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When a Child Becomes an Adult

Regulations that govern allowances for family members turn children into adults at various ages.

Turning 18: When a child reaches the age of 18, they become a full legal adult in most US localities. That may not be the case in overseas environments where the age for acquiring adult status under another country’s jurisdiction may differ significantly.

In any event, those turning 18:

• Need to be encouraged to register to vote in U.S. local, state and federal elections.
• Can join the military, receive medical care, get married, and receive a number of other adult privileges and responsibilities without parental consent.
• Need to be reminded, if they are male, to register for the Selective Service.

Some "dependent" status remains, at least in the context of the Federal Government. Children retain the status of eligible family member (EMF) until they turn 21. They would still be eligible to work in a job designated for EMFs at an overseas mission. They will still be on parents' travel orders, covered by their health insurance, and the medical services of the embassy or consulate health unit, and be eligible for evacuation for either medical or security reasons.

Graduating from High School: Education allowances stop after High School graduation, even if that comes before the child has turned 18 (DSSR 270). The education allowances pay for kindergarten through high school graduation, but not for college or for a transitional/gap year.

High school graduates living with the family abroad receive applicable post ("cost of living"), quarters allowances, R&R, and home leave allowances, until they turn 21.

If they are away from the post at college, a post-secondary accredited vocational or technical school (DSSR 283.3) in the U.S., or abroad program affiliated with the school they are attending in the U.S, the under-21 child would receive one trip per year on an educational travel allowance (DSSR 280). There are extensions to the education allowance for special needs children. (See DSSR 276.8)

If they are not residing with the family overseas and are not attending college at the undergraduate level, high school graduates between the ages of 18 and 21 would be eligible for one trip per year to visit their families at an overseas post on an allowance. (3 FAM 3750 and 3 FAH-1 H-3750--Travel of Children of Separated Families.)

Turning 21

A family member who turns 21 is no longer eligible for any allowances, coverage under the health unit, or medical or emergency evacuations. They are no longer eligible family members (EMFs).

If the employee is assigned to the States, the family member will not be included on orders for the next post. (An adult child who is incapable of being independent due to special needs can remain on parents' orders. See family member definitions in 6 FAM 111.3r.)

A child approaching the age of 21 when an employee is going to arrive at a new post may be included on the transfer orders. However, return travel to the U.S. can only be authorized if the child actually traveled to post under the transfer orders prior to reaching age 21 (6 FAM 126.4).

Generally, the first Post Assignment Travel (formerly TMFour) order issued after the 21^st birthday (whether home leave and return to post or transfer to a new post) would include the authorization for return travel to the employee's service separation residence (from the employee's most recent approved OF-126). If final travel back to the U.S. is needed earlier, advance travel in accordance with 6 FAM 126.2 may be requested.

There are a few exceptions if the family member is still in undergraduate college in the U.S. (or in an affiliated year/semester abroad program), or has served in the military. In the first case, the family member will continue to receive the education travel allowance until he/she turns 23 or graduates from undergraduate studies. If the family member has served in the military, he/she would not have been considered a dependent during his/her military service and can extend his/her period of eligibility by the number of years of service, for educational travel allowances only, provided it is established that the family member would normally live with the employee/parent if not attending college. Until age 23, a child can remain eligible for summer hire programs if he/she is still in undergraduate school and receiving the educational travel allowance.

What about health insurance coverage?

Parents need to be aware of the date when their health insurance coverage stops for family members. Usually when a child turns 22, marries, or joins the military, the health insurance company will stop coverage. The Department of State's Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) program has a Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) program whereby a child can receive temporary continued health insurance benefits for an additional cost after regular coverage ends.

To receive TCC for your child, the employee must notify his or her employer within 60 days after the child reaches 22 years of age. You may then choose a plan (for which he or she is eligible), option, and type of enrollment. A SF2809 form must be filed. The length of Temporary Continuation of Coverage is for up to 36 months after the change in status is reported. Persons eligible to participate in the FEHB TCC program must contact the Retirement Office (HR/RET) and speak with the TCC Coordinator. The Retirement Office will process the application for TCC, determine eligibility and certify TCC information.

Some insurance companies will continue a child as a dependent (until age 22) even when they are employed and have their own insurance. The parent's coverage becoming the secondary provider.

The cost of medical care is expensive these days. Not to have medical coverage, including MedEvac insurance for young adults accompanying you overseas, may be an expensive mistake.

What if they get married?

If they marry, they automatically achieve adult status across the board and would not longer be covered as a family member in any category.

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office