy and Compliance: Respondents should understand that the information collected is subject to strict privacy regulations. Providing false information can lead to severe penalties under U.S. law.