DA Form 5521: NAF Emergency Data & Beneficiary Designation

DA Form 5521: NAF Emergency Data & Beneficiary Designation – If you are a Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employee working for the U.S. Army in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), exchanges, or other NAF instrumentalities, completing DA Form 5521 is an important administrative step. This form ensures your emergency contacts are on record and legally designates beneficiaries for any unpaid compensation in the event of your death.

What Is DA Form 5521?

DA Form 5521 (April 2024 edition) is officially titled Record of Emergency Data and Designation of Beneficiary for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased NAF Employee. It is prescribed by Army Regulation (AR) 215-3, Nonappropriated Funds Instrumentalities Personnel Policy.

Two main purposes:

  • Part A – Emergency Data: Records contact information for the person to notify in case of emergency or death, and the person designated to handle your estate.
  • Part B – Designation of Beneficiary: Allows you to name one or more beneficiaries (and their share percentages) to receive any unpaid compensation owed to you at the time of death.

This form helps NAF payroll offices and HR quickly disburse funds to your chosen beneficiaries rather than defaulting to your estate, which can involve probate delays and costs.

Download the Official Form Here:
DA Form 5521 PDF (Direct from Army Publishing Directorate – current April 2024 version).

Who Needs to Complete DA Form 5521?

All U.S. Army NAF employees should complete this form. It applies to civilian employees and off-duty military personnel paid from NAF sources under Army control (e.g., MWR programs, Army lodging, golf courses, bowling centers, etc.).

HR typically requires it during onboarding or as part of maintaining your personnel records. The completed form becomes a permanent document in your personnel folder.

Key Benefits of Completing DA Form 5521

  • Ensures prompt notification of your designated contacts in emergencies.
  • Provides clear legal direction for unpaid wages, leave payouts, or other compensation.
  • Allows you to update beneficiaries easily (the form cancels prior designations when a new one is filed).
  • Helps your family avoid unnecessary legal complications during a difficult time.

Note: This form is specific to NAF unpaid compensation. For other federal benefits (life insurance, TSP, etc.), separate designations may be required.

How to Fill Out DA Form 5521? (Step-by-Step)

Part A – Emergency Data:

  1. Employing NAFI Activity (your workplace/unit).
  2. Employee’s Full Name (First, Middle, Last).
  3. Date of Birth (YYYYMMDD).
  4. Person to Be Notified in Case of Emergency (name, address, email).
  5. Their telephone number (include area code).
  6. Person Designated to Handle Estate (name, address, email).
  7. Their telephone number.

Part B – Designation of Beneficiary:

  • List beneficiary name(s), address(es), relationship, and percentage share (must total 100%).
  • You can name multiple people and specify shares.
  • Sign and date the form.
  • It must be witnessed.
  • Authorizing official (usually HR) signs it.

Tips:

  • Use full legal names and current addresses.
  • Review and update the form after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of child, etc.).
  • Keep a copy for your records.

Many online tools offer fillable versions, but always use the official PDF from Army Publishing Directorate for submission.

The form is covered by the Privacy Act. Information is used for emergency notification and benefit payment purposes. Disclosure is voluntary, but failure to provide it may delay payments or result in funds going to your estate instead of chosen beneficiaries.

When and How to Update or Submit?

  • Submit to your NAF Human Resources office or supervisor.
  • Update whenever your emergency contacts or beneficiary preferences change.
  • In the event of an employee’s death, the form guides notification and payment processing.
  • AR 215-3: Nonappropriated Funds Instrumentalities Personnel Policy.
  • Your local NAF HR office or Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC).
  • Official Army Publishing Directorate for all DA forms.

Bottom Line: Taking a few minutes to complete or update DA Form 5521 provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones. It is a simple but essential part of responsible employment as a U.S. Army NAF worker.

Download DA Form 5521 Now → Official PDF Link