Military Benefits

Military Benefits Information for US Military, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Spouses and Military Family

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Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

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The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are continuing their education by pursuing a license, certification, or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation.

About MyCAA

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA) is a career development and employment assistance program sponsored by the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program. MyCAA helps military spouses pursue licenses, certificates, certifications, or Associates Degree necessary for gainful employment.

MyCAA Benefits for Military Spouses

  • Training and Education Financial Assistance – MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of up to $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring a professional credential needed to meet their portable career goal. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 (up to the maximum education benefit of $4,000).
  • Employment Readiness Counseling – Spouse Education and Career Opportunities career coaches are available to all military spouses married to active duty service members of all ranks, regardless of their eligibility to receive MyCAA financial assistance and their desire to pursue higher levels of education. Counseling services help military spouses identify additional sources of federal, state, and local financial assistance expanded career choices and opportunities, and necessary support resources (e.g., child care, transportation, books, computers, equipment, supplies, etc.).
  • Employment Assistance and Career Services – Referrals are made to networks of military-friendly employers for MyCAA spouse participants who have completed their programs of study using MyCAA funding and who are ready to seek gainful employment. Examples include the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, USAJOBS.gov, and CareerOneStop.org.

Who is eligible for MyCAA?

Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who can start and complete their coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders, including spouses married to members of the National Guard, Reserve Components, and Coast Guard in these same pay grades. Military spouses of service members above O-2 are still eligible if already enrolled in a program with an education plan in place prior to promotion. Eligibility includes currently employed military spouses.

Spouses must have completed high school or obtained a GED and are required to complete their program of study within three years from the start date.

Who is Not Eligible?

  • Spouses who are members of the armed forces themselves and are currently on Title 10 orders
  • Spouses who married but legally separated
  • Spouses whose National Guard or reserve military sponsor is in a Warning Orders/Alert, Post Deployment/ Demobilization or Transition Status
  • Spouses who are unable to apply for financial assistance while their military sponsor is on Title 10 orders or before the sponsor’s date of separation

How To Apply For MyCAA

  • Establish a MyCAA account by visiting the MyCAA website.
  • Explore interests and career fields from education to business to paralegal to IT.
  • Find a school matches your interest and offers licenses, certificates and degrees.
  • Create a career and training plan.
  • Work with the selected school’s admissions advisor in order to complete all the necessary steps.
  • Apply for MyCAA financial assistance.

MyCAA Approved Career Fields

  • Aerospace
  • Animal Services
  • Automotive Services & Transportation
  • Business, Finance & Administration
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Health & Human Services
  • Homeland Security
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology
  • Legal
  • Skilled Trades
    • Aesthetician or Skin Care Specialist
    • Barber
    • Colorist
    • Cosmetologist
    • Designer
    • Journalist
    • Make-up Artist (Theatrical & Performance)
    • Mortuary Science
    • Musical Instrument Repair
    • Nail Technician
    • Photographer
    • Sales Manager
    • Translator/Interpreter
    • Writer/Editor
    • Nursing (must meet certain qualifications in the Education and Training Plan)
    • Other training programs listed in the MyCAA approved programs

Do spouses have to select a school that is participating?

No, but it can take up to 60 days for approval, and it is recommended to find a school that is participating. The school and only the school can apply for the MyCAA program. Spouses can encourage the schools to apply and even provide them the link to the application. These schools have an incentive to do so if it’s a difference between a military spouse attending the school or not. The easier path, however, is to choose a school that is already participating.

What will MyCAA pay for?

MyCCA will pay for an approved program’s tuition and examination fees.

What is NOT Covered by MyCAA?

  • Bachelor’s degree courses
  • Courses you have already started or completed
  • Books, supplies, and equipment
  • Uniforms
  • Computers, laptops, ipads or any kind of electronic device
  • Activities, events, and entertainment
  • Fees of any kind
  • Ungraded courses
  • Courses taken more than one time
  • Reimbursement for completed training

Where can I get more information?

Contact a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Consultant at 1.800.342.9647

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Veteran Friendly Schools & Colleges Membership Lists

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The military, Department of Defense (DoD), and Veterans Affairs have a variety of programs where colleges and schools can become members. These programs protect service members, veterans, military spouses and dependents to help ensure they receive a quality education. Below is a list of these programs and links to the member directories of the veteran friendly colleges and schools that are on these lists.

