DA Form 3508 is the Army application for remission or cancellation of indebtedness. It supports a request that an authorized official forgive all or part of a qualifying debt. Approval is discretionary; the form does not erase the debt merely because the soldier alleges hardship or an administrative error. [1][2]
First identify the debt and remedy
Obtain the debt notice, amount, cause, accrual dates, and collection information. Disputing whether money is owed, requesting a repayment arrangement, seeking a waiver of an erroneous payment, and requesting remission can involve different authorities. Ask the servicing finance office which procedure fits the debt before preparing a narrative.
Section 7837 permits remission or cancellation of covered indebtedness incurred while serving as an Army member when the Secretary considers that action in the United States’ best interest. The current statute is not limited simply to someone who remains on active duty when applying. Program regulations still determine eligibility and exclusions. [2]
Build a complete packet
HRC identifies Army Regulation 600-4 as the policy guidance and DA Pamphlet 600-34 as procedural guidance. Its current instructions require, at minimum, DA Form 3508, DA Form 2823, and the specified command endorsements for an in-service request. The servicing finance office reviews and endorses the packet before forwarding it for decision. [1]
- Include the debt notice and relevant leave-and-earnings statements.
- Explain how the debt arose and when you learned about it.
- Document efforts to correct an error or prevent additional debt.
- Provide accurate income, necessary expenses, assets, and obligations when claiming hardship.
- Attach orders and other records supporting the requested relief.
Use the current routing instructions
HRC distinguishes out-of-service requests, for which command and finance endorsements are not required under its posted guidance. It also warns that an old functional email account is no longer operational. Verify the current destination and secure transmission method through HRC or finance. [1]
Ask specifically whether collection continues during review and whether a separate suspension request is available. Do not assume submitting the packet stops deductions. If the debt involves family-related allowances, see BAH questions after separation from a spouse. If leaving service, review Army separation obligations; separation itself does not establish that a government debt has been forgiven.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.