Dependent Eligibility

When Does Dependent Allowance Eligibility End?

The rules regarding eligibility of dependent children for various government benefits vary among the different entitlements and regulations, which creates confusion among our employees.

• If a child under 21 is absent from the post while attending college on Education Travel orders, the child must be removed from Post Allowance, but may be retained for LQA. If a child or other dependent are absent from the post for over 30 calendar days for any other reason, the dependent must be removed from both PA and LQA.
• A child who turns 21 while an employee is assigned to an overseas post may exercise return PCS travel to the Home of Record or alternate destination, but the travel must be exercised at the time the sponsor transfers, separates or is eligible for renewal agreement travel, whichever occurs first.
• A child who is physically or mentally incapable of self-support and who relies upon the parent(s) for over 50% of their support may continue to be a dependent past the age of 21 without being a full-time student.

Here is a short synopsis of the age at which benefits are terminated:

Updated: 12/16/2019