Chapter 6: Separation Because of Dependency or Hardship

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This Chapter action is processed at the unit level (S-1). This chapter is requested by the soldier to be discharged for Dependency or Hardship. Pursuant to para 6-3, AR 635-200, a "Dependency exists when death or disability of a member of a soldier's (or spouse's) immediate family causes that member to rely upon the soldier for principal care or support". Paragraph 6-3, AR 635-200 states that a "Hardship exists when in circumstances not involving death or disability of a member of the soldier's (or spouse's) immediate family, separation from the Service will materially affect the care or support of the family by alleviating undue and genuine hardship".

A married soldier who becomes a parent by birth, adoption or marriage (stepparent), and whose child (or children) under 18 years of age resides within the household, may apply for separation under hardship. The soldier must submit evidence that the roles of parent and soldier are incompatible and that they cannot fulfill their military obligation without neglecting the child or children.

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1-16 Counseling Required:	No (1-16a)
Medical Required:	No (1-32a)
Mental Required:	No (1-32b)
Approval Authority:	Bde Cdr (1-21c(1))
Type of discharge authorized:	Honorable

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Documents Required for Chapter:

• DA Form 4187 or Affidavit from soldier explaining Hardship or DA Form 4187 or Affidavit from soldier explaining Dependency. The DA Form 4187 will include a recommendation of approval/disapproval by the Company Commander and forwarded through the chain of command by endorsement to the approval authority. The intermediate commander(s) will either disapprove the request or recommend approval and if recommending approval, will specify which characterization of discharge is appropriate, either Honorable, or General, Under Honorable Conditions.
• Affidavit or statement from family member on behalf of the soldier substantiating the dependency or hardship claim.
• Affidavits by at least 2 agencies or individuals, other than family members, substantiating the dependency or hardship claim (i.e., Red Cross, Chaplain, or Family Physician).
• Detailed statement to establish monthly income and expenses (If the basis is financial difficulty).
• Death certificate or valid proof of death in the family (If the basis is because of a death).
• Physicians statement with diagnosis and date of disability (If the basis is because of a disability).
• If sole parenthood results from divorce or legal separation, a judicial decree or court order awarding child custody to the soldier will also be included.
• Debt avoidance counseling
• DA Form 2A
• DA Form 2-1 or ERB

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