DoD Tinkers With Discharge Benefits Paperwork
Published Date: 5/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Defense wants your thoughts on a new form for military members or their survivors to apply for discharge benefits. They’re checking if the form is useful, clear, and not too much work to fill out. You’ve got until July 20, 2026, to share your ideas—no cost to comment, just your time!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Apply for VA Eligibility Certificate
If you are a military member or a survivor, you can use DD Form 2168 (Application for Discharge of Member or Survivor of Member of Group Certified to Have Performed Active Duty) to request a determination whether your group's civilian or contractual service is considered Active Duty. If recognized as a member of an approved group, you shall be eligible for benefits administered by the Veterans' Administration.
Paperwork Time Burden for Applicants
The Department of Defense estimates that completing DD Form 2168 takes an average of 30 minutes per response. The agency estimates 500 respondents and 500 annual responses, for a total annual burden of 250 hours; the public may comment on the collection through July 20, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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