I've read about benefits extended to military spouses for college. Is this true, and if yes, what are these benefits exactly? How do you qualify for them?
Yes, there are indeed programs and benefits available to support military spouses in pursuing higher education. A broad program is the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA), which is administered by the Department of Defense. It provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses, with a cap of $2,000 per fiscal year and a maximum of two fiscal years of financial assistance, for pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees at approved programs or schools.
To be eligible for MyCAA, you must be the spouse of an active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines service member, or a Reservist or National Guard member in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O2. However, if the National Guard/Reserve Member is on a Title 10 Military order, as reported in DEERS, spouses are eligible. Spouses married to members of the Coast Guard, including Reserve members, are not eligible.
Another resource is the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program (DEA) run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This can provide up to 45 months of benefits for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. To qualify, you must be a spouse of a service member who is permanently disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Keep in mind that these are just the federal programs. Many states and private organizations also offer scholarships or tuition assistance for military spouses. Be sure to check your home state's veterans' services website and local community resources for more opportunities. If you're close to a military base, the base's family services or support center often can provide assistance and information.
Remember, it's important to look into these benefits thoroughly to understand what you may qualify for based on your individual circumstances.
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