Making it in the MilLife

Five things you need to know about the changes to MyCAA announced July 20, 2010.

• All Financial Assistance (FA) documents approved as of July 20, 2010 will be honored
• Spouses with approved FAs for $6,000 may continue to use up to that amount until October 21, 2010.
• Effective July 20, 2010 Guard and Reserve spouses may only receive the benefit when their service member is on Title 10 active duty orders. Alerts and demobilization periods are not eligible periods of active duty for Guard and Reservists.  
• New eligibility for assistance is limited to spouses of service members E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2
• Maximum financial benefit is now $4,000, with a $2,000 yearly cap. Program or certificate requested for funding must be completed within 3 years.

Important dates

August 31, 2010

Last day to submit mandatory career plan for approval if you have an active account as of July 20, 2010

September 1 – October 21

Time to request financial assistance for classes starting by January 15, 2011 

October 21

Last day to request financial assistance if you had an active account as of July 20.

October 22 – October 25

MyCAA program will be closed to prepare infrastructure for new program

October 25

All MyCAA accounts previously approved under $6,000 cap will be reduced to $4,000.

For more details read Military OneSource FAQ page for students and schools.

If you would like to send feedback to DoD, MOS has established an email where you can direct comments and complaints:

  MyCAAFEEDBACK@militaryonesource.com

Since the July 20 announcement that the program will reopen October 25 with new restrictions, MOAA has been working to expand the funding to all military spouses. Follow MOAA on Twitter or  Facebook to stay updated on this issue. Sign up for Legislative Updates to get weekly e-news on issues we’re working for the entire military community.

Read MOAA’s response to the new MyCAA rules.

MOAA hosted a table at the 2010 MCEC conference, which included incredible speakers such as Alma Powell, Dr. Biden, all of the service chiefs and many, many more wonderful people working to ensure military children get quality education opportunities while their parent(s) serve the country.  If you’re not familiar with MCEC, check out their website here.

But you know who really caught our eye? The Wiesbaden Middle School Deployment Mascot, Bob Cat. This cuddly little guy has traveled around the world bringing smiles to military kids and conference attendees who need a pick me up Way to go Bob Cat!