Making A Parent A Dependant In The Military?

[honestabe]

My father needs to retire badly because of his poor health. He had 2 back surgeries for hurniated discs 4 years ago, and 3 surgies on both hands for Carpul Tunnel Syndrome around the same time. His back just went out on him, and his body is killing him with the work he's doing. I'm afraid he's going to hurt himself even worse just trying to survive. He doesn't have health insurance, and his health is deteriorating. Every day he's in more and more pain.

I'm active duty Marine Corps stationed on Camp Pendleton here in California. Does anybody else have a parent as their dependant that's active duty military? I want to make my father my dependant so that I can take care of him and prevent him from working himself into the grave rapidly. What are the rules on making him my dependant and how do I go about making him my dependant? He'll have to move down here to California, and he's fine with that.

 

[CTsupra]

Why not use your chain-of-command and find out? I think they'll give you a better answer than anybody here.

 

[zachm611]

go talk to personel or finance would be the place to go i think. well i was in the Air Force for a while but i dont know if it would be somethin different for Marines?

 

[honestabe]

Right now my battalion is going through a major inspection. And I did ask the S-1, they weren't all that sure and told me to do my own research. I figured I'd start with the forums since I know of 1 person (Navy) who is stationed on my base who's mom is his dependant. I already PM'd him. And no, he's not on this forum since he owns a MKIV.

 

[drunk_medic]

I've seen it done. There was an asian guy who lived down the street from me in base housing, and they lived with his elderly mother. The best people to ask would probably be those at the personnel center/comptroller [MPF] or a family support center on base.

 

[AF1JZ]

I think it would probably be best to start with talking to your First Sergeant. He/She should know what you need to do.

 

[zachm611]

yeah the shirt should know what to do or how to go about it..good luck and keep us updated.

 

[HIDPLANET]

I would think its the same as if you had a regular day job.
As long as the parent is not working and is dependent on you for support, you can claim them as a dependent on your taxes.

 

[honestabe]

I talked with my S-1 and they said that it's almost impossible to get the dependency package approved for a parent. They said it takes 6 months minimum and is almost always denied. And in order for my dad to move down here to live with me, I would have to pay out of pocket for the apartment because I don't rate BAH due to being only a Lance Corporal. I can't afford to rent an apartment, let alone pay for my dad's food and part of the utilities on top of that. Rent is about everything I make a month after taxes, and I have bills. I guess I'm just going to help him when I can by sending him money. I considered a contract marriage, but that would be very suspicious and my dad wouldn't get any of the medical benefits that he really needs. This sucks.

 

[AF1JZ]

It won't hurt to put in for the package anyway. Good luck and hope your father gets better.

 

[honestabe]

My dad won't get better, but thanks for the support.