Every active member of the military and their eligible family members must go through the DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) enrollment process. It's a critical step for accessing various military benefits like healthcare, TRICARE, and ID cards. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the essential documents required, how to enroll, and what to expect during the process.
What is DEERS?
DEERS is the database the Department of Defense uses to maintain and report information on members of the military, their families, and other eligible participants. Ensuring your details are up-to-date in DEERS is crucial for:
- Eligibility for TRICARE and other health benefits
- Obtaining ID cards for access to military installations
- Dependent educational benefits like scholarships or tuition assistance
Required Documentation for Enrollment
The following list details the documents needed for DEERS enrollment:
Active Duty Sponsor
- Military Orders or an official document proving active duty status
- Service Number or Social Security Number (SSN)
Spouse
- Marriage Certificate
- SSN Card or another proof of SSN
- Valid photo ID (e.g., Driver’s License)
Children
- Birth Certificate or legal proof of relationship
- SSN Card
- Proof of full-time student status (if over 21 and student dependent)
Other Dependents
- Documents proving legal guardianship or dependency (e.g., court orders, tax returns, etc.)
- SSN or proof of SSN
| Relationship | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Active Duty Sponsor | - Military Orders
- SSN or Service Number |
| Spouse | - Marriage Certificate
- SSN Card - Valid Photo ID |
| Children | - Birth Certificate or Legal Proof
- SSN Card - Student Status Proof (if applicable) |
| Other Dependents | - Proof of Guardianship/Dependency
- SSN or SSN Proof |
When submitting documents, originals or certified copies are typically required. Notarized copies are also acceptable for some documents. However, the sponsor (active-duty member) or a designated power of attorney must accompany family members during the initial enrollment process.
Enrollment Process
Enrolling in DEERS involves these key steps:
- Pre-Enrollment: Gather all required documents as listed above.
- In-Person Visit: Visit a RAPIDS (Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System) site. These are located at military bases or DEERS enrollment facilities.
- Verification: RAPIDS personnel will verify your documents. Ensure you have original or certified copies.
📢 Note: Ensure that the name on your military orders matches the name on all other documents to prevent delays.
- Enrollment: Once your documents are verified, your information is entered into the DEERS database. You will receive a confirmation of enrollment.
- ID Issuance: After your enrollment is processed, you and your dependents can receive military ID cards.
Updates and Changes
Updating DEERS for changes in family status (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death) involves:
- Promptly reporting changes to maintain continuous eligibility for benefits
- Gathering relevant documentation for each change
- Visiting a RAPIDS site or occasionally, for minor updates, completing an online change form if available
Keeping your DEERS information up-to-date is crucial not only for access to benefits but also for ensuring that any changes do not disrupt your family’s access to necessary services.
DEERS enrollment is not a one-time event but a dynamic process that should reflect your current military and family status. Regularly checking and updating this information ensures that you and your dependents can fully access military benefits without interruption or issues. Remember, these steps can seem daunting, but they are essential for both your service and your family's welfare during your military career. With this guide, the process should be manageable and stress-free.
What is DEERS?
+
DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) is the military’s electronic database used to maintain eligibility information for members, dependents, and other eligible persons to receive benefits like healthcare through TRICARE, ID cards, and other military-related privileges.
Can I update my DEERS information online?
+
While some minor updates like address changes or phone number updates can sometimes be done online through milConnect or other official military websites, most changes, especially those involving family status or dependents, still require an in-person visit to a RAPIDS site.
Do I need to enroll in DEERS if I’m not living near a military base?
+
Yes, even if you’re not near a military installation, you must enroll in DEERS. There are methods to do this, including via mail or having a designated power of attorney enroll on your behalf. However, changes or enrollment usually require a personal visit to a RAPIDS site eventually.
