---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 21.5050"
title: "38"
number: "21.5050"
heading: "Application requirements for participation."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/21.5050"
---

# §21.5050. Application requirements for participation.

- (a) An individual, who is otherwise eligible to become a participant, must apply to the Service Department under which he or she serves upon forms prescribed by the Service Department and/or Secretary of Defense.
- (b) No application to participate may be made before entry upon active duty.
- (c) Each application must be submitted in time to permit the Service Department to make the required deduction from the individual's military pay for at least 1 month before the applicant's discharge or release from active duty.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), chs. 32, 36, and as noted in specific sections.

### Source

Source: 45 FR 31, Jan. 2, 1980, unless otherwise noted.