Making it in the MilLife

 Many spouses are disappointed to find they are no longer eligible for MyCAA funding under the new guidelines. But while MOAA continues to fight for an enhanced program, how can you continue to pursue your educational goals?

1) Explore GI Bill transferability. Check out www.moaa.org/gibill for details.

2) Servicemember Opportunity College (SOC) – more than 1900 colleges and universities that agree to military friendly policies, this is a program funded by DoD through a contract with American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Learn more here.

3) In state tuition - The 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act included an in-state tuition directive for service members, spouses and college-aged children. This MOAA backed initiative was effective July 2009 and provided that not only can spouses qualify for in-state tuition where they are permanently stationed, but even if the service member PCSs again, spouses and children can retain the in-state rate if they are continuously enrolled.

4) Consider careers that offer loan forgiveness programs such as education, nursing, or even law.

5) Military OneSource - MOS counselors have been added to handle the questions resulting in the recent MyCAA announcement. They have a plethora of information available about other sources of funding as well.

Bottom line – advocate for a better MyCAA, but keep moving forward on your education goals!  MOAA  is here to partner with you. Let us know how we can help. moaaspouse@moaa.org

Read MOAA’s full statement on MyCAA

Military Spouses Job Continuity Act
Introduced by Senator Bob Casey, Military spouses could get a federal tax credit of up to $500 when having to renew or transfer a professional license due to a PCS move across state lines. Tax credits would apply to fields such as child care and health care.

“In order to maintain a highly effective force, we not only have to take care of the men and women in uniform, but also their families who patriotically share the sacrifices of military service,” said Senator Casey. “The Military Spouses Job Continuity Act will help ease the transition of relocation for families and allow military spouses to more easily re-enter the workforce.”

Closing a GI Bill gap
Military members could transfer their GI Bill to their children as late as age 26 if a new House bill introduced by Rep. Gwen Moore on Wed is passed. Right now the benefit must be transferred by age 23, but can be used up to age 26. HR 5737 would close that age gap.

Want to follow the progress of these bills? Sign up for MOAA’s Legislative Update.

Watch Phil Dyer’s Post 9/11 GI Bill Webinar below or visit www.moaa.org/gibill for more information about this important benefit.