My Dad Was a Veteran. Can I Join USAA?

USAA is a financial services company dedicated to the United States military community and their families. It provides tailored insurance, banking, and investment products. Membership is exclusive, based on an individual’s direct or familial connection to military service. USAA supports those who have served and their eligible family members.

Understanding Eligibility for Family Members

Eligibility for USAA membership extends beyond active duty service members and veterans to include certain family members, such as children. If your parent served in the U.S. military, your eligibility depends on their service or prior USAA membership.

A “family member” for USAA eligibility includes spouses, children, and sometimes former spouses of eligible military personnel. Children of veterans generally qualify if the veteran parent served honorably or was a USAA member. If your parent was a USAA member who held an auto or property insurance product, their children are often eligible.

If a veteran parent was eligible for USAA but never established membership, their children may not be able to join posthumously. Eligibility flows downwards from the service member or existing USAA member to their children. It does not extend upwards to parents or across to siblings. Adult children can apply for their own membership, while children under 18 can be included on a parent’s existing USAA policy.

USAA offers property and casualty insurance, banking services, credit cards, and investment products. Once an individual establishes membership, they gain access to the full suite of available products.

Gathering Necessary Information and Documents

Gathering specific information and documents is essential before applying for USAA membership. This verifies your identity and military affiliation, streamlining the process.

You will need details for the veteran parent through whom you seek eligibility, including their full name, branch of service, and dates of service. Proof of honorable service, such as the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), is the primary document. Other acceptable documents include a Discharge Certificate, military orders, or a Leave and Earnings Statement.

If you do not have the veteran’s DD Form 214, request it from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The eVetRecs system on the National Archives website offers online submission. You can also mail or fax a completed Standard Form (SF) 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” to the NPRC. When requesting records, provide the veteran’s name, service number, Social Security Number, branch of service, dates of service, and date and place of birth.

As the applicant, provide personal identification and proof of your relationship to the veteran. A birth certificate is required to establish your familial link. You must also provide your Social Security Number and a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card. If your veteran parent was a USAA member, their membership number can assist in verifying eligibility.

Submitting Your Membership Application

After compiling all necessary information and documents, submit your membership application to USAA. Online and phone application methods are available. Preparing your documentation beforehand ensures a smoother submission.

To apply online, navigate to the membership section on USAA’s official website. You will be guided to initiate the application, which may involve creating a new account. The online form prompts you to enter personal details, military affiliation, and veteran parent details. You can upload digital copies of your identification and the veteran’s service verification documents directly to the portal.

Alternatively, apply by contacting USAA over the phone. Have all gathered information and documents readily accessible. A USAA representative will guide you through the application questions and instruct you on how to submit required documentation, which might involve emailing or mailing copies.

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation. USAA reviews the provided information and documents to verify eligibility. This verification process can take a few business days, with document processing often completed within approximately three days. USAA may call if additional information or clarification is needed.