Form DD 93

Form DD 93 is used by military personnel and civilian contractors to identify the person(s) to be notified if the individual is incapacitated or becomes a casualty. Additionally, military personnel use this form to determine how their pay, allowances, and benefits will be distributed in these situations.

Form Sections

The form is divided into two sections:

• Section I – Emergency Contact Information
• Section II – Benefits Related Information

Service members are urged to complete as much of the form as possible while civilians will only complete the portions of the form that apply to them. The instructions on the form itself clarify which blocks are not for civilian use.

Military Use

While disclosure of the information solicited by the form is voluntary, the DoD recommends that service members provide as much information, as accurately as possible.^[2]

Emergency Notification

This section of the form is used to provide the names and addresses of the service member’s spouse, children, parents, and any other person(s) they would like notified in cases of emergency or if they become a casualty.

Allocation of Benefits

Section II of the form collects the necessary information related to the service member’s wishes with regard to the allocation of benefits that result from work related incapacity, injury, or death. Up-to-date and accurate information will help to expedite care for the service member’s family in their absence.^[3]

Civilian Use

Emergency Notification

Civilians use this form to provide the names and addresses of their spouse, children, parents, and any other person(s) they would like notified in case of emergency or if the contractor becomes a casualty.

The DoD uses this information only to expedite notification to the persons identified by the contractor. It does not have a legal impact on other forms that the contractor may have completed with the DoD or their employer.

Keeping Information Updated

It is up to each individual service member or civilian contractor to keep the information on this form updated. As personal and professional circumstances naturally evolve, it is important to update the form to reflect these changes.

When to Update

Updates can be made as needed but should be done particularly in cases like these:

• During initial entry into the service or upon employment review
• Upon reporting to a new duty station
• When ordered into periods of temporary duty in excess of 30 days
• Prior to all deployments, regardless of length
• Prior to departure on PCS orders
• Following a life-changing event such as marriage, divorce or the birth or adoption of a child

How to Sign and Submit

If this form is being signed and submitted using a military website like the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (which requires a Common Access Card to log onto), an electronic signature is acceptable and a witness is not necessary.

Paper copies must be signed in ink by the service member (or civilian contractor) and by a witness. Completed forms can be submitted at a uniformed services personnel center. If necessary, staff members there can assist with form completion and answer questions about the allocation of benefits.

FAQs

Is this form used to enroll in DoD benefits? 

No. Form DD 1172-2 is used to enroll in benefits.

How do I make a claim as a beneficiary?

If you are a surviving spouse or family member of a deceased service member, the Survivor’s Guide to Benefits is a comprehensive resource that explains next steps.

Am I required to complete this form?

Each branch of the military may have policies in place that require service members to complete this form. While disclosure of the information solicited by this form is voluntary, failure to provide accurate personal identifier information and other solicited information will delay notification and the processing of benefits to designated beneficiaries if applicable.