Can a divorced spouse get military benefits?

Can a Divorced Spouse Get Military Benefits?

Introduction

When a military service member gets divorced, it’s natural to wonder what happens to their benefits. The good news is that in many cases, a divorced spouse can still receive some military benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of benefits that a divorced spouse may be eligible for and how to go about obtaining them.

Who is Eligible for Military Benefits as a Divorced Spouse?

To be eligible for military benefits as a divorced spouse, you must meet the following criteria:

• You were married to the service member for at least 20 years: This is known as the 20/20/20 rule. You must have been married to the service member for at least 20 years, and they must have served for at least 20 years in the military. This is the only way to be eligible for full military benefits as a divorced spouse.
• You were married to the service member for at least 15 years: If you were married to the service member for at least 15 years, you may be eligible for some military benefits, but not all of them. You’ll need to meet additional requirements, which we’ll discuss later.

Types of Military Benefits Available to Divorced Spouses

As a divorced spouse, you may be eligible for the following military benefits:

• Tricare Health Insurance: Tricare is a health insurance program for military families. As a divorced spouse, you may be eligible for Tricare coverage if you were married to the service member for at least 15 years.
• Death Gratuity: The death gratuity is a one-time payment made to the survivors of a deceased service member. As a divorced spouse, you may be eligible for this benefit if you were married to the service member at the time of their death.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free benefit paid to survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected injury. As a divorced spouse, you may be eligible for DIC if you were married to the service member at the time of their death.
• Burial Benefits: As a divorced spouse, you may be eligible for burial benefits, including a government headstone or marker and a burial flag.

How to Apply for Military Benefits as a Divorced Spouse

To apply for military benefits as a divorced spouse, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Gather Required Documents: You’ll need to gather the following documents:

  • Divorce decree
  • Marriage certificate
  • Service member’s DD Form 214 (discharge paperwork)
  • Service member’s Social Security number

• Fill Out the Application: You can apply online or by mail. You’ll need to fill out the application, which includes providing the required documents and information about your marriage and divorce.
• Submit the Application: Once you’ve completed the application, submit it to the appropriate agency:

  • For Tricare, submit the application to the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)
  • For death gratuity, submit the application to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
  • For DIC, submit the application to the Veterans Administration (VA)

Additional Requirements for Divorced Spouses

If you were married to the service member for less than 20 years, you may still be eligible for some military benefits, but you’ll need to meet additional requirements:

• Surviving Spouse Benefits: If you were married to the service member for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for surviving spouse benefits, including Tricare coverage and a burial allowance.
• Education Benefits: If you were married to the service member for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a divorced spouse, you may still be eligible for some military benefits. The key is to understand the eligibility criteria and requirements for each benefit. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can apply for the benefits you’re eligible for and receive the support and recognition you deserve.

Table: Military Benefits for Divorced Spouses

Bullets: Key Takeaways

• As a divorced spouse, you may be eligible for military benefits if you meet specific eligibility criteria.
• You must have been married to the service member for at least 20 years to be eligible for full military benefits.
• You may be eligible for some benefits if you were married to the service member for at least 15 years.
• You’ll need to gather required documents and fill out an application to apply for military benefits.
• You can apply online or by mail, depending on the benefit.