What is DD Form 2788?
The DD Form 2788, Child Annuitant's School Certification, is a crucial document issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS). It verifies that a child annuitant is attending school full-time, which is essential for determining their eligibility for ongoing annuity payments from the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). To ensure continued benefits, this form must be completed before the end of the current school year and requires details about the child's current attendance and future educational plans.
What is DD Form 2788 used for?
DD Form 2788 is essential for managing benefits for child annuitants. Here’s what it’s used for:
- Eligibility Verification: Confirms that a child under the Survivor Benefit Plan is attending school full-time.
- Future Intent: Assures the child plans to continue full-time schooling in the next year.
- Annuity Continuation: Validates the child’s marital status and full-time student status for ongoing benefit payments.
How to fill out DD Form 2788?
- 1
Fill in Annuitant Information: Enter the deceased military member's social security number or DOD ID number, along with your own.
- 2
Enter Personal Details: Provide your name, date of birth, and, if under 18, your parent’s name and address.
- 3
Answer Attendance Questions: Indicate if you are currently attending school full-time and if you plan to continue next year.
- 4
Specify School Year Dates: Fill in the start and end dates of the school year using your school's official academic calendar.
- 5
Include Marriage Information (if applicable): If married, enter your marriage date and attach a copy of the marriage certificate.
Who is required to fill out DD Form 2788?
The DD Form 2788 is filled out primarily by child annuitants aged 18 to 22 who are unmarried and enrolled in school full-time. Legal representatives, such as parents or guardians, may also complete the form if the annuitant is not yet of legal age.
After completion, the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) will use the form to assess the child annuitant's ongoing eligibility for annuity payments. The form remains valid for the entire school year unless certain conditions change.
When is DD Form 2788 not required?
DD Form 2788 isn't required if the child annuitant graduates, gets married, or drops below full-time attendance. Additionally, if a child annuitant over 18 does not intend to attend college full-time within 150 days of graduation, submission of the form is unnecessary. There's no need for a school official's signature or transcript in these situations.
When is DD Form 2788 due?
The deadline for DD Form 2788 is annually. It remains valid for the entire upcoming school year unless the child drops below full-time attendance, graduates, or gets married. It's important to submit the form promptly to ensure continued benefits. You can use the askDFAS online upload tool to submit the form and receive digital status notifications.
How to get a blank DD Form 2788?
To get a blank DD Form 2788, simply visit our platform. The form is issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and is already pre-loaded in our editor for you to fill out. Remember, our website aids in filling and downloading, but not filing forms.
How to sign DD Form 2788 online?
To sign Form DD 2788, Child Annuitant's School Certification, you can use either a handwritten or an electronic signature. Ensure the form is signed by the annuitant or their legal representative, and if needed, include a school official's signature. For best results, check for the latest updates on the form. With PDF Guru, you can fill out the form, add your signature, and download it for your records, but remember, submission is not supported.
Where to file DD Form 2788?
To submit the DD Form 2788, you have two options: online or by mail. For online submission, use the AskDFAS upload tool on DFAS.mil.
If you prefer mailing, send the completed form to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service or fax it to the designated number. Remember to sign the form before sending it.
