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MyCAA FAQ

Popular MyCAA Q&A's

Are you the spouse of an active duty service member?  You may be eligible for a MyCAA account through the Department of Defense, which would provide you with up to $4,000 towards your education at no-cost.   Learn more now - check out these popular Q&A's and make an informed decision about your future.

1. What is a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)?

MyCAA is a Department of Defense (DOD) sponsored program designed to provide spouses of active-duty service members with financial assistance towards pursuing their education. Eligible military spouses may also receive counseling.

2. How much financial assistance can an eligible spouse receive through the MyCAA program?

The maximum FA benefit available to an eligible military spouse is $4,000. There is a cap of $2,000 on funds received per year.  In certain circumstances, the annual $2,000 cap may be waived if the eligible spouse is entering a program that has an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 (the maximum FA benefit is still $4,000).

3. Are there education/training costs not covered through MyCAA?

Yes, MyCAA will not cover the following costs: computers; graduation or application fees; student activity cards; child care assistance; technology fees; parking or transportation; testing fees; textbooks that require separate payments; medical services.

4. Who is eligible for the MyCAA program?

Spouses of active duty service members that are in pay categories E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O1-O2 are eligible to apply for a MyCAA account. Additionally, spouses of activated Guard and Reserve that fall into these pay categories may also be eligible.

The MyCAA program does not provide MyCAA benefits to Coast Guard spouses. However, other sources of no-cost education courses may be available. For example, AAU offers a Military Spouse Scholarship Program that welcomes military spouses from all branches.

5. How do you open a MyCAA account?

To start the process of opening a MyCAA account, visit the MyCAA Web site at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa and set up your profile.  Once your profile is complete, the DoD will use DEERS to determine your eligibility for a MyCAA account based on your sponsor's social security number. 

Once you are approved as eligible for a MyCAA account, you will create a Career and Training Plan that will outline your training goals. This is an important step and will likely require you to gather documents, such as a high school transcript, that may be required prior to enrolling in a school or training program.

Spouses may also seek assistance with selecting the right career/education path by utilizing the counseling services via the Family Support Center or Voluntary Education Center. Another valuable resource, which can easily be accessed online, is the Military One Source Web site at www.militaryonesource.com.

Once your career plan is set, you will submit it, along with your request for FA, within 30 days of your course start date. Make sure you apply to the school and enroll in all of the appropriate courses approved in your MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

6. How can the spouse of an active-duty service member benefit by opening a MyCAA account?

 

The MyCAA program helps eligible spouses receive no-cost education and counseling that can lead to a portable career.  Spouses can train for licenses, industry certifications, certificates, or an associate's degree.

Licenses: MyCAA can cover the cost of training for a real estate sales license, appraisal, real estate broker license

Certifications:  MyCAA can cover education costs associated with training programs that lead to industry certifications. For example, pharmacy technician, medical transcription, medical coding, medical assisting and more, can all lead certification in the in-demand health care industry.

Certificates: MyCAA can cover the costs of a training program that leads to a career certificate upon completion. You can find a variety of training programs in this category such administrative assistant, property management, computer courses and more.

Associate's Degree: You can earn a two-year degree. Consider fields such as business or technology.

7. Do all schools accept MyCAA accounts?

No, not all schools will accept MyCAA account funds for your education.  For a list of schools that accept MyCAA, visit the Military One Source Web site at www.militaryonesource.com.  Additionally, not only is it important to select a school that accepts MyCAA funds, about also, a school that understands the military lifestyle.  For example, an unexpected PCS move may mean putting your studies on hold for a few weeks.  Ensuring you select a school or training program that offers flexibility is imperative.