Same-sex spouse benefits enrollment now available Published Sept. 19, 2013 By 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- (Editor's note: Most information in this article came from http://www.dover.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=12336119. Some parts have been changed to reflect local information.) Effective Sept. 3, 2013, same-sex spouses of Service members stationed at Whiteman are allowed to apply for spousal and family benefits and entitlements, as long as members provide an original marriage license, original birth certificate, current driver's license and social security card. The Department of Defense remains committed to ensuring that all men and women who serve in the U.S. military, and their families, are treated fairly and equally as the law directs. Entitlements such as TRICARE enrollment, basic allowance for housing and family separation allowance are retroactive to the date of the Supreme Court's decision. Any claims to entitlements before that date will not be granted. For those members married after June 26, 2013, entitlements begin at the date of marriage. For civilian benefits administered government-wide to federal employees, the DOD will follow the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Labor's guidance to ensure that the same benefits currently available to heterosexual spouses are also available to legally married same-sex spouses. Although some questions are specific to members entering same-sex marriages, most of the information is applicable to anyone getting married. Frequently asked questions and answers: What do I need to bring with me to start my benefits? In order for Service members stationed at Whiteman to start their benefits, they need to bring an original marriage license, original birth certificate, current driver's license and Social Security card. What date will the benefits start? The DOD will recognize all marriages that are certified with a valid marriage license. Spousal and family benefits, including ID cards, were made available to same-sex spouses effective Sept. 3, 2013. Entitlements such as basic allowance for housing and family separation allowance are retroactive to the date of the Supreme Court's decision, June 26, 2013. Any claims to entitlements before that date will not be granted. For those members married after June 26, 2013, entitlements begin at the date of marriage. I heard that members were authorized administrative absence leave to go get married. How do I go about getting it? Commanding officers may allow military personnel in a same-sex relationship up to seven days of administrative absence for the purpose of traveling to a jurisdiction that allows same-sex couples to be married. States that recognize same-sex marriage are Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington, D.C., New York, Maryland, Maine, Washington, California, Rhode Island and Minnesota. What is the purpose of the family care plan? Do I need one? A Family Care Plan is very important for all families, and is especially critical for single parents and dual military parents. A Family Care Plan should be developed whether you expect to be deployed or not; see your first sergeant to develop a formal Family Care Plan. Taking care of these considerations now will help you and your family be prepared for any period of separation. Can I get married at the chapel on base? If so, who do I need to contact? Anyone, including those going into a same-sex marriage, is entitled to use to chapel on base to get married. As was the case before the court's ruling, a military chaplain may participate in or officiate any private ceremony, whether on or off a military installation, provided that the ceremony is not prohibited by applicable state and local law. Further, a chaplain is not required to participate in or officiate a private ceremony if doing so would be in variance with the tenets of his or her religion beliefs. For more information, call the Whiteman Chapel at (660) 687-3652. What other benefits are available, besides medical and dental? The Supreme Court's ruling means the DOD will extend benefits, including medical, dental, burial at Arlington Cemetery and with-dependent Basic Allowance for Housing to same-sex spouses of military personnel. Also, there are 20 members-designated benefits that are available to a person of the service member's choosing (i.e. insurance, death gratuity, Montgomery GI Bill). Service members can find the list at: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_dadt/Benefits_Currently_Available_Approved.pdf Will I be able to be reimbursed for my spouse's medical expenses? Yes. Entitlements for medical expenses are retroactive to the date of the Supreme Court's decision, June 26, 2013. Any claims to entitlements before that date will not be granted. For those members married after June 26, 2013, entitlements begin at the date of marriage. How will this affect retirees? Married retirees will be able to obtain ID cards for their same-sex spouses at the same time as active and reserve members can for their same-sex spouses on Sept. 3, 2013. They will also be able to elect coverage for the same-sex spouses under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Air National Guard information For questions regarding the application process for same-sex spouse benefits for ANG members, contact the 131st Bomb Wing's military personnel flight at (660) 687-7356 or the 131st Finance Office at (660) 687-3590. What are the hours of operation for the agencies I need to visit to get my benefits started? 509th Force Support Squadron (active duty) Location: Bldg. 509 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact number: (660) 687-6426 509th Comptroller Squadron (active duty) Location: Bldg. 509 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact number: (660) 687-2006 131st Bomb Wing MPF and Finance Office Location: Bldg. 3006 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact number: (660) 687-3590