Blank Dd 137 5 PDF Template

1. What is the DD Form 137-5?

   The DD Form 137-5 is a document used by the United States Department of Defense. It's designed to determine if an incapacitated child over age 21 is eligible for military dependent benefits. This form assesses the child's relationship to the service member and their dependency status.

2. Who needs to fill out the DD Form 137-5?

   If you're a service member with an incapacitated child over the age of 21, you need to complete this form. It's also required if the service member is deceased, and in that case, the child or child's representative has to fill out the form.

3. What information is required on the DD Form 137-5?

   You'll need to provide detailed information about yourself (the service member), your child, and any other parents or guardians. This includes employment, school attendance, and income details for your child. Additionally, information about your household expenses and any contributions made towards your child's support is necessary.

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

   The estimated time to complete the form, including gathering information and reviewing instructions, ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the amount of information you have readily available.

5. Where do I submit the completed DD Form 137-5?

   Once you've completed the form, it should be returned to your local serving personnel or payroll office. They will process the form and determine if your child qualifies for dependent benefits.

6. Is completion of the DD Form 137-5 mandatory?

   Yes, if you wish to claim benefits for an incapacitated child over the age of 21. Failure to provide the required information will result in the suspension of dependent entitlements until the necessary documentation is provided and verified.

7. What happens if I don't complete the DD Form 137-5 or provide inaccurate information?

   Not completing the form or providing false information can result in a denial of benefits for your child. Additionally, knowingly providing false information could lead to penalties, including fines or imprisonment, under U.S. law.

1. Not thoroughly reviewing instructions: A common mistake is rushing through the form without carefully reading the detailed instructions provided, which can lead to errors or incomplete information.

2. Omitting necessary documents: The form requires verification of income and other details. Forgetting to attach these documents can delay the processing time.

3. Leaving sections blank: If a question does not apply, writing "NOT APPLICABLE" or "N/A" is crucial rather than leaving the space blank. This indicates that the question was read but was not relevant.

4. Failing to update information: Changes in the child's financial circumstances, marital status, or dependency status must be promptly reported. Overlooking this can affect the entitlements.

5. Incorrectly reporting income: All income must be accurately reported, including non-taxable and lump-sum payments. Misreporting, whether intentional or accidental, could have legal consequences.

6. Not using the Remarks section: Many overlook the importance of the Remarks section for providing additional details that questions on the form might not cover.

7. Errors in personal details: Simple mistakes like misspelling names, incorrect DoD ID numbers or wrong dates can cause unnecessary delays.

8. Skipping notarization: The form requires notarization, and failing to have it properly notarized is a critical oversight that makes the submission invalid.

9. Overlooking the penalty provisions: Not acknowledging or understanding the penalty provisions related to false claims can lead to severe legal consequences.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, individuals can ensure their DD Form 137-5 is filled out accurately and completely, helping to expedite the process and avoid unnecessary complications.

The DD Form 137-5 is a crucial document designed to determine the relationship and dependency status of an incapacitated child over age 21, helping to establish the child's eligibility for military benefits. Accompanying this form, several other documents are often required to complete the process, providing a comprehensive view of the child's circumstances and supporting the claim for benefits.

• DD Form 1172-2, Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment: Necessary for registering the dependent in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) for military ID card issuance.
• DDS Form 137-3, Dependency Statement - Parent: Similar to the DD Form 137-5, but used for a parent's dependency determination, providing insight into parallel processes if the servicemember is also claiming a parent as a dependent.
• Birth Certificate: An official document required to establish the child's relationship to the servicemember.
• Medical Documentation: Detailed records and letters from healthcare providers that confirm the child's incapacitation and need for care, essential for substantiating the claim.
• Proof of Guardianship or Custody: Legal documents, if any, that establish the servicemember's guardianship or custody rights over the incapacitated child, supporting the claim of dependency.
• Financial Documentation: Includes bank statements, pay stubs, and other relevant financial documents of the child and servicemember, demonstrating the child's financial dependency on the servicemember.

Together, these documents complement the DD Form 137-5, painting a full picture of the incapacitated child's situation. This holistic approach ensures that the Department of Defense can accurately assess the child's eligibility for benefits, reflecting the servicemember's responsibility and care towards their dependent. It's crucial to gather and complete these documents with care to ensure a smooth process in securing the benefits and support deserved.

• The DD Form 1172-2 (Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment) is similar because it collects personal and dependent information for the purpose of identifying eligibility for military benefits, similar to how the DD Form 137-5 collects information to determine a child's dependency status and entitlements.

• The VA Form 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) shares similarities as both forms are used to establish the dependency status of family members for benefits purposes, albeit the VA form is specifically targeted towards veterans' benefits.

• The I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA) parallels the DD Form 137-5 in that both require the sponsor to provide detailed financial information to ensure the dependent or immigrant will not become a public charge.

• The SSA-632 (Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery or Change in Repayment Rate) is somewhat similar, as it also requires providing detailed financial information and a statement of expenses, much like the financial documentation needed for the DD Form 137-5.

• The HUD-50058 (Family Report) form resembles the DD Form 137-5 because it collects family and income information to determine eligibility and benefits for HUD programs, similar to how DD Form 137-5 assesses benefits eligibility based on dependency status.

• The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) shares similarities with the DD Form 137-5 in the sense that both require detailed financial information from applicants to determine eligibility for financial aid, although for different programs and benefits.

• The IRS Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) can be related to the income verification aspect of the DD Form 137-5, requiring detailed disclosures of income and financial status for different purposes.

