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What is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account?

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

One of the benefits military spouses can use for the purpose of working toward their educational and career goals is assistance from the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA). Those who are eligible for the program can receive $6,000 of financial assistance per year to pursue college degrees, credentials, and skills which will prepare them for attaining employment in Portable Career Fields.



Here's a basic overview of the program:

Eligibility

Spouses of Department of Defense Active Duty members and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components qualify for MyCAA assistance. For spouses of Guard and Reserve members, the period of eligibility is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until a total of 180 days following De-Mobilization.

Click to view Military Spouse Career Advancement Account?

Any military spouse who is legally separated, by state law or court order, does not qualify. Also, spouses who are Active Duty or activated Guard or Reserve members themselves are not eligible, as they have their own programs for assistance. (Unfortunately, under Public Law 110-417 Sec 582, spouses of Coast Guard members are not allowed to receive education benefits from MyCAA.)

Expenses Covered

MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) pays for education and training programs, tuition costs, and licensing/credential fees. Basically, this encompasses degree programs (i.e. associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral), continuing education classes (including those offered through professional associations), Bar, CPA and similar exams, and state certifications for licensed occupations such as medical professionals and teachers.

If the cost includes books, supplies and special equipment essential for certain jobs, such as cosmetology or masonry, MyCAA will pay these expenses if included on the bill. The program also covers High School Completion courses, GED exams, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

MyCAA will not pay the costs for:

- Computers (including laptops)
- Applicant, graduation or membership fees
- Student activity cards
- Child care
- Parking/transportation
- Medical services

If a student enrolls in a course without an approved MyCAA Financial Assistance document, he or she will be held responsible for paying all the costs. Keep in mind that MyCAA doesn't offer reimbursements of any type.

How MyCAA Financial Assistance Works

A military spouse can request financial assistance from MyCAA for all approved courses listed on his or her Career and Training Plan. This plan includes the spouse's Portable Career Field, name of school, and all course information. If information provided is not accurate, the request will be denied during the school invoicing process and the spouse will be responsible for payment.

It's crucial that the spouse input correct information to prevent any billing problems. Before putting in a request for MyCAA financial assistance, it's a good idea to have the information confirmed by school officials.

Since schools may have different rules for adding/dropping a class, it's advantageous for students to be aware of these policies.

*This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

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Posted by Allied Blogger Admin @ 3:41 PM • 0 comments

Marine Corps Family Education Programs and Scholarship Opportunities

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Here are some of the Marine Corps Family Education Programs and scholarship opportunities offered to military spouses in this branch of the armed services:



SOCMAR (Service Member's Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Program): This is a network of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or within close proximity to Marine installations worldwide. Each college in the group accepts credits from the others. SOCMAR guarantees that you can continue working toward completion of your degrees even if the Marine Corps transfers you several times. Distance learning, which requires no classroom residency, is also available.


STAP (Spouse Tuition Aid Program): The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers this assistance to spouses of service members who are on active duty and stationed overseas. The spouse can be a full or part-time student working toward a vocational certificate or college degree.

    Amounts granted are as follows:
  • Undergraduate level: a maximum of $300 per semester/$1,500 per year.
  • Graduate level: a maximum of $350 per semester/$1,750 per year.


VADM EP Travers Scholarship and Loan Program: Applicants must be married to an active duty member and be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university. A total of 1,000 grants in the amount of $2,000 are awarded each academic year. Those who apply are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan up to $3,000. The application deadline is March 1st of each year. Late applicants will not be eligible for scholarship consideration but will be evaluated for a loan.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability: According to a special provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, education benefits are offered to spouses of service members. Under the new law, individuals with a minimum of six years of service in the armed forces who agree to serve at least four additional years are able to transfer unused GI Bill entitlement to their spouse. In fact, when the service member reaches their 10th year, they have the option of transferring the benefit to their spouse or other dependents.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MYCAA): This program was designed to provide assistance to spouses trying to obtain the skills and credentials they need to begin or further their careers. Through these accounts, the costs of training and education are covered, giving participants the chance to get a degree or credential in portable fields that are in demand across the country. MSCAA can be used to pay up to $3,000 in fees for one year and may be renewed for an additional year for a two-year total of up to $6,000.

Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance: This program offers up to 45 months of education benefits to eligible dependents which can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-site training.

Military Spouse Scholarships: Allied also offers in-house military spouse scholarships that allow military spouses to enroll in a career training program who are not eligible for MSCAA.Military spouses can get their tuition waived when they train at Allied Schools. Military spouses pay nothing out-of-pocket for training that will prepare them for careers.

Like every branch of the military, the Marine Corps wants to help you, the military spouse, pay for your education. You'll likely find one or more programs that will meet your needs.

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Posted by Allied Blogger Admin @ 3:01 PM • 0 comments