DA Form 7574: Incapacitation Pay Guide for Army Reserve

DA Form 7574: Incapacitation Pay Guide for Army Reserve – If you are a U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) or Army National Guard (ARNG) Soldier who has incurred or aggravated an injury, illness, or disease in the line of duty (ILD), you may be eligible for incapacitation pay (INCAP pay). DA Form 7574, officially titled Request and Certification for Incapacitation Pay, is the key document used to request this compensation.

This guide explains the form, eligibility, the claims process, required supporting documents, and how to download the latest version.

What Is Incapacitation Pay (INCAP Pay)?

Incapacitation pay compensates eligible Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers for lost income or inability to perform military duties due to an ILD condition. It is authorized under 37 U.S.C. §§ 204(g) and 204(h) and governed primarily by AR 135-381 and DA PAM 135-381 (updated January 3, 2021).

There are two tiers:

  • Tier 1 (37 USC 204(g)): For Soldiers unable to perform military duties. Provides full military pay and allowances (based on grade and time in service), minus any gross nonmilitary earned income. Soldiers in Tier 1 generally cannot participate in paid IDT or active duty for retirement points during the period (though correspondence courses may be allowed).
  • Tier 2 (37 USC 204(h)): For Soldiers able to perform military duties but who demonstrate a loss of nonmilitary (civilian or self-employment) earned income. Compensation is the lesser of demonstrated lost income or full military pay/allowances.

Key requirement: The condition must be in the line of duty (LOD). Claims are retroactive and typically processed monthly.

Who Is Eligible for INCAP Pay?

Eligibility generally requires:

  • Membership in the Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve.
  • An approved Line of Duty (LOD) determination for the injury, illness, or disease.
  • Inability to perform military duties or demonstrated loss of civilian/self-employment income.
  • The condition must have been incurred or aggravated in a qualifying duty status (not due to misconduct, gross negligence, unauthorized elective procedures, etc.).

Limits apply: Payments are generally capped at 6 months unless extended by higher authority (up to 12 months in some cases). Additional rules apply for students, self-employed individuals, and military technicians.

How to Use DA Form 7574?

DA Form 7574 serves as the Soldier’s request and certification. Key sections include:

  • Section I: Member information, claim statement, period of claim, and Soldier’s certification/signature. The Soldier cannot sign before the last day of the claimed period.
  • Section II: Unit Commander verification and counseling acknowledgment.
  • Additional coordination with medical providers, employer verification (for lost income), and finance processing.

Related/Supporting Forms (requirements may vary):

  • DA Form 3349 (Physical Profile).
  • Medical documentation (e.g., prior DA Form 7574-1 references, though some updates removed certain companion forms).
  • Employer statements for lost income.
  • LOD investigation results.

Claims are submitted through the Electronic Medical Management Processing System (eMMPS) in the MEDCHART platform.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing an INCAP Claim

  1. Notify your chain of command promptly and request LOD determination (per AR 600-8-4).
  2. Seek authorized medical care (MTF or Supplemental Health Care Program with DHA approval).
  3. Gather documentation: Medical records, profile, proof of lost income, training records, etc.
  4. Complete DA Form 7574 with your unit.
  5. Commander reviews and verifies.
  6. Submit packet via eMMPS.
  7. Incapacitation Review Board (IRB) reviews for recommendation.
  8. Approval authority decides (command-level for initial periods; higher for extensions).

Important Timing: Prepare in advance, but final processing requires all criteria (including end-of-period signature) to be met. Units have checklists and counseling requirements.

Download DA Form 7574

Official Download:
DA Form 7574 (PDF) – Army Publishing Directorate

Always use the most current version from the Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) or your unit’s G1/Personnel office.

Common Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I receive INCAP and VA benefits simultaneously? Generally no for the same condition while still in RC status (VA disability requires separation/release).
  • What if my claim is denied? There is an appeal process outlined in DA PAM 135-381.
  • How long does processing take? Varies; timely LOD and complete packets speed it up.
  • Do students or self-employed Soldiers qualify? Yes, with proper documentation of status and income loss.

Tips for a Successful Claim

  • Act quickly on LOD and medical authorization.
  • Maintain detailed records of medical visits, lost wages, and duty restrictions.
  • Work closely with your unit commander and medical personnel.
  • Consult DA PAM 135-381 for detailed procedures, counseling guides, and templates.

Incapacitation pay helps protect Reserve and Guard Soldiers from financial hardship after line-of-duty injuries. Understanding DA Form 7574 and the process ensures you receive entitled benefits promptly.

For official guidance, refer to:

  • AR 135-381
  • DA PAM 135-381 (January 2021)
  • Your unit’s INCAP SOP or G1