The DD Form 93, also known as the Record of Emergency Data, is a critical document used by military service members to provide essential information regarding their emergency contacts and beneficiaries. This form ensures that the military can efficiently communicate with designated individuals in case of an emergency involving the service member. For those in the armed forces, completing the DD 93 form accurately is vital; click the button below to begin filling it out.
The DD 93 form, also known as the Record of Emergency Data, plays a crucial role for military personnel and their families. This important document helps ensure that service members have their emergency contact information and vital details readily available in case of unforeseen circumstances. By filling out the DD 93, individuals can designate who should be notified in the event of an emergency and specify critical medical information that may be necessary for treatment. Additionally, the form allows service members to indicate their preferences regarding benefits and burial arrangements, making it a key component in planning for the unexpected. Understanding how to complete and update the DD 93 form is essential for all active duty, reserve, and National Guard members, as it helps protect their loved ones and ensures that their wishes are honored during challenging times.
RECORD OF EMERGENCY DATA
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITY: 5 USC 552, 10 USC 655, 1475 to 1480 and 2771, 38 USC 1970, 44 USC 3101, and EO 9397 (SSN).
PRINCIPAL PURPOSES: This form is used by military personnel and Department of Defense civilian and contractor personnel, collectively referred to as civilians, when applicable. For military personnel, it is used to designate beneficiaries for certain benefits in the event of the Service member's death. It is also a guide for disposition of that member's pay and allowances if captured, missing or interned. It also shows names and addresses of the person(s) the Service member desires to be notified in case of emergency or death. For civilian personnel, it is used to expedite the notification process in the event of an emergency and/or the death of the member. The purpose of soliciting the SSN is to provide positive identification. All items may not be applicable.
ROUTINE USES: None.
DISCLOSURE: Voluntary; however, failure to provide accurate personal identifier information and other solicited information will delay notification and the processing of benefits to designated beneficiaries if applicable.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SERVICE MEMBER
This extremely important form is to be used by you to show the names and addresses of your spouse, children, parents, and any other person(s) you would like notified if you become a casualty (other family members or fiance), and, to designate beneficiaries for certain benefits if you die. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep your Record of Emergency Data up to date to show your desires as to beneficiaries to receive certain death payments, and to show changes in your family or other personnel listed, for example, as a result of marriage, civil court action, death, or address change.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CIVILIANS
This extremely important form is to be used by you to show the names and addresses of your spouse, children, parents, and any other person(s) you would like notified if you become a casualty.
Not every item on this form is applicable to you. This form is used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to expedite notification in the case of emergencies or death. It does not have a legal impact on other forms you may have completed with the DoD or your employer.
IMPORTANT: This form is divided into two sections: Section 1 - Emergency Contact Information and Section 2 - Benefits Related Information. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGES 3 AND 4 BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM.
SECTION 1 - EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
1. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)
2. SSN
3a. SERVICE/CIVILIAN CATEGORY
ARMY
NAVY
MARINE CORPS
AIR FORCE
DoD
CIVILIAN
CONTRACTOR
b. REPORTING UNIT CODE/DUTY STATION
4a. SPOUSE NAME (If applicable) (Last, First, Middle Initial)
b. ADDRESS (Include ZIP Code) AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
SINGLE
DIVORCED
WIDOWED
5. CHILDREN
b. RELATIONSHIP
c. DATE OF BIRTH
d. ADDRESS (Include ZIP Code) AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
a. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)
(YYYYMMDD)
6a. FATHER NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)
7a. MOTHER NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)
8a. DO NOT NOTIFY DUE TO ILL HEALTH
b. NOTIFY INSTEAD
9a. DESIGNATED PERSON(S) (Military only)
10. CONTRACTING AGENCY AND TELEPHONE NUMBER (Contractors only)
DD FORM 93, JAN 2008
PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE.
