Being in a romantic relationship with someone in the military can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of military life. One crucial aspect of military relationships is the Military Fiance Form, also known as the Dependency Application (DD Form 137-3). This form is essential for military personnel who want to claim their fiancé as a dependent, which can lead to various benefits, including health insurance, housing allowances, and more.
The importance of understanding the Military Fiance Form cannot be overstated. It's a crucial step in building a life together as a military couple, and it requires careful attention to detail. In this article, we'll delve into the world of military fiancé forms, exploring what you need to know, the benefits of claiming your fiancé as a dependent, and the steps to complete the form successfully.
What is the Military Fiance Form?
The Military Fiance Form, also known as the Dependency Application (DD Form 137-3), is a document used by military personnel to claim their fiancé as a dependent. This form is required to verify the relationship and establish the fiancé's eligibility for various military benefits. The form is typically submitted to the military personnel's command or personnel office for processing.
Benefits of Claiming Your Fiancé as a Dependent
Claiming your fiancé as a dependent can have numerous benefits, including:
- Health insurance: Your fiancé may be eligible for TRICARE, the military's health insurance program.
- Housing allowances: You may be entitled to a housing allowance, which can help with the cost of living.
- Access to base facilities: Your fiancé may be able to use base facilities, such as the commissary, exchange, and fitness center.
- Education benefits: Your fiancé may be eligible for education benefits, such as the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program.
- Travel benefits: Your fiancé may be able to accompany you on official travel, including permanent change of station (PCS) moves.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to claim your fiancé as a dependent, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a military personnel in active duty, reserve, or National Guard.
- You must be in a committed relationship with your fiancé.
- You must intend to get married within a reasonable period (usually within 12 months).
- You must provide documentation to support your relationship, such as:
- Joint bank statements
- Lease agreements
- Utility bills
- Affidavits from friends and family members
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Military Fiance Form
Completing the Military Fiance Form requires careful attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Obtain the form: You can download the DD Form 137-3 from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website or obtain it from your command or personnel office.
- Gather required documents: Collect the necessary documents to support your relationship, such as joint bank statements, lease agreements, and utility bills.
- Fill out the form: Complete the form accurately and thoroughly, providing all required information, including:
- Your name and Social Security number
- Your fiancé's name and Social Security number
- Your relationship status and intent to get married
- Your fiancé's address and contact information
- Sign and date the form: Sign and date the form, and have your fiancé sign and date it as well.
- Submit the form: Submit the completed form and supporting documents to your command or personnel office for processing.
Tips and Reminders
Here are some tips and reminders to keep in mind when completing the Military Fiance Form:
- Be thorough and accurate: Make sure to complete the form accurately and thoroughly, providing all required information.
- Use black ink: Use black ink to sign and date the form.
- Keep a copy: Keep a copy of the completed form and supporting documents for your records.
- Follow up: Follow up with your command or personnel office to ensure the form is processed correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when completing the Military Fiance Form:
- Inaccurate or incomplete information: Make sure to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays or rejection.
- Insufficient documentation: Ensure you provide sufficient documentation to support your relationship.
- Failure to sign and date the form: Make sure to sign and date the form, and have your fiancé sign and date it as well.
Conclusion
Completing the Military Fiance Form is a crucial step in building a life together as a military couple. By understanding the benefits, eligibility requirements, and steps to complete the form, you can ensure a smooth and successful process. Remember to be thorough and accurate, use black ink, keep a copy, and follow up with your command or personnel office. Avoid common mistakes, such as inaccurate or incomplete information, insufficient documentation, and failure to sign and date the form.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and information about the Military Fiance Form. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to comment below.
What is the purpose of the Military Fiance Form?
+The Military Fiance Form is used to claim your fiancé as a dependent, which can lead to various military benefits, including health insurance, housing allowances, and more.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Military Fiance Form?
+To be eligible, you must be a military personnel in active duty, reserve, or National Guard, be in a committed relationship with your fiancé, intend to get married within a reasonable period, and provide documentation to support your relationship.
What documents do I need to support my relationship?
+You'll need to provide documents such as joint bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills, and affidavits from friends and family members to support your relationship.