Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/9/2008

Question
I just had a son with my girlfriend.  I know she is not eligible for any military benefits for our son.  Can she still be allowed on base to shop at the commissary for our son?  Does my newborn need an ID Card at such a young age...1 month old?  I ask because we are currently in separate states until my current assignment is complete.  Our son is already enrolled with DEERS

Answer
Dear William --

If you are named as the father on the birth certificate, you can register your son on DEERS, and get an ID card for him.  You should fill out a DD Form 1172 to register him as your family member, and authorize him an ID card. You need to get the ID for him, so that your girlfriend can take him onto post for for required medical care.  She will have to show his ID card to be able to get into certain facilities and get treatment.  I believe she will be able to shop for specific items and foods that only he would need, but please check the local regulations on PX and commissary access.

Please visit your Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Office to determine if you should create a power of attorney for your girl friend to act on your behalf for matters involving your son and his military family member benefits.  Your girlfriend may need that power of attorney use the on-post facilities in support of your son.

You will also have to register your son with Tricare, and determine  his primary care physician, and the location of his medical treatment facility.

Best of luck to you and your new family.  Thank you for your service.