In this chapter:

(1) The term “dependent”, with respect to a member of a uniformed service, means—

(A) his spouse;

(B) his unmarried child (including an unmarried dependent stepchild or adopted child) under 21 years of age;

(C) his dependent mother or father;

(D) a dependent designated in official records; and

(E) a person determined to be dependent by the Secretary concerned, or his designee.


(2) The term “missing status” means the status of a member of a uniformed service who is officially carried or determined to be absent in a status of—

(A) missing;

(B) missing in action;

(C) interned in a foreign country;

(D) captured, beleaguered, or besieged by a hostile force; or

(E) detained in a foreign country against his will.


(3) The term “pay and allowances” means—

(A) basic pay;

(B) special pay;

(C) incentive pay;

(D) basic allowance for housing;

(E) basic allowance for subsistence; and

(F) station per diem allowances for not more than 90 days.

Terms Used In 37 USC 551

  • Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.