Defining a Dependent for Enlistment Purposes

For the purpose of enlisting into the United States Navy, Navy Recruiting Command must determine an applicant's potential to balance the demands of family and naval service. To properly make that determination and to ensure the applicant does not exceed the maximum number of dependents allowed, the Navy must establish the potential size of the family, and if allowed, to weigh it against the pay and benefits the applicant may be eligible.

Below, you will find who the Navy will list as a dependent for enlistment purposes.

Keep in mind the definitions does not apply to entitlement of military pay and allowances, medical care, exchange and commissary privileges, or other benefits. Such determinations are made only after enlistment or affiliation and your Recruiter shall not render opinions on future entitlements.

Who is a Dependent?

A dependent for enlistment and affiliation purposes only is defined as any of the following:

  1. A spouse by marriage, not to include a common law spouse. A spouse is not considered a dependent when the spouse is on active duty or serving as a SELRES in Reserve Component of any service. A spouse in the Individual Ready Reserve is considered a dependent.
  2. Any natural child (legitimate or illegitimate) or child adopted by the applicant, provided:
    1. the child is unmarried.
    2. is considered a dependent under the laws of the state having jurisdiction.
    3. the applicant claims the child as theirs.
    4. the applicant’s name is listed on the birth certificate as a parent.
    5. a court order establishes paternity or if any person makes an allegation of paternity that has not been adjudicated by a court.
    6. Children over the age of 18 that are claimed on applicant’s income tax return (example: children under the age of 23 that are supported while enrolled in college).
  3. Unborn child(ren). Applicants that are awaiting the birth of their unborn child(ren) or for whom a positive legal or medical paternity determination has been made are considered to be dependent(s) for enlistment and affiliation purposes.
  4. Stepchildren of the applicant or stepchildren of the applicant’s spouse.
  5. Any parent or other person who can be claimed as a dependent on the applicant’s income tax return.

Note: A child support order is required by all Active Duty and Reserve single applicants who have out of wedlock children prior to processing. The child support order must be from the state where the child resides.

WARNING: Relinquishing custody does not terminate dependency. Recruiting personnel are prohibited from having any involvement in your decision to relinquish custody of a minor dependent, or in acting upon this decision. Navy recruiting personnel must not advise, imply, or assist you with regard to the surrender of custody of a minor dependent.

If you surrender physical custody of your dependents for personal reasons, the only transfer recognized by the Navy is a valid court order that transfers physical custody and does not show intent to return the custody back to you after a temporary period. 

Single parents that transfer physical custody of minor dependents must be advised that they cannot leave for boot-camp until 90 days has elapsed from the date of custody transfer and that they may not retain, nor have the minor dependents reside with them during the term of the first enlistment.

Note: Joining the Delayed Entry Program while waiting the 90 days is authorized.

If you have any questions about the information above and for individual determination of your circumstance, see your local Navy Recruiter. Dependency waivers are authorized for eligible applicants.

Significant Policy Updates

UPDATE: As of April 13, 2011 Children over the age of 18 that are being claimed as a dependent on the applicant’s income tax return are considered to be a dependent for enlistment or affiliation purposes.

UPDATE: As of December 1, 2016, single parent applicants can join the Delayed Entry Program immediately after the signature date of the custody/support documents, but cannot ship to boot-camp until a minimum of 90 days has passed.

If you have any questions after reading the article, either contact your local recruiter, or you can ask me directly.

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