Military divorces have some considerations that don’t affect civilian divorces. One of the considerations that has to be thought about when you are going through a military divorce is the 20/20/20 rules for benefits. When miltiary spouses go through divorces, they are eligible to continue receiving military benefits if they meet specific requirements.
What is the 20/20/20 rule?
The 20/20/20 rule means that the civilian spouse and the military spouse were married for 20 years. The military spouse had to have served in the military for 20 years. The military service and the marriage must have overlapped for at least 20 years. All three of these conditions must be met if the civilian spouse is going to get any military benefits.
What benefits is a person entitled to if they meet the 20/20/20 rule?
If the civilian spouse doesn’t have employer-sponsored medical coverage, they are eligible for TRICARE or military medical care. It is possible for the civilian spouse to decline the employer-sponsored coverage in order to get the TRICARE coverage. The civilian spouse will also qualify for military ID cards. Other benefits might be possible, so it is important to understand the potential benefits.
These are only some of the many considerations for a civilian who is getting a divorce from a military member. It is crucial that you learn all about the possible ways that the divorce can affect you, such as your eligibility for military housing. Make sure that you get answers to any questions you might have about a Texas divorce before you move forward.
Source: National Military Family Association, “Benefits,” accessed Feb. 18, 2016