Adobe Professional X
SECTION 2 - BENEFITS RELATED INFORMATION
11a. BENEFICIARY(IES) FOR DEATH GRATUITY
c. ADDRESS (Include ZIP Code) AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
d. PERCENTAGE
(Military only)
12a. BENEFICIARY(IES) FOR UNPAID PAY/ALLOWANCES
c. PERCENTAGE
(Military only) NAME AND RELATIONSHIP
13a. PERSON AUTHORIZED TO DIRECT DISPOSITION (PADD)
14. CONTINUATION/REMARKS
15.SIGNATURE OF SERVICE MEMBER/CIVILIAN (Include rank, rate, or grade if applicable)
16.SIGNATURE OF WITNESS (Include rank, rate, or grade as appropriate)
17.DATE SIGNED
DD FORM 93 (BACK), JAN 2008
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING DD FORM 93
(See appropriate Service Directives for supplemental instructions for completion of this form at other than MEPS)
All entries explained below are for electronic or typewriter completion, except those specifically noted. If a computer or typewriter is not available, print in black or blue-black ink insuring a legible image on all copies. Include "Jr.," "Sr.," "III" or similar designation for each name, if applicable. When an address is entered, include the appropriate ZIP Code. If the member cannot provide a current address, indicate "unknown" in the appropriate item. Addresses shown as P.O. Box Numbers or RFD numbers should indicate in Item 14, "Continuations/Remarks", a street address or general guidance to reach the place of residence. In addition, the notation "See Item 14" should be included in the item pertaining to the particular next of kin or when the space for a particular item is insufficient. If the address for the person in the item has been shown in a preceding item, it is unnecessary to repeat the address; however, the name must be entered. Those items that are considered not applicable to civilians will be left blank.
ITEM 1. Enter full last name, first name, and middle initial.
ITEM 2. Enter social security number (SSN).
ITEM 3a. Service. Military: Mark X in appropriate block.
Civilian: Mark two blocks as appropriate. Examples: an Army civilian would mark Army and either Civilian or Contractor; a DoD civilian, without affiliation to one of the Military Services, would mark DoD and then either Civilian or Contractor as appropriate.
ITEM 3b. Reporting Unit Code/Duty Station. See Service Directives.
ITEM 4a. Spouse Name. Enter last name (if different from Item 1), first name and middle initial on the line provided. If single, divorced, or widowed, mark appropriate block.
ITEM 4b. Address and Telephone Number. Enter the "actual" address and telephone number, not the mailing address. Include civilian title or military rank and service if applicable. If one of the blocks in 4a is marked, leave blank.
ITEM 5a-d. Children. Enter last name (only if different from Item 1) first name and middle initial, relationship, and date of birth of all children. If none, so state. Include illegitimate children if acknowledged by member or paternity/maternity has been judicially decreed. Relationship examples: son, daughter, stepson or daughter, adopted son or daughter or ward. Date of birth example: 19950704. For children not living with the member's current spouse, include address and name and relationship of person with whom residing in item 5d.
ITEM 6a. Father Name. Last name, first name and middle initial.
ITEM 6b. Address and Telephone Number of Father. If unknown or deceased, so state. Include civilian title or military rank and service if applicable. If other than natural father is listed, indicate relationship.
ITEM 7a. Mother Name. Last name, first name and middle initial.
ITEM 7b. Address and Telephone Number of Mother. If unknown or deceased, so state. Include civilian title or military rank and service if applicable. If other than natural mother is listed, indicate relationship.
ITEM 8. Persons Not to be Notified Due to Ill Health.
a.List relationship, e.g., "Mother," of person(s) listed in Items 4, 5, 6, or 7 who are not to be notified of a casualty due to ill health. If more than one child, specify, e.g., "daughter Susan." Otherwise, enter "None".
b.List relationship, e.g., "Father" or name and address of person(s) to be notified in lieu of person(s) listed in item 8a. If "None" is entered in Item 8a, leave blank.
ITEM 9a. This item will be used to record the name of the person or persons, if any, other than the member's primary next of kin or immediate family, to whom information on the whereabouts and status of the member shall be provided if the member is placed in a missing status. Reference 10 USC, Section 655. NOT APPLICABLE to civilians.
ITEM 9b. Address and telephone number of Designated Person(s). NOT APPLICABLE to civilians.
ITEM 10. Contracting Agency and Telephone Number
(Contractors only). NOT APPLICABLE to military personnel. Civilian contractors will provide the name of their contracting agency and its telephone number. Example: XYZ Electric, (703) 555-5689. The telephone number should be to the company or corporation's personnel or human resources office.
ITEM 11a. Beneficiary(ies) for Death Gratuity (Military only). Enter first name(s), middle initial, and last name(s) of the person(s) to receive death gratuity pay. A member may designate one or more persons to receive all or a portion of the death gratuity pay. The designation of a person to receive a portion of the amount shall indicate the percentage of the amount, to be specified only in 10 percent increments, that the person may receive. If the member does not wish to designate a beneficiary for the payment of death gratuity, enter "None," or if the full amount is not designated, the payment or balance will be paid as follows:
(1)To the surviving spouse of the person, if any;
(2)To any surviving children of the person and the descendants of any deceased children by representation;
(3)To the surviving parents or the survivor of them;
(4)To the duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate of the person;
(5)If there are none of the above, to other next of kin of the person entitled under the laws of domicile of the person at the time of the person's death.
The member should make specific designations, as it expedites payment.
