DAF Form 1971: Incapacitation Pay Guide (2026) – Air Force Reserve Component (ARC) members—Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard—who suffer an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty (LOD) may qualify for Incapacitation (INCAP) Pay. The primary document used to certify eligibility and the period of incapacitation is DAF Form 1971, Certification for Incapacitation Pay.
This official Department of the Air Force form supports claims for pay and allowances when a reservist cannot perform military duties or experiences a loss of civilian earned income due to a qualifying condition.
What Is DAF Form 1971?
DAF Form 1971 is the standardized certification document for requesting INCAP Pay. It verifies that a service member was unable to perform their military duties (or suffered lost civilian income) because of an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
Key details typically captured on the form include:
- Member’s name, rank/grade, and unit information
- Period of incapacitation
- Medical provider’s certification regarding the member’s ability (or inability) to perform military duties
- Commander or approving authority certification
- Supporting details for the claim period
The form is completed with input from the member, military medical providers, and unit leadership. It often works alongside other documents such as AF Form 469 (Duty Limiting Condition Report), an approved Line of Duty (LOD) determination (via AF Form 348), employer income statements, and medical documentation.
Download the current DAF Form 1971 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf1971/daf1971.pdf
Who Needs DAF Form 1971?
This form applies primarily to Air Reserve Component (ARC) members, including:
- Air Force Reserve (AFR) members
- Air National Guard (ANG) members serving in a qualifying duty status (e.g., Inactive Duty Training/IDT, Annual Training, or other covered periods)
INCAP Pay is not typically for Regular Air Force (active duty) members, who receive full active-duty pay and benefits during recovery. It helps bridge the gap for part-time reservists who miss drill pay or civilian wages due to a service-connected condition.
Eligibility for Incapacitation Pay
To qualify for INCAP Pay, you generally must meet these criteria (governed by DAFI 36-2910, DoDI 1241.01, and related guidance):
- Line of Duty (LOD) Determination: The condition must be incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. An approved informal or formal LOD is usually required.
- Incapacity: You are either:
- Unable to perform military duties (full pay & allowances, less civilian income), or
- Able to perform military duties but demonstrate a loss of civilian earned income from non-military employment or self-employment.
- Medical Documentation: Evidence from military or civilian providers showing the condition and its impact.
- Timely Reporting: Report the condition promptly (generally within required timelines in DAFI 36-2910) and provide supporting medical records.
Two main scenarios for entitlement:
- Unable to perform military duties — Entitled to full military pay and allowances (including incentives/special pays if otherwise eligible), offset by any civilian earnings.
- Able to perform military duties but with lost civilian income — Compensation limited to the demonstrated loss of earned income, not exceeding applicable military pay and allowances.
Claims are typically processed monthly and may require updated DAF Form 1971 for extensions. Long-term cases (beyond 12 months) often trigger referral to the Disability Evaluation System (DES).
How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 1971?
- Request the Form — Contact your Reserve Medical Unit (RMU), Guard Medical Unit, or servicing Military Treatment Facility (MTF). A military physician usually completes the medical certification portion.
- Gather Supporting Documents:
- Approved LOD determination
- AF Form 469 (Duty Limiting Condition)
- Employer’s statement of lost income (if claiming civilian income loss)
- Your earned income statements
- Relevant medical records
- Complete the Form — Fill in personal and duty information. The medical provider certifies the period and nature of incapacitation. Unit commander or designated authority reviews and certifies.
- Submit the Package — Route through your unit chain of command to the appropriate pay or personnel office (often via your Air Reserve Personnel Center or equivalent channels). Many units use electronic systems or email for submission.
Important: Do not sign the form before the last day of the claimed period. Incomplete packages are typically returned without action.
For the most accurate instructions, refer to the form itself and DAFI 36-2910, Line of Duty Determination, Medical Continuation (MEDCON), and Incapacitation (INCAP) Pay.
Common Supporting Documents and Process
- AF Form 348 — Line of Duty Determination
- AF Form 469 — Duty Limiting Condition Report
- Employer and employee income statements
- Medical provider notes and treatment records
- Unit orders or training schedules showing duty status at time of injury/illness
After submission, the package is reviewed for eligibility. Approved INCAP Pay is processed through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Extensions require updated documentation, including a new or amended DAF Form 1971.
Additional Benefits and Considerations
- Medical Care — Qualifying LOD conditions may authorize medical care at military facilities or through TRICARE.
- MEDCON Orders — In some cases, members may be placed on Medical Continuation (MEDCON) active duty orders instead of (or in addition to) INCAP Pay.
- Transition to DES — If the condition is expected to last beyond 12 months or renders you unfit, you may be referred to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).
- Appeals — LOD or INCAP decisions can be appealed through command channels or the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) if needed.
Always consult your unit commander, servicing medical provider, or pay technician for case-specific guidance, as processing can vary slightly between AFR and ANG.
Get Help with Your DAF Form 1971 Claim
- Visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site for the latest forms and instructions.
- Contact your Reserve Medical Unit, Wing Medical Group, or Personnel Office.
- Reach out to the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program for seriously wounded, ill, or injured Airmen if applicable.
- Review DAFI 36-2910 (available on e-Publishing.af.mil) for full regulatory details.
Download DAF Form 1971: Official PDF Link
Note: Policies and procedures can be updated. Always verify the most current guidance through official Air Force channels, your unit, or myFSS/myPers. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official military advice.
If you are an Air Force Reservist or Air National Guard member dealing with a line-of-duty injury or illness, start by notifying your chain of command and medical unit promptly to protect your entitlements. Proper and timely use of DAF Form 1971 is a critical step in securing the pay and benefits you’ve earned through service.