A Comprehensive Resource for Service Members and Couples Ready to Take the Next Step
Marriage in the military isn’t just about love and commitment — it’s also a legal, financial, and administrative partnership recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). When you get married, your relationship isn’t only celebrated — it’s registered, protected, and rewarded through benefits that can dramatically improve your family’s quality of life.
At Get Married Today, we’ve helped thousands of active-duty and reserve members complete legal marriages and file their paperwork properly, ensuring they and their spouses receive every benefit they deserve.
Now, with our new Military Marriage and Benefits Guide, military couples can access a step-by-step roadmap that explains exactly how to register, update DEERS, and claim benefits like TRICARE, BAH, life insurance, and more — all in one place.
💍 Why This Guide Exists
Getting legally married while serving can feel complicated. Between deployments, transfers, and varying base procedures, it’s easy to miss a crucial form or delay a benefit. The Military Marriage and Benefits Guide was created to simplify that entire process — turning what could take weeks of research into a single, actionable manual.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
- Step-by-step instructions for registering your marriage with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
- Guidance on updating your Common Access Card (CAC) and spouse’s Uniformed Services ID (USID)
- Instructions on enrolling your spouse in TRICARE and Family SGLI (FSGLI)
- Full breakdown of every financial, housing, travel, and educational benefit
- Checklists for each step and official DoD contact links
🪪 Step 1: Register Your Marriage in DEERS
After you receive your certified marriage certificate, your first task is to register your spouse in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) — the official DoD database that tracks military personnel, dependents, and benefits eligibility.
🔗 Learn more about DEERS: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/
What You’ll Need
- Certified marriage certificate
- Military ID (sponsor)
- Spouse’s government-issued photo ID
- Social Security numbers
- DD Form 1172-2 (Application for ID Card / DEERS Enrollment)
You’ll schedule an appointment through the RAPIDS ID Card Office Online, usually located at your base’s Pass & ID Center or Personnel Support Detachment (PSD).
Once your spouse is enrolled, they become eligible for all military spousal benefits.
💳 Step 2: Update Your CAC and Obtain a USID for Your Spouse
Your Common Access Card (CAC) identifies you as a service member. Once your marriage is updated in DEERS, your spouse will receive a Uniformed Services ID (USID), which allows:
- Base access
- Commissary and Exchange shopping
- TRICARE healthcare verification
- On-base childcare and recreation
🔗 Learn about CAC and USID requirements: https://www.cac.mil/
Processing times for CAC/USID updates are typically 1–3 business days.
❤️ Step 3: Enroll Your Spouse in TRICARE
Once your spouse appears in DEERS, they become eligible for TRICARE — the military’s comprehensive healthcare system.
Visit https://tricare.mil to choose your plan:
- TRICARE Prime (on-base care, no cost)
- TRICARE Select (civilian provider option)
- TRICARE Reserve Select (for reserve members)
- TRICARE Dental & Vision (through BENEFEDS)
Activation usually occurs within 10 business days of DEERS update.
💰 Step 4: Update Your BAH and Pay Entitlements
Marriage changes your housing allowance — and often your paycheck.
Log in to MyPay (DFAS) or visit your Finance Office to update your status. Once processed, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will adjust from “without dependents” to “with dependents.”
Depending on your rank and location, this can add $200–$800 per month to your pay — and even over $1,000 monthly in high-cost areas like Southern California or Hawaii.
🔗 Check BAH rates here: https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm
🩺 Step 5: Update SGLI and Add Family Coverage (FSGLI)
Marriage is also the time to update your life insurance and beneficiaries.
Log into MilConnect to:
- Add your spouse as your SGLI beneficiary
- Enroll in Family SGLI (FSGLI) for spouse/children coverage
- Verify all contact details match DEERS
🔗 Learn about FSGLI: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp
⚖️ Step 6: Access Legal, Travel, and Family Programs
Being married in the military unlocks dozens of hidden benefits, including:
| Benefit | Description | Where to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistance (JAG) | Free legal help with wills, powers of attorney, and more | https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/ |
| Family Separation Allowance (FSA) | Extra pay for deployments >30 days | https://www.dfas.mil/ |
| PCS Travel Allowance | Reimbursement for relocation with spouse | https://www.move.mil/ |
| Education (MyCAA) | Up to $4,000 tuition for spouse’s career training | https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil |
| VA Spouse Benefits | Healthcare and survivor benefits after service | https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/ |
✈️ Step 7: Enjoy Travel, Relocation, and Lifestyle Benefits
Military marriage doesn’t just affect pay — it affects your entire lifestyle.
Your spouse can:
- Join you on overseas PCS assignments (when approved)
- Receive travel entitlements for moves and separations
- Use on-base lodging, recreation, and morale/welfare programs (MWR)
- Shop tax-free at the Exchange (AAFES, NEX, MCX, or CGX)
🔗 Explore MWR benefits: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/
🎓 Step 8: Educational & Career Growth for Military Spouses
One of the most valuable benefits of military marriage is career support for spouses.
Through MyCAA, military spouses can receive up to $4,000 in scholarships for education and certification programs.
Additionally, the DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program provides free coaching and résumé support.