DD FORM 93 (INSTRUCTIONS), JAN 2008
(Continued)
ITEM 11a. (Continued) Seek legal advice if naming a minor child as a beneficiary. If a member has a spouse but designates a person other than the spouse to receive all or a portion of the death gratuity pay, the Service concerned is required to provide notice of the designation to the spouse.
NOT APPLICABLE to civilians.
Item 11b. Relationship. NOT APPLICABLE to civilians.
ITEM 11c. Enter beneficiary(ies) full mailing address and telephone number to include the ZIP Code. NOT
APPLICABLE to civilians.
ITEM 11d. Show the percentage to be paid to each person. Enter 10%, 20%, 30%, up to 100% as appropriate. The sum shares must equal 100 percent. If no percent is indicated and more than one person is named, the money is paid in equal shares to the persons named. NOT APPLICABLE to
civilians.
ITEM 12a. Beneficiary(ies) for Unpaid Pay/Allowance (Military only). Enter first name(s), middle initial, last name(s) and relationship of person to receive unpaid pay and allowances at the time of death. The member may indicate anyone to receive this payment. If the member designated two or more beneficiaries, state the percentage to be paid each in item 10c. If the member does not wish to designate a beneficiary, enter "By Law." The member is urged to designate a beneficiary for unpaid pay and allowances as payment will be made to the person in order of precedence by law (10 USC 2771) in the absence of a designation. Seek legal advice if naming a minor child as beneficiary. NOT APPLICABLE to civilians.
ITEM 12b. Enter beneficiary(ies) full mailing address and telephone number to include the ZIP Code. NOT
ITEM 12c. If the member designated two or more beneficiaries, state the percentage to be paid each in this section. The sum shares must equal 100 percent. NOT
ITEM 13a. Enter the name and relationship of the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) of your remains should you become a casualty. Only the following persons may be named as a PADD: surviving spouse, blood relative of legal age, or adoptive relatives of the decedent. If neither of these three can be found, a person standing in loco parentis may be named. NOT APPLICABLE to civilians.
ITEM 13b. Address and telephone number of PADD. NOT
ITEM 14. Continuations/Remarks. Use this item for remarks or continuation of other items, if necessary. Prefix entry with the number of the item being continued; for example, 5/John J./son/ 19851220/321 Pecan Drive, Schertz TX 78151. Also use this item to list name, address, and relationship of other persons the member desires to be notified. Other dependents may also be listed. This block offers the greatest amount of flexibility for the member to record other important information not otherwise requested but considered extremely useful in the casualty notification and assistance process. Besides continuing information from other blocks on this form, the member may desire to include additional information such as: NOK language barriers, location or existence of a Will, additional private insurance information, other family member contact numbers, etc. If additional space is required, attach a supplemental sheet of standard bond paper with the information.
ITEM 15. Signature of Service Member/Civilian. Check and verify all entries and sign all copies in ink as follows: First name, middle initial, last name. Include rank, rate, or grade if applicable. May be electronically signed (see DoD Instruction 1300.18 for guidelines).
ITEM 16. Signature of Witness. Have a witness (disinterested person) sign all copies in ink as follows: First name, middle initial, last name. Include rank, rate, or grade as appropriate. A witness signature is not required for electronic versions of the DD Form 93 (see DoD Instruction 1300.18).
ITEM 17. Date the member or civilian signs the form. This item is an ink entry and must be completed on all copies.
DD FORM 93 (INSTRUCTIONS) (BACK), JAN 2008
Filling out the DD 93 form is an important step in ensuring that your personal information is accurately recorded for military purposes. Once completed, this form will be submitted to the appropriate military authority. Make sure to have all necessary information ready before you begin, as this will streamline the process.
The DD 93 form, officially known as the Record of Emergency Data, is a crucial document used by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It collects essential information regarding a service member's emergency contacts and beneficiaries. This form ensures that, in the event of an emergency or death, the military can quickly and accurately notify the right individuals and manage any benefits that may be due.
All active duty members of the military, as well as reservists and National Guard members, are required to complete the DD 93 form. It is important for service members to update this form regularly, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Keeping this information current helps ensure that the correct individuals are notified and that benefits are distributed appropriately.
Completing the DD 93 form is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Once completed, submit the form to your unit’s personnel office for processing.
It is recommended to review and update the DD 93 form at least annually or whenever there is a significant change in your life circumstances. Events that may necessitate an update include:
Regular updates ensure that your information remains accurate and that your loved ones are properly informed during emergencies.
For more detailed information about the DD 93 form, you can visit the official Department of Defense website or consult your unit's administrative office. Additionally, many military support organizations provide resources and guidance on completing and maintaining this important document. It’s always a good idea to seek assistance if you have any questions or concerns about the process.
