The Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot program was announced in January 2023 by the Defense Department. The program is a 12-week paid fellowship program for spouses of currently serving members of the branches of the military including the US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force and Space Forces in addition to National Guard components.

The pilot program will run for three years, with the first cohort beginning work through January 2023. After application, spouses are accepted into the program and placed with host companies to match with their location and work experience to provide a work opportunity and professional training and mentoring.  There is not a public list of host employers.

The goal of the program is to connect equipped spouses with companies who have partnered with the Hiring Our Heroes program. The 12-week fellowship program may lead to continued employment through a direct hire program, depending on the company. It does not guarantee continued employment.

Spouses can apply through the MySeco website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications do require a DS Logon for identity verification. Not everyone is guaranteed a fellowship. For those who apply but are not matched with a fellowship, the resources on Hiring Our Heroes and SECO offer other fellowships or coaching.

Employers can apply to participate in the program on the Hiring Our Heroes website.

The program is a brand-new initiative, and since the first cohort just started, there is little information on the number of spouses within the program or how many fellowships lead to direct hiring. This program does not address one of the biggest barriers to military spouse employment – childcare. The program does not specifically note if positions are remote, but since the posting states that it provides “hands on professional training” to military spouses accepted in the program, positions could be in person or remote.

What the program does do is provide contacts to the professional world. It is a difficult step to “get a foot in the doorway” in some professions, so while it may not lead to continued employment with that company, perhaps the contacts made will lead to other meaningful work. Time will tell the success of this program.  If you or someone you know has been accepted into the program, please share the experience with others.

Childcare centers on the military installation will have increased rates in 2023, per a 2022 press release from the Defense Department. Military and DOD-affiliated parents utilize these child development centers and school-age care centers as a means to find reliable childcare at an affordable rate.

On-post childcare centers are an affordable option for childcare. With the cost of childcare increasing across the United States, with some people paying over $30/hour for a nanny or over $20/hour for a group setting care, on-base care may be the only place where the entire paycheck doesn’t seem to go missing.  On-base care prior to the cost raise was $7/hour and is now $8/hour.

The increase in cost to parents is in part, to cover the increase in costs of hiring qualified childcare providers. The DOD Child Development Program Fee policy states that a minimum of 50% of appropriated funds support the child care development programs, with revenue generated by parent fees for the other 50% of the operating budget.

The program Child Care Aware, a Community Provider Fee Assistance program, will continue. The prior cap of $1500/month per child will increase to $1700/month per child. The amount actually given for fee assistance depends on the service branch, location, and rank of the service member. If you are looking for off-base child care, look at Child Care Aware for fee assistance.

Prior to the rate raise, child development centers had several income categories to determine the cost of childcare. For instance, an E3 and an O1 would not pay the same amount. The childcare rate would be determined by income. These income categories continue with the pay increase, but there are now 14 categories instead of the previous 13. The categories vary by military branch and location, so check with the child development center or school-age care program on your military installation, or next one, to know what to expect for childcare costs on base.

Childcare is a concern for military families. Military members often work hours outside the typical 9-5, and finding safe, and quality childcare is a priority for military families. Affordable childcare is added bonus. The childcare centers on base often have hours of 6 am -6 pm, or even later, depending on the location of the center. Costs are typically flat rates, not specifically at the hourly rate, so it is one cost for utilizing all the centers’ hours or part of them. This helps when hours, or days, vary for the military member.

One of the positive things that came out of the COVID-19 Pandemic shutdown is the flexibility of working from home for many jobs. Many companies realized that positions could be maintained with work at home, freeing up their own workspace for other jobs. Some of these remote jobs are perfect for parents, especially military spouses. Childcare is a barrier for military spouses to find employment, especially considering that the active-duty military schedule is not always reliable.

Customer Service Representative

Many companies have these roles that can be completed at home and at varying hours. Administrative tasks or email responses can be made at any hour. These positions require an ability to have a quiet home office to answer phone calls and use and be familiar with software technology. Companies like Amazon, Target, and Disney often post positions. These entry-level jobs can be done remotely as long as there is an internet connection, a working computer, and a working phone.

Proofreader

For those who love reading, are strict grammar rule followers, and want to get paid for it – proofreading may be the perfect job. It can be done anywhere where an internet connection can reach. There is no re-writing involved, purely reading to ensure no errors, unlike a copy editor. Proofreaders sometimes have a bachelor’s degree in English, but if the proofreading being done is for a certain subject, a different degree or experience may be more useful. Before employment, a proofreading competency test is typically performed. Check out FlexJobs, Indeed, and LinkedIn for positions.

Website Designer

Those with knowledge in Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, and, or HTML can build a website quickly and effectively. Get certificates to build and develop webpages through the local community college to network and improve your skills. Google offers courses for free. The amount of time to build each page depends on the skill level, so practice and time will decrease the time needed. Upwork and LinkedIn are great places to look for work.