Military and Veteran Friendly Colleges and Schools MembershipsNote: The U.S. Government, DoD, and Veterans Affairs or military does NOT expressly endorse or approve a school as Veteran friendly.

ACE (American Council on Education)

ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense to review education and professional records and recommends the appropriate college credit. Additionally, ACE will provide recommendations for formal courses, examinations or organizations to help them gain college credit. Having access to ACE can help save hundreds or thousands of dollars in tuition costs. ACE Directory

DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)

DANTES supports all DOD components including the Coast Guard by providing services to pursue post-military academic and vocational goals. Access to tools and counselors helps you in all stages of your career with tools for assessment, counselors, and resources to find financial and academic support. Courses can be taken from schools or colleges that are part of Dante’s External. Dante’s External Directory

MyCAA (Military Career Advancement Accounts) Program

This program is for active-duty military Spouses and provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance.  This program is limited to military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation. MyCAA Directory

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon program is a VA program that allows approved higher learning institutions to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses which exceed the Post‐9/11 GI Bill amount. These additional funds do not count against GI Bill entitlements. Yellow Ribbon Directory

VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program

The Principles of Excellence are guidelines for educational schools and institutions receiving federal military and veterans educational funding. Participating schools agree to principles and guidelines that provide service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents with the information, support, and protections they deserve. You can search for available WEAMS facilities directly on the VA site here: VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program Directory

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

VetSuccess on Campus provides veterans with counseling and benefits to achieve career and educational goals. In addition to guidance, veterans also have access to an education or career programs, vocational testing, and other services via the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Below, we have grouped the veteran-friendly programs as they directly apply to active-duty, veterans, military spouses and dependents.  Indirect benefits and information may still apply to all other groups.

Active Duty

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Edwards
  • ACE (American Council on Education)
  • DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
  • VetSuccess (VSOC)

Veterans

  • ACE (American Council on Education)
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
  • VetSuccess (VSOC)

Military Spouses

Dependents

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
  • VetSuccess (VSOC)

See the Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide for more information on selecting the best school.

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College Credit for Military Service & Experience

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Photo by Sgt. Scott Schmidt

Active-Duty and Veterans can receive college credit for military service and save time and money at the same time. Many colleges and universities provide military transfer credit for military experience via participation through ACE (American Council on Education). ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to extensively review military training and experiences in order to recommend appropriate course credit to member schools. ACE then works extensively with these member institutions to educate them on translating prior military learning experiences into college credit.

Receiving college credit for military service is a great benefit but the amount of credit received can often fall below expectations. There are many factors that can contribute to this but here are the most common:

  • The desired area of study or program is different than their MOC (Military Occupation Code).
  • Military experience or training is determined to be duplicate and applied to the same transfer credit recommendation.
  • Most ACE credits typically only apply to lower level, free elective coursework such as associates degree level classes.
  • Typically very few credits apply toward core requirement, upper level course work.
  • The institution’s transfer credit policies are not transparent.
  • Ultimately colleges determine the military college credits they will accept and how they will be applied to a specific degree.
  • Colleges don’t always follow the ACE recommendations or they may interpret them differently from one school to the next.

How to maximize military service for college transfer credits

  • Review your military transcript and ACE recommendations for courses and occupations.
  • Seek a degree that is aligned closely with your MOC.
  • Determine the school’s policy on accepting military college credits. Admissions counselors or college websites typically can provide this information.
  • Seek out schools that have good veterans programs or determine how military friendly your choices are.
  • Speak to several schools. Colleges interpret military training credits differently and can apply credits differently for the same degree program and military experience. The decisions may be very different!
  • Appeal any adverse decisions on military transfer credits. Successful appeals do happen.
  • Don’t enroll before the school determines your military transfer credits.

Service members or Veterans should request a military transcript as a first step.

Military Education and Experience Systems (includes Guard & Reserves by branch):

  • Air Force – The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
  • Army – AARTS System
  • Coast Guard – The Coast Guard Institute (CGI)
  • Marines – SMART System
  • Navy – SMART System

Veterans can access these systems unless they are not eligible. If the Veteran is not eligible they should complete the DD-295 and provide their DD-214 Discharge Document in order to receive college credit for military service.


