What options do I have if I'm PCSing to Korea with an EFMP dependent who cannot travel and the needed services are not offered overseas?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:39:59 -0400

I was told by DFAS that because by dependent is a parent, I do not receive BAH for her to stay behind. She cannot travel to Korea because she is EFMP and cannot fly. They also do not offer any of the services she needs in Korea according to her EFMP packet. I am currently looking for a place for her to stay, but cannot feasibly afford it. What options do I have? I do NOT want to stay here, I WANT to PCS and go to Korea. I am not the kind of Soldier that uses my dependent as an excuse. Just trying to figure out some options here so that I can make sure that I am all set to leave. Thanks for any suggestions!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2018 9:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 09:21:33 -0400

I have never heard of that rule, and it doesn't sound right, but I also don't know anyone whose only dependent is a parent. You should dig into the finance regulation and then talk to finance, not DFAS. DFAS is not user-friendly.
If you are unable to receive bah for your dependent, you can ask for your orders he deleted on the grounds that it would place an undue financial hardship on you.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2018 9:31 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 09:31:48 -0400

While I am not an EFMP expert, something sounds 'off' about this whole situation. A dependent is a dependent is a dependent... shouldn't matter if it is a parent, spouse, or child.

The only way it would sort-of make sense is if you are PCSing with OTHER dependent family members (spouse, kids, etc.)-- basically trying to split the family and looking to receive housing allowances for both households-- but it doesn't sound like that is the case.

If your parent is listed as a dependent in your file, and if she is properly enrolled in the EFMP that should have flagged the detailers, and you should have never been assigned orders that could not comply with the EFMP unless you waived it-- but that is something you would have had to agree to. Regardless, a person with any qualifying dependent is entitled to receive BAH at the dependent's location wherever that may be.

Important questions:
Is your command being helpful at all trying to navigate this?
Are the detailers aware of your EFMP situation?
How much time to you have to figure it out? (This will determine whether or not you need to bypass steps in the normal chain of command process-- not typically recommended, but if you are within say a 2-3 month or less window of executing the orders, I would get it to the attention of senior leadership sooner rather than later. Make sure you don't blind-side your immediate leadership with it... let them help you move it forward.)

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 20 at 2018 11:14 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 11:14:43 -0400

If she is listed in your records as your dependant you are authorized BAH. Question, do you draw it now? Anyway you need to go to your local S1 and ask for assistance in getting this straight. For your personal benefit, look into the SSI/SSD that may also be afforded for her. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2018 11:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 11:19:12 -0400

Contact HRC Special Actions to talk to them about that rule. If it is actually true, find out the steps to receive an exception to policy to receive BAH. Unfortunately I’m on leave and don’t have access to my government email otherwise I would send you the POC information. There are ETPs that Soldiers can receive for BAH, I use to process them when I worked in the S-1 at Gordon, however you have to have it approved before you start your PCS move because the approval and a code is written in your orders. Your first step should be your branch manager, ask the for the POC or number for the Special Actions Section there at HRC.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 5:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 05:12:47 -0400

You need to contact Reassignments Section and have your orders amended... you should have filled out an EFMP form and would not be allowed to PCS to a location where there is no support for that dependent. DFAS has nothing to do with that, you need your orders changed, you probably will not be able to come to Korea, if they cannot support your dependent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 2:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 14:36:39 -0400

Inbox me and I'll help square you away Monday morning.