Freelance Writer

A freelance writer is responsible for brainstorming topics, researching, writing compelling content, editing, and pitching the articles to varying online and print magazines. Each online or print media has a different style and voice, so the writer has to be able to write to that brand’s style. These positions do not always offer a great amount of money, but by writing with more companies, more can be earned. Writing can be done at any hour. Network your friends to find writing opportunities and check on websites like LinkedIn, SmartBlogger, FlexJobs, and Upwork.  

Transcriptionist

Transcribe recorded dictations as a transcriptionist. Fast typing, concentration skills, and good hearing are required.  Those individuals with medical knowledge have a leg up on working as medical transcriptionists.  This does require the ability to listen to the transcription and type quickly and accurately. Thanks to headphones, this job can be done early in the morning, late at night, and during nap times with young children at home. Check out UpWork and LinkedIn for positions.

Virtual Assistant

This position comes in all shapes and sizes – part-time, full-time, and everything in between. A virtual assistant manages the calendar and day-to-day for their client, manages social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok as well as reviewing email, maintaining records, and whatever the client requires. If the client is a blogger or writer, the job could include reviewing the website and editing pieces. The job can be done remotely and may allow for flexible hours as long as you have a high-speed internet connection. Check out LinkedIn and among military spouse groups, as there are several military spouses who run virtual assistant companies. Other companies that hire virtual assistants are VaVa Virtual Assistants, Profit Factory, and Boldly.

Online Teacher/Tutor

The burden of having to update teacher licensing for each state the military spouse moves to is time consuming. The teaching position does not continue remotely around the world. Online teaching and tutoring can be done remotely, from around the world. Tutor.com is a great spot to start. Teaching English to students worldwide with programs like VIPKID means teaching during the evening and early hours, but this also means no burden of childcare.

Health Coach

If health is your passion and fitness is a priority, being a health coach may be the right position. Provide workout classes in your neighborhood or area for a nominal fee, and smaller children can be involved or play at the nearby playground. Providing meal plans for a nominal fee allows for maintained health and nutrition at home, but also providing them to others and earning money as well.

Small Business Owner

This can be made to suit each person. Maybe you like to crochet or design stickers using your Cricut? Opening your own business and selling your product may be the right thing for you. It allows for the ultimate flexible job option as you are your own boss. Working at something you enjoy may not feel like work. It provides enjoyment and continued work. Once you have your shop up and running, consider adding it to the Spouse-ly Marketplace – a unique marketplace for goods and services for military and veteran-owned businesses.

These careers allow flexibility and mobility for military spouses, who provide consistency and support for their family while the military member is at work. The flexible and remote work market is increasing, with new job types and titles developing every day.

Do you have a remote job to share?

The largest pay raise in two decades is coming for military members in 2023. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the House on December 8.2022, the Senate on December 15, 2022, and was signed by President Biden on December 23, 2022, just before the federal holiday. Within the NDAA, a pay raise is listed for active-duty troops, drilling Guard, reserve members, and civilian members within the Defense Department.

The NDAA included a 4.6 % raise for the 2023 fiscal year. For comparison, in the 2022 NDAA, a 2.7% pay raise was included. This could mean an increase of about $1,000 over the year for junior enlisted military members.

An increase in Basic Allowance for Subsistence rates was also included. The increase of 11% is provided to those military members who live outside of the barracks. The monthly BAS payment in 2023 will be $311.68 for officers and $452.56 for enlisted members.

The military pay increase does not match the current inflation rate. The inflation rate as of October 2022 was 7.7%. While a pay raise is typically included with the idea that it will offset inflation, it does not specifically address inflation. While this pay increase may be the largest in years, it will be covering basic necessities that have increased in cost with the highest inflation rate in years.

The pay changes will be reflected in the January 15^th check as that check covers the time period of January 1 to January 15.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers grants to disabled veterans to make their homes accessible. On October 1, 2022, this amount increased. The two grants offered through the VA are the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant and the Special Housing Adaption (SHA) Grant.

SAH

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program assists disabled veterans with building, remodeling, or purchasing an adapted home. The service-connected injury must be due to loss or loss of use of both legs, blindness in both eyes, loss or loss of use of one leg and loss of use of one arm or residuals of organic disease, loss or loss of use of both arms at or above the elbows or severe burn injury.

SHA

The Special Housing Adaption (SHA) Grant assists disabled veterans and service members with anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or arms below the elbow, severe burn injury, or certain respiratory or breathing injuries.

The difference between the grants is based on the disability severity.

For 2023, the maximum SAH grant is $109, 986 and the SHA grant will increase to $22,036. The increase is based on the Turner Building Cost Index. The index measures costs in the non-residential building construction market in the United States. The index measured a yearly increase of 8.62%, which is reflected in the grant amounts.

