The DEERS system is the centralized database for all military memebers and their families. You need to be enrolled in the DEERS system in order to receive military benefits.
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While there are many acronyms to learn in the military, DEERS is one to know by heart. It is the core of the military benefit system – without it, you wouldn’t be able to shop at the commissary, make an appointment at the clinic, or even possibly access a military installation.
That awful noise when they scan your ID card? That means that you have to update your information in DEERS.
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Registration System (DEERS) is a centralized database of personal identification information for service members and their families.
DEERS verifies eligibility for benefits such as:
Service members are automatically enrolled into DEERS when they join the military. Each dependent, however, must be enrolled separately by the service member. The service member can add a new family member into DEERS in person at any military ID card-issuing facility.
Service members are also expected to update DEERS with any change in the sponsor’s service status, change in contact information, or change in family status (marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death). This means that every time you move you will need to update your DEERS information.
You have a few options for updating your information with the exception of adding a new family member or updating a Social Security number (which must be done in person):
It is essential to keep your information up to date in DEERS or you may risk losing military benefits or may even possibly be fined. This can sometimes be overlooked, especially when a child is born.
Newborn children must be entered into DEERS immediately and as a result, are often entered before a Social Security number has been issued to them. Parents must return to a military ID card-issuing facility with the child’s Social Security card or they risk being fined.
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To speed up the registration process, be sure to bring all the necessary documentation with you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the necessary documentation, call ahead to your nearest military ID card-issuing facility.
For registering a new family member into DEERS, sponsors must bring a completed DD Form 1172 as well as the following:
To add a spouse:
To add a child:
*For a stepchild, the marriage certificate is also required
To add a child over 21 with full-time student status:
*Benefits can be extended until the child reaches the age of 23 if they are a full-time student.
To add a dependent parent:
To add a dependent ward
*All documents must be translated in English and certified.
If you have additional questions regarding the DEERS enrollment process, check out the TRICARE’s website or call your nearest military ID card-issuing facility. TRICARE has also put together a helpful fact sheet about registering in DEERS.
Alex Hopkin is a candidate for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Florida State University. Her favorite area of personal finance is helping families plan for life events such as marriage, babies, and the dreaded PCS.
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My 39 yr old daughter (divorced) suffered a stroke and now on the road to recovery. I need to ‘add a dependent ward’ and two grandchildren. Where is the best site to visit to get the DFAS Letter of Approval?
In order to enroll my stepson in deeds, does my husband’s name have to be listed on the birth certificate. In the DoD manual, it only specifies that one parent has to be listed.
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