MyCAA Revises Their Military Spouse Tuition Benefits

After a comprehensive review, the Department of Defense (DoD) rolled out a newly restructured military spouse career advancement account (MyCAA) to begin October 25, 2010 at 8 a.m. EDT.

The changes come in an effort to make the program more viable and sustainable, according to Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. It was a necessary change due to the inability of the DoD to fund the unexpected growth and cost of the project.

“The changes announced today reflect a return to the original intent of the program which is to help military spouses, with the greatest need, successfully enter, navigate and advance in portable careers,” Stanley says.

Here’s a snapshot of the updated financial assistance guidelines:

-Tuition assistance will be open only to spouses of junior service members in pay grades E-1 through E-5, W-1 and W-2, and O-1 and O-2.

-Financial assistance will not be available for four-year degrees. It is limited to associate’s degrees, licenses and certificates.

-The previous total lifetime tuition cap will be reduced from $6,000 to $4,000.

-Spouses are required to use their $4,000 benefit within three years of the start date of their first class.

What if I currently have an active account?

-You may request financial assistance until Thursday, 10/31/10.

-Starting 9/1/10, you may request financial assistance for classes that have a start date up to 1/5/11.

-No career plans will be accepted after 8/31/10.

-All currently approved financial aid documents will be honored.

-National Guard and Reserve members MUST be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit.

Although military spouse tuition benefits will come with eligibility restrictions, the career counseling aspect of the program will remain available to all military spouses. The DoD also stated that under the long-term program guidelines, counselors will be available to assist individuals in identifying and accessing military spouse benefits and federal benefits to help them achieve their career and education goals.

The government offers other educational assistance programs for military members and their families, like the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, which afford our military members with the opportunity to pursue their educational interests at a severely reduced cost.

If you’re interested in learning more about obtaining your degree, please download the free Military Education Handbook for additional details on scholarships, grants, degree selection, and accreditation information.

MyCAA will continue as is until Oct. 25, which means that spouses currently enrolled are eligible to request funds for the fall semester despite rank of their service member and/or if they are enrolled in a four-year program. Please note: After Oct. 25, the new rules of the program take effect.