When filling out the DD 93 form, it is crucial to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are some common mistakes that individuals often make:
Incomplete Information: Many people fail to provide all necessary details. Missing information can lead to delays or complications in processing.
Incorrect Names or Dates: Errors in spelling names or entering the wrong dates can create significant issues. Always double-check these critical details.
Neglecting to Update Changes: Life circumstances change, such as marriage or the birth of a child. Failing to update the form can result in outdated emergency contact information.
Not Signing the Form: A common oversight is forgetting to sign and date the form. Without a signature, the document is not valid and cannot be processed.
By being aware of these potential mistakes, you can take steps to ensure that your DD 93 form is filled out correctly. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in ensuring that your wishes are honored when needed.
The DD 93 form, also known as the Record of Emergency Data, is an important document for service members. It helps ensure that the right people are contacted in case of an emergency. Along with the DD 93, several other forms and documents are commonly used to support various administrative and personal needs. Below is a list of these documents, each with a brief description.
These documents play a crucial role in managing a service member's military career and ensuring that their rights and benefits are protected. Understanding these forms can help streamline processes and improve communication within military and veteran support systems.
The DD Form 214 is a document that serves as a certificate of release or discharge from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. It provides essential information about a service member's military service, including dates of service, awards, and discharge status. Similar to the DD 93, which captures emergency contact information and beneficiary designations, the DD Form 214 is crucial for veterans as it is often required for benefits, employment, and educational opportunities. Both forms play significant roles in ensuring that service members' rights and benefits are protected after their military service concludes.
The Standard Form 2800, known as the Application for Burial Benefits, is another document that parallels the DD 93 in terms of its importance to service members and their families. This form is used to apply for burial benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Like the DD 93, it requires specific information about the service member and their family. Both documents are designed to ensure that the needs and wishes of service members and their families are met, particularly in critical situations such as death or incapacitation.
The VA Form 21-526EZ, or Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is similar to the DD 93 in that it requires detailed personal and service-related information. This form is used by veterans to apply for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Just as the DD 93 ensures that a service member's preferences regarding emergency contacts and beneficiaries are documented, the VA Form 21-526EZ ensures that veterans can access the benefits they are entitled to based on their service-related disabilities.
The DD Form 1172-2, known as the Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card, is another relevant document. This form is utilized by service members and their eligible family members to obtain identification cards that grant access to military benefits. Like the DD 93, the DD Form 1172-2 collects personal information about the service member and their dependents. Both documents serve to facilitate access to essential services and benefits, ensuring that military families are supported during and after service.
The SGLV 8286, or Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate, is also akin to the DD 93 in that it pertains to the designation of beneficiaries. This form allows service members to elect life insurance coverage and designate beneficiaries for that coverage. Similar to the DD 93, which focuses on emergency contacts and beneficiary designations, the SGLV 8286 is vital for ensuring that service members' wishes regarding their life insurance are clearly documented and honored. Both forms emphasize the importance of planning for the future and safeguarding the interests of service members' families.
When filling out the DD 93 form, which is essential for designating beneficiaries for military personnel, there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your information is accurate and complete.
Things You Should Do:
Things You Shouldn't Do:
The DD 93 form, also known as the Record of Emergency Data, is an important document for service members. However, several misconceptions surround its purpose and use. Here are six common misunderstandings:
Misconception 1: The DD 93 form is only for active-duty service members.
This is incorrect. The DD 93 form is applicable to all members of the Armed Forces, including reserve and National Guard personnel.
Misconception 2: Once filled out, the DD 93 form never needs to be updated.
In reality, service members should update the form whenever there are significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Misconception 3: The DD 93 form is only needed for deployment.
This is misleading. While it is crucial during deployment, the DD 93 form is also essential for any situation where emergency contact information is needed.
Misconception 4: The information on the DD 93 form is confidential and cannot be accessed by anyone.
This is not entirely true. While the information is protected, it can be accessed by certain military personnel when necessary for official purposes.
Misconception 5: The DD 93 form is only about emergency contacts.
While emergency contacts are a key component, the form also includes vital information about beneficiaries and other important data related to the service member's health and benefits.
Misconception 6: Completing the DD 93 form is optional.
This is incorrect. Completing the DD 93 form is mandatory for all service members and is crucial for ensuring that accurate information is available in emergencies.
The DD 93 form, also known as the Record of Emergency Data, is an important document for service members. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:
Taking the time to fill out the DD 93 form correctly can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. It is a vital step in ensuring that your emergency contacts are informed and that your wishes are respected.