Hi all! Quick question here... my partner is thinking about enlisting and I've heard that the military sometimes covers college tuition for spouses. Is this the case? If so, how does it work and are there any limitations to know about? Thanks!
Absolutely, there are programs available that offer financial assistance for spouses of military members. Here's a quick outline:
1. MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account): This program provides up to $4,000 over 2 years to spouses of service members on active duty at pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who are pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees at accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools. It does not apply to bachelor's or master's degrees.
2. Post 9/11 GI Bill: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits under this bill that can be transferred to spouses or children. The service member must have at least six years of service, and agree to an additional four years of service. This program can help cover tuition, housing, and books at most public and private colleges, up to an annual maximum amount.
Limitations to these include: They can't be used for every type of school or program, the amount of support may not cover all costs, and you might need to meet certain military service or length-of-marriage criteria. Also, remember that using these benefits may have tax implications which you'll want to consider.
So my suggestion is to make sure you research these benefits thoroughly, to ensure they'll meet your needs and that you qualify. Taking advantage of these military spouse tuition benefits can make a significant difference in the affordability of your education.
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