Changes to Fort Knox DEERS facility operations — DOD responds to COVID-19 affecting ID cards, benefits

By Fort Knox PAOApril 16, 2020

Changes to Fort Knox DEERS facility operations
The Department of Defense is committed to protecting the security of the nation and its people by issuing identification cards to individuals requiring access to government systems and facilities, and to eligible individuals authorized to receive Uniformed Service benefits and privileges by law. As a result, the Fort Knox DEERS facility is making changes to its operations to achieve the mission safely. (Photo Credit: Photo illustration by Eric Pilgrim) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. -- The Department of Defense is committed to protecting the security of the nation and its people by issuing identification cards to individuals requiring access to government systems and facilities, and to eligible individuals authorized to receive Uniformed Service benefits and privileges by law.

The department is equally committed to the safety of personnel and beneficiaries, including retirees and other high-risk populations. This includes ensuring continued access to healthcare and other benefits during this time of increasing precaution and restrictions in response to the coronavirus COVID-19.

To ensure DOD ID card offices are postured to maintain continuity of operations, and to minimize the number of non-essential required visits at DOD ID card offices, the following guidance is in effect through Sept. 30:

Common Access Cards (CAC)
  • CAC transactions shall be limited to initial issuance or reissuance of an expiring CAC within 30 days of expiration; CACs shall not be reissued due to printed information changes (e.g., promotions, name changes).
  • The policy memorandum allowing transferring DOD civilian employees to retain their CAC will be reissued.
Uniformed Services ID Cards (USID)
  • If a cardholder's affiliation is unchanged, USID cards which expired on or after Jan. 1 are authorized for continued benefit use through Sept. 30.
  • Termination of cardholder affiliation with the DOD or termination of benefit eligibility shall be verified electronically prior to confiscating an expired USID card with an expiration date on or after Jan. 1.
  • Remote USID card renewals and reissuance shall be expanded.
  • Remote family member enrollment/eligibility updates are authorized.
  • Remote USID card initial issuance for first-time issuance or replacement of lost/stolen ID card is authorized.
  • All remotely-issued USID cards shall be issued with an expiration date not to exceed one year from the date of issuance.
  • The minimum age for initial USID card issuance is increased from 10 to 14 years.
  • Continued use of the Reserve USID card to obtain active duty benefits is authorized for mobilized Reservists and their eligible dependents.

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) will continue to be the authoritative source to verify statutory eligibility for DOD Healthcare and other benefits.

For additional information regarding local policies for the Fort Knox ID Card Office, call 502-624-4401.

Appointments may be scheduled online at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil or by calling 502-624-1526.

The point of contact for this message may be reached at 502-624-1667.

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