Da Form 1559: A Comprehensive Guide For Army Personnel

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The DA Form 1559 is a crucial document for Army personnel, serving as a Request for Establishment of a Deceased Pay Account. It is used to initiate the process of setting up a pay account for a deceased service member's beneficiaries. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the DA Form 1559, exploring its purpose, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Understanding the DA Form 1559

The DA Form 1559 is a vital document that facilitates the payment of benefits to the beneficiaries of a deceased Army service member. It is essential to understand the purpose and significance of this form to ensure that the beneficiaries receive the entitled benefits in a timely manner.

Purpose of the DA Form 1559

The primary purpose of the DA Form 1559 is to request the establishment of a Deceased Pay Account, which enables the payment of benefits to the beneficiaries of a deceased service member. The form serves as a notification to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to initiate the process of setting up the pay account.

Eligibility Criteria for the DA Form 1559

To be eligible to submit the DA Form 1559, the following criteria must be met:

• The service member must have been on active duty or in an active reserve status at the time of death.
• The service member must have had a valid Social Security number.
• The beneficiaries must be eligible to receive benefits under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DA Form 1559

Completing the DA Form 1559 requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the beneficiaries receive the entitled benefits. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Download and print the DA Form 1559: Obtain the latest version of the DA Form 1559 from the Army's official website or by contacting the local personnel office.
2. Fill out Section I: Deceased Service Member's Information: Provide the service member's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death.
3. Fill out Section II: Beneficiary Information: List the names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of the beneficiaries.
4. Fill out Section III: Account Information: Provide the account information, including the account type, account number, and routing number.
5. Sign and date the form: The form must be signed and dated by the beneficiary or the authorized representative.

Submission and Processing of the DA Form 1559

Once the DA Form 1559 is completed, it must be submitted to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for processing. The form can be submitted via mail, fax, or email.

Timeline for Processing the DA Form 1559

The processing time for the DA Form 1559 typically takes 30-60 days. However, this timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the DFAS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing the DA Form 1559

When completing the DA Form 1559, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that can delay or prevent the payment of benefits. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Incomplete or inaccurate information
• Failure to sign and date the form
• Incorrect account information
• Failure to include required documentation

Consequences of Errors or Omissions

Errors or omissions on the DA Form 1559 can result in delayed or denied benefits. It is crucial to carefully review the form before submission to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

Additional Resources and Support

If you need additional support or guidance on completing the DA Form 1559, the following resources are available:

• Army's official website
• Local personnel office
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the DA Form 1559:

• Q: Who is eligible to submit the DA Form 1559? A: The beneficiaries of a deceased Army service member are eligible to submit the DA Form 1559.
• Q: What is the purpose of the DA Form 1559? A: The DA Form 1559 is used to request the establishment of a Deceased Pay Account, which enables the payment of benefits to the beneficiaries of a deceased service member.
• Q: How long does it take to process the DA Form 1559? A: The processing time for the DA Form 1559 typically takes 30-60 days.

In conclusion, the DA Form 1559 is a vital document that plays a crucial role in ensuring that the beneficiaries of a deceased Army service member receive the entitled benefits. By understanding the purpose, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step guide to completing the form, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the resources mentioned above.