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Military Friendly Membership Lists for Colleges Military Friendly Colleges Guide
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2012-2013 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Rates

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The new Montgomery GI Bill Rates increased by approximately 6.18% this year and is effective from October 1st, 2012 through September 30th, 2013.  This increase

is almost double the increase from the previous year of approximately 3.30%.  Increases occur every year on October 1st and are designed to cover the increased costs of education due to inflation.  An eligible active-duty servicemember or veteran enlisted more than 3 years can now receive up to $56,304 in MGIB benefits up from $53,028 in the previous period.

The new 2012-2013 MGIB Rates

Rates for three years or more enlistment:

Institutional Training
Training Time 2011-2012 Monthly rate 2012-2013 Monthly rate Year over Year Increase
Full time $1,473.00 $1,564.00 6.18%
¾ time $1,104.75 $1,173.00 6.18%
½ time $736.50 $782.00 6.18%
less than ½ time more than ¼ time $736.50 ** $782.00 ** 6.18%
¼ time or less $368.25 ** $391.00 ** 6.18%

 

Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training
Training Period 2011-2012 Monthly rate 2012-2013 Monthly rate Year over Year Increase
First 6 months of training $1,104.75 $1,173.00 6.18%
Second 6 months of training $810.15 $860.00 6.15%
Remainder of training $515.55 $547.40 6.18%

 

Correspondence and Flight– Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $1,564.00 paid.
Cooperative – $1,564.00
** Tuition and Fees ONLY. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.

 

Rates for less than three years of enlistment:

Institutional Training
Training Time 2011-2012 Monthly rate 2012-2013 Monthly rate Year over Year Increase
Full time $1,196.00 $1,270.00 6.19%
¾ time $897.00 $952.50 6.19%
½ time $598.00 $635.00 6.19%
less than ½ time more than ¼ time $598.00 ** $635.00 ** 6.19%
¼ time or less $299.00 ** $317.50 ** 6.19%

 

Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training
Training Period 2011-2012 Monthly rate 2012-2013 Monthly rate Year over Year Increase
First 6 months of training $897.00 $952.50 6.19%
Second 6 months of training $657.80 $698.50 6.19%
Remainder of training $418.60 $444.50 6.19%

 

Correspondence and Flight – Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $1,270.00 paid.Service Member MGIB Education
Cooperative – $1,270.00
** Tuition and Fees ONLY. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.

 

The Montgomery GI Bill was established in 1984 and provides financial assistance for education and training.  To be eligible you must contribute $100 a month for the first 12 months of active-duty, have High School or equivalent degree and served at least 2 years on active duty.

There is also a Buy-Up Program where if eligible service members contribute an additional $600 they can receive up to $150 a month or $5,400 (36 months) more in benefits.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs


Post Military Option: Online Psychology Degree

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An online degree in psychology or counseling is an excellent method to start a career in a job helping others. Online psychology degrees are useful for occupations such as career counseling, school counseling, human resources, and general business; they also open up doors to family-marriage therapist and clinical social worker careers with a master’s degree program and respective licensure.

Psychology jobs are found in a variety of professional fields:

  • Clinical
  • Forensics
  • Sports
  • Education
  • Corporate

How long does it take to earn an online degree in psychology?

Online psychology bachelor degree programs may be completed in as little as three years with accelerated or year-round learning, though most programs take four years or more. An online psychology master degree takes an additional two years.

What will I learn in an online psychology degree program?

Psychology students study statistics, research, theory, and the role of other social and life sciences on the field of psychology and human behavior: anthropological psychology, sociological psychology, and physiological psychology to name a few.

Psychology master degree programs offer more focus than the bachelor degree counterparts. For example, an online master degree in forensic psychology will lead to an entirely different career path than an online master degree in clinical social work. The C.S.W., like the marriage-family therapist, is able to provide one-on-one counseling and therapy, whereas the forensic psychologist works in criminal justice.

Where do I find an online psychology degree program?

Online psychology degree programs are available from several reputable schools across the internet. The school you attend should be accredited so that your online degree program is recognized as quality education by employers and future schools. It’s best to do research and ask questions about the online psychology program(s) of interest to you before enrolling.