• The DS-2029 (Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America) also gathers detailed family and personal information to establish citizenship, similar to how DD Form 137-5 establishes dependent status for military benefits.

• The CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information) is similar in the aspect of verifying employment and income details for Medicare purposes, akin to the income verification aspect of the DD Form 137-5 for determining benefits eligibility.

• The FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) in family law proceedings shares similarities with the DD Form 137-5, as both provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s financial situation to assess child support, alimony, or benefits eligibility.

Filling out the DD Form 137-5, the Dependency Statement - Incapacitated Child Over Age 21, is a crucial process for service members to ensure their incapacitated dependents receive the benefits and entitlements they deserve. It's important to approach this form thoughtfully, providing accurate and comprehensive information. Below are four dos and four don'ts to keep in mind during this process.

Do:

• Read the instructions carefully. Before you start filling out the form, take the time to thoroughly read through the instructions provided. This ensures you understand what information is required and how to provide it correctly.
• Answer all questions truthfully and completely. If a question does not apply to you or your situation, explicitly write "NOT APPLICABLE" or "N/A." Never leave a field blank, as this could cause delays or issues in processing the form.
• Provide proof of income and expenses. Since the form requires verification of income and certain expenses, be prepared with the necessary documentation. This includes but is not limited to tax returns, pay stubs, and receipts.
• Have the form notarized. After completing the form, don't forget to sign it in the presence of a notary public. This step is mandatory and validates the authenticity of your submission.

Don't:

• Skip questions or provide incomplete answers. Doing so can significantly delay the processing time or even result in the denial of benefits. If you're unsure about how to answer a question, seek clarification rather than leaving it unanswered.
• Forget to update the information if circumstances change. If there's a change in the child's financial situation, marital status, or dependency, it's essential to update the information promptly.
• Esign or leave sections intended for official use. Certain parts of the form may be designated for use by officials only. Be sure not to fill these sections out or sign them unless specifically instructed to do so.
• Submit without double-checking for accuracy. Once you believe you've completed the form, take the time to review it thoroughly. Ensure all information is accurate and that there are no contradictions or missing documents.

When it comes to the DD Form 137-5, "Dependency Statement - Incapacitated Child Over Age 21," there are several misconceptions that often arise due to its complexity and the specificity required in its completion. Below are six common misconceptions and clarifications to help demystify the process and ensure accurate understanding.

• Only military personnel can complete the form: While it is designed to assess dependency for military benefits, if the service member is deceased, the child or child's custodian can complete the form, ensuring all necessary information reflects the 12 months prior to the member's death.
• It's only about financial support: While financial dependency is a significant aspect, the form also considers the child’s living situation, health care coverage, and other forms of support such as education and employment status, offering a holistic view of the child's dependency status.
• Completion guarantees approval of benefits: Completing the DD Form 137-5 is a necessary step, but not a guarantee for approval. It initiates the process by providing required documentation. The approval depends on a thorough review of the provided evidence against the criteria set by the governing bodies.
• No penalty for not updating information: There is a stern warning on the form about the legal implications of failing to update any change in the child's financial circumstances, marital status, or dependency status. Accurate and current information is crucial for maintaining entitlements.
• Personal expenses don’t need to be detailed: Contrary to what some might think, detailing the child's personal expenses, regardless of who pays for them, is crucial. This includes clothing, personal taxes, and educational expenses, among others, to accurately determine the dependency status.
• The form is only for determining Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): While BAH is a significant aspect, the form's purpose extends to assessing eligibility for a broader range of authorized benefits, including travel allowances and medical care, emphasizing the form's role in ensuring comprehensive support for incapacitated dependents over age 21.

In navigating the complexities of the DD Form 137-5, understanding these misconceptions is pivotal. Accurately completing the form not only supports the due process but also significantly contributes to securing the well-deserved benefits for the dependents, hence the importance of meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the guidelines provided.

Filling out the DD Form 137-5 accurately is essential for members of the armed forces who are seeking to establish the dependency of an incapacitated child over the age of 21. This form plays a crucial role in determining the child's eligibility for certain military benefits. Here are nine key takeaways to remember when completing and using the DD Form 137-5:

• The purpose of the DD Form 137-5 is to verify the dependency status of an incapacitated child over age 21, allowing them to receive benefits from the military.
• The form requires detailed information regarding the child's living situation, income, employment history, and educational background to assess dependency accurately.
• It is mandatory for the service member, or the child's representative if the service member is deceased, to complete and sign the form. Additionally, notarization of the form is required to certify the authenticity of the information provided.
• Disclosure of the information on the DD Form 137-5 is voluntary, but failing to provide the requested details will result in a suspension of dependent entitlements until the necessary information is submitted.
• Information concerning any other parent of the child, including their military status and any benefits claimed, must be thoroughly documented.
• Verification documents for the child’s income and expenses are required to support the claims made in the form.
• When documenting the child's income and employment, all sources, including wages, benefits, and contributions from others, must be disclosed to ensure an accurate evaluation of dependency.
• Should the incapacitated child reside in a hospital or institution, specific information regarding their stay, including expenses and payment sources, must be provided in detail.
• Upon completion and submission of the DD Form 137-5, the service member commits to notifying the respective service department of any changes to the child's financial circumstances, marital status, physical custody, or dependency status.

Remember, meticulous attention to detail and full disclosure are vital when filling out the DD Form 137-5 to ensure that incapacitated dependents receive the support and benefits they are entitled to.