Other programs to assist disabled veterans include

Temporary Residence Assistance Grant: The grant can be utilized for adapting a temporary living arrangement.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant: grant to assist with any home improvement for treatment or disability access for Veterans or Service Members. Those who have service-connected disabilities can receive up to $6800 in assistance and those with non-service-connected disabilities can receive up to $2000 in assistance.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Adaptation Assistance program provides home adaptations assistance to those who cannot work due to their service-connected injuries and need adaptations for a vocational goal.

Check out this information from the VA with links on how to apply in addition.

Since the spring of this year, 6 more states have added benefits for military retirees by exempting military retiree pay in some capacity. Not all states offer full exemption. When reviewing which states offer exemptions, know the details in regards to age or gross income amount.

As of this writing, California and the District of Columbia are the only areas that do not offer any tax exception on military retiree pay.

Alabama: Retiree pay is tax-free

Alaska: There is no state income tax for the state of Alaska, so retiree pay is tax-free!

Arizona: Retiree pay is tax-free after the 2021 bill was passed.

Arkansas: Retiree pay is tax-free

California: Following federal rules, California does not currently offer tax exemption on military retiree pay.

Colorado: Retiree pay under the age of 55 can exclude up to $10,000 income from their taxable income, those age 55064 can exclude up to $20,000, and those age 65 and up can exclude $24,000 of income

Connecticut: Retiree pay is tax-free

Delaware: Up to $2,000 of military retirement is excluded for those under age 60 and $12,500 for those 60 and older

District of Columbia: Following federal rules, DC does not currently offer tax exemption on military retiree pay.

Florida: There is no state income tax for Florida, so retiree pay is tax free.

Georgia: Retirees who are over 62 or permanently disabled may be eligible for an exclusion of retiree pay.

Hawaii: Retiree pay is tax-free

Idaho: Retiree pay is tax-free for those over age 65, and over 62 for disabled retirees.

Illinois: Retiree pay is tax-free

Indiana: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2022.

Iowa: Retiree pay is tax-free

Kansas: Retiree pay is tax-free

Kentucky: Up to $31,110 is tax-free.

Louisiana: Retiree pay is tax-free

Maine: Retiree pay is tax-free

Maryland: The first $5,000 is tax-free and once age 55 or older $15,000 is tax-free.

Massachusetts: Retiree pay is tax-free

Michigan: Retiree pay is tax-free

Minnesota: Retiree pay is tax-free

Mississippi: Retiree pay is tax-free

Missouri: Retiree pay is tax-free

Montana: Following federal rules, DC does not currently offer tax exception on military retiree pay.

Nebraska: As of 2022, all military retirement is tax-free.

Nevada: There is no state income tax in Nevada.

New Hampshire: There is no state income tax in New Hampshire, there is tax on interest and dividends.

New Jersey: Retiree pay is tax-free. Honorably discharged veterans qualify for a one-time $6,000 tax deduction in the year after discharge.

New Mexico: As of March of 2022, the Governor of New Mexico announced a three-year income exemption for armed forces retirees starting in 2022. In 2022, $10,000 of military retirement income is exempt. In 2023, this amount increases to $20,000 and to $30,000 in 2024.

New York: Retiree pay is tax-free

North Carolina: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2021.

North Dakota: Retiree pay is tax-free

Ohio: Retiree pay is tax-free

Oklahoma: In 2022, a state Senate press release shared that military retirement income would be fully tax free. Prior to 2022, the greater of 75% of retirement pay or $10,000 was tax exempt.

Oregon: Any military service before October 1, 1991 may be able to deduct a portion of retirement pay. Any military retirement for service after that is taxed normally.

Pennsylvania: Retiree pay is tax-free

Rhode Island: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2022.

South Carolina: As of May 13, the South Carolina Governor signed H. 3247 into law while made military retiree pay 100% exempt from state income tax. Prior to this change in 2022, those under the age of 65 can deduct up to $17,000 of retirement pay while those 65 and older can deduct up to $30,000 when income outside of military retirement was earned.

South Dakota: There is no state income tax in South Dakota.

Tennessee: There is no state income tax in Tennessee, there is tax on interest and dividends.

Texas: There is no state income tax for the state of Texas.

Utah: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2021.

Vermont: As of 2022, up to $10,000 of military retiree income was tax free for those with gross income less than $50,000 for single filers or $65,000 for joint filers.

Virginia: As of 2022, up to $10,000 military retiree pay is tax free for those 55 and over. In 2023, this amount will increase to $20,000. In 2024, the amount will increase to $30,000. In 2025, the amount will increase to a final amount of $40,000.

Washington State: There is no state income tax for the state of Washington.