🔗 Visit SECO: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil
💵 How Much More Will You Earn After Marriage?
Exact figures vary, but most service members see:
- BAH increase: $200–$800 monthly
- FSA (if separated): $250 monthly
- TRICARE coverage: saves thousands per year
- Tax benefits: Joint filing and deductions for housing, dependents, and relocations
Marriage isn’t just emotional security — it’s financial stability.
🧾 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering the marriage in DEERS within 30 days.
- Forgetting to update MyPay and SGLI beneficiaries.
- Failing to obtain the spouse’s USID card promptly.
- Assuming benefits activate automatically — they don’t.
- Not updating your chain of command with your marital status.
These small oversights can delay pay or healthcare for weeks.
🌍 Is It Worth Getting Married in the Military?
Yes — when it’s done for the right reasons.
Beyond love and commitment, military marriage provides stability, security, and access to benefits designed to support families.
From financial gains to healthcare, travel privileges, and education, being married within the military system makes life smoother and more predictable — especially during deployments and relocations.
As long as you take the correct administrative steps (all covered in the Military Marriage and Benefits Guide), you’ll maximize everything you’re entitled to.
🗂️ Download the Official Military Marriage and Benefits Guide
The Military Marriage and Benefits Guide by Get Married Today is your blueprint for success — written by professionals who handle same-day marriages and DEERS registration daily.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- How to schedule DEERS and ID appointments
- Required forms, timelines, and processing tips
- Links to every official DoD and VA portal
- Real-world examples from active military couples
It’s the guide every service member should own before saying “I do.”
🏛️ Official Government Resources (25 Backlinks)
- Defense Manpower Data Center – DEERS
- RAPIDS Appointment Scheduler
- TRICARE Official Site
- DFAS – MyPay
- DoD BAH Calculator
- MilConnect Portal
- VA Spouse and Family Benefits
- JAG Legal Assistance
- Move.mil – PCS Resources
- MyCAA Scholarship Program
- SECO Career Portal
- BENEFEDS Dental and Vision
- Military OneSource – Family Benefits
- Defense Travel Management Office
- Veterans Affairs – FSGLI
- Army HRC Spouse Resources
- Navy Personnel Command
- Air Force Personnel Center
- Marine Corps Administrative Resources
- Coast Guard Support Command
- U.S. Department of Defense Homepage
- National Guard Bureau Resources
- U.S. Space Force HR Portal
- Military Family Readiness Programs
- Get Married Today – Military Marriage Guide
💡 25 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon after getting married should I update DEERS?
Within 30 days to prevent interruption of healthcare or housing benefits.
2. Where do I go to update DEERS?
At your local Pass & ID or RAPIDS ID Card Office on base.
3. Do both spouses need to be present?
Yes — both must appear in person with identification.
4. How long does it take to update DEERS?
Usually 1–3 business days; sometimes up to two weeks for full benefit activation.
5. Can I register a foreign spouse?
Yes, but you’ll need their visa and government-issued ID.
6. Do we apply for TRICARE online or in person?
Online via https://tricare.mil.
7. How much does BAH increase after marriage?
$200–$800 monthly, depending on rank and zip code.
8. Is TRICARE free for spouses?
Yes for TRICARE Prime; TRICARE Select has small fees.
9. Does my spouse get a military ID card?
Yes — a USID card after DEERS enrollment.
10. How do I add my spouse to my SGLI policy?
Through MilConnect.
11. Are there education benefits for spouses?
Yes — up to $4,000 through MyCAA.
12. Does my spouse qualify for on-base housing?
Yes, once listed as a dependent.
13. Can I bring my spouse on deployment?
No, but you may be eligible for Family Separation Allowance.
14. Are there tax benefits to marriage in the military?
Yes, including deductions and joint filing benefits.
15. What if I marry overseas?
You’ll register the marriage through your base legal office or U.S. embassy.
16. Can I marry during basic training?
No — wait until after training or with command approval.
17. How do I update my address after marriage?
In MyPay and DEERS simultaneously.
18. What happens if I don’t update DEERS?
Loss or delay of benefits like healthcare and BAH.
19. Can same-sex couples register the same way?
Yes — all marriages are treated equally under DoD policy.
20. How do I access legal assistance?
Through your nearest JAG office.
21. Do I need to inform my command after marriage?
Yes — it affects readiness and pay.
22. Can my spouse get base access without me?
Yes, with a valid USID card.
23. Is TRICARE available after separation or divorce?
Only temporarily through Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP).
24. How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
From your local County Clerk’s Office or Get Married Today if married in California.
25. Where can I buy the full Military Marriage and Benefits Guide?
Right here 👉 https://getmarried.today/product/military-marriage-and-benefits-guide/
📘 Final Thoughts
Military marriage isn’t just a romantic milestone — it’s a legal status that opens doors to benefits, stability, and support systems designed to strengthen your family’s future.
Whether you’re stationed in California, overseas, or preparing for deployment, the Military Marriage and Benefits Guide from Get Married Today ensures that no step is missed — from DEERS registration to TRICARE activation and financial updates.
Get legally married. Get registered. Get every benefit you deserve.