The following is an update from the DEERS project office:

The National Defense Authorization Act 2007 authorized the issuance of a permanent ID card for incapacitated dependent children and spouses of military service members (active/retired). However, final software, interpretation and implementation of the policy guidance has not been established.

The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is working on the software change and anticipates its estimated release through a DEERS/RAPIDS software upgrade in late 2007, early 2008. A requirement to verify eligibility every four years may still be necessary to ensure that the status of the incapacitated Family members has not changed.