What is DEERS, and Why Is It Important?
DEERS stands for Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. This is the military's official database that recognizes you as a military dependent. Being enrolled in DEERS is the key to unlocking all your military benefits.
📌 Why DEERS Enrollment Matters:
✔ You'll receive your military ID card (this is essential for accessing everything on base).
✔ You'll be enrolled in TRICARE, the military's health insurance program.
✔ You'll gain access to on-base services like the commissary (grocery store), exchange (mini-mall), gas station, childcare centers, fitness facilities, and more through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR).
How to Enroll in DEERS
To enroll in DEERS, you'll need to visit a Pass & Tag office (this is where military IDs are issued) with the right documents.
📌 Who Needs to Be There:
✔ Your spouse (the service member)—also referred to as your “sponsor” in military terms.
✔ You—the newly minted military spouse!
While you can technically go without your sponsor (or they can go without you), this requires additional paperwork and base access. It's usually easiest to go together.
What Documents Do You Need?
Here's what you'll need to get enrolled in DEERS:
📌 1. Marriage Certificate:
- You'll need an official copy with an official seal signed by the officiant and filed with the county.
- If you can get this certificate on the day of your wedding, you can use it immediately.
📌 2. Government-Issued Photo ID:
- This could be your driver's license, passport, or state ID.
📌 3. Secondary Identification:
- This might be your birth certificate, Social Security card, or voter registration card.
📌 Important Tip About Name Changes:
If you're planning to take your spouse's last name, it's best to wait to change it with the Social Security Office and DMV until AFTER you enroll in DEERS. The Pass & Tag office will often update your name based on your marriage certificate, and changing it with Social Security beforehand could delay your ID card processing.
What to Expect at the Pass & Tag Office
Once you have your documents, head over to the Pass & Tag office.
📌 Here's what will happen:
✔ You'll submit your paperwork and have your photo taken.
✔ You'll receive your military ID card right there on the spot.
✔ You'll be officially enrolled in TRICARE for healthcare coverage.
📌 Additional Tips:
- Depending on how busy your base is, you may need to make an appointment in advance.
- You can go to any military installation's Pass & Tag office, regardless of branch. So, if your spouse is in the Navy, you can still visit an Air Force or Army base—they all issue the same IDs and use the same DEERS system.
What Happens After You're Enrolled in DEERS?
Now that you're officially in DEERS, there are a few more things to check off your list.
📌 1. Update Emergency Contact Information (“Page 2”):
Your spouse needs to update Page 2, which refers to the emergency contact information in their military records. If you're not listed, you won't be contacted in case of an emergency. This is a crucial step—don't skip it!
📌 2. Housing Allowance Updates:
Your spouse should start receiving the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at the “with-dependents” rate immediately after DEERS enrollment.
📌 3. Getting on Your Spouse's Orders (Especially for PCS Moves):
If your spouse is due for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, make sure you're added to their orders.
✔ If you're not on the orders, the military won't pay to move you, and if your spouse is going overseas, they won't sponsor you without this step.
✔ If you married far enough in advance of the PCS, you should be automatically included—but it's always good to double-check!
Final Thoughts: You've Taken the First Step into Military Life
Congratulations again on your marriage! 🎉 Getting enrolled in DEERS is your first big step into military life, and while it might feel overwhelming now, it's all part of the journey.
Remember: You're not alone. Every military spouse has been where you are right now—figuring things out one step at a time. And as you move forward, you'll gain confidence navigating the unique world of military life.
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🚀 This post is designed to guide new military spouses through their first steps with military benefits.