I am marrying a reservist and am wondering if I can claim her as a dependent since she isn’t active duty.
Also, how do I obtain BAH? Can I obtain it before vacating the barracks?
Claiming military spouse as a dependent
byu/Maleficent_Peak_8378 inMilitaryFinance
Posted by Maleficent_Peak_8378
1 Comment
She will be your dependent when she is drilling. While on active duty orders, she is not your dependent.
Each service has a slightly different process for starting BAH. Usually you take your marriage certificate to admin or finance, either in person or through whatever online portal.
In most cases, BAH starts the date you acquire a dependent (either the date you get married or when she leaves active duty if you get married while she’s on active duty). There a few exceptions. The Army is usually the branch I hear about refusing to start BAH until you leave the barracks.
See DoD FMR, Volume 7a, Chapter 26. The sections on dependents, acquired dependents, Member Married to Member, and the Reserve Component may apply.