West Virginia: Retiree pay is tax-free

Wisconsin: Retiree pay is tax-free

Wyoming: There is no state income tax for the state of Wyoming.

The increase in housing costs is felt the United States-wide. Military families that have crisscrossed the country have navigated a uniquely highly priced rental market, especially in areas where more affordable military housing is unavailable due to being at full capacity. The choice for many families was to find smaller housing than needed their families or meant a longer commute to the military members’ jobs. One military family shared they moved their family of 6 into a two-bedroom apartment under 1000 sq feet. The military family member shared that the apartment was within $100 of their BAH but still over their BAH amount. For many military families, it felt like the military leadership of the DOD was unaware of the financial burden felt by families. The Secretary of the Department of Defense released a press release that included a temporary BAH increase for 28 military areas.

• 28 areas include:
  • Vandenberg AFB, California
  • 29 Palms MCS, California
  • Dover AFB/Rehoboth, Delaware
  • Patrick AFB, Florida
  • Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Orlando, Florida
  • West Palm Beach, Florida
  • Volusia County, Florida
  • Fort Myers Beach, Florida
  • Kings Bay/Brunswick, Georgia
  • Maui County, Hawaii
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Cape Cod/Plymouth, Massachusetts
  • Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
  • Brunswick, Maine
  • Coast Maine
  • Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
  • Helena, Montana
  • Wilmington, North Carlina
  • Northern New Jersey
  • Newport, Rhode Island
  • Providence, Rhode Island
  • Beaufort/Parris Island, South Carolina
  • Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Houston, Texas
  • Quantico/Woodbridge, Virginia

The BAH increase will go into effect in October 2022. It does not state if it will be in October 1, 2022, or October 15, 2022 paycheck. The areas chosen based on these areas experiencing “an average of more than 20 percent spike in rental housing costs this year above this year’s BAH rates,” per the press release.

Check for the amount through this link here and select “2022 Increased rates.” Like all BAH rates, there is a difference between with and without dependents.

This temporary increase will be in effect from October 1, 2022, through 2022. The 2023 BAH rates have not been released. The thinking is that the prices will stay the same, but there is no guarantee. The 2023 BAH rates have traditionally been released in November of the year prior. Look for an update on BAH rates here!

It is a well-known fact that military spouses suffer from underemployment and unemployment. Finding a portable job feels like a search for a Unicorn. There are three employers on military bases where military spouses may be able to find the unicorn job.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)

The military service branches have MWR offices at most post locations. These offices are funded by non-appropriated funds, meaning they are not tied to or pending Congressional budgets. The funds for employment are made by the facility’s funds themselves. MWR locations include movie theaters, daycares, on-base restaurants, and bowling alleys. When you go to an event or participate in these activities, those funds go directly to an employee there. Knowing the challenges of the military lifestyle, there are often flexible and regular positions available.

MWR positions are posted on usajobs.gov. You can search specifically by military installation. Positions specifically on Air Forces bases are posted at nafjobs.org.

Specifically for military spouses who move frequently, there are two hiring incentives – spouse preference and reinstatement.

The job posting will indicate if a spouse can receive preferential hiring. If the spouse preference is used, proof of marriage through a marriage certificate, orders, and a copy of the ID card will need to be sent along with the job application. Spouse preference and application for positions can be sent up to 30 days in advance of the report date.

Reinstatement occurs when a spouse that previously held an MWR position at one military installation applies for another job at the next military post. This does not happen automatically. The military spouse needs to submit an application to the new location, and their name is kept on a referral list. If a job of the same pay grade or below opens, they may receive a call about an open position.

Community Services

Marine Corps Community Services, Air Forces’ Force Support Squadron, and Army Community Service are resources for families in their new military post. Job positions within the community services are similar to MWR – ranging from bowling alleys, movie theaters, and restaurants to the military stores on post.  Like MWR, there is a military spouse preference program. If the position has the spouse preference, the spouse can select it and send in the required paperwork with the application.

Job postings are military installation specific. For example, if living near MCAS Miramar, you could search “MCCS Miramar job postings” for the specific job board for Marine Corps Community Services on MCAS Miramar. Always check your bases’ social media pages for job fairs, sometimes they offer interviews on the spot.

U.S. Government/Department of Defense (DOD)

The military needs a large support system. There are many positions and jobs for civilians to help and support the military mission.  There is a Military spouse preference (MSP) program which is a specific federal hiring authority that was created with the goal of lessening career interruption for military spouses and allow spouses to noncompetitively be considered for federal employment.

The jobs are posted on usajobs.gov and will list if MSP can be utilized. This is not the same as veteran preference. For more specific information on the program or on applying for a position, contact the local Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Office. Use your favorite search engine to look up the nearest one. If there are several bases near you, look for the biggest base and enter that in the search bar with the term “Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Office.”

With Government Service (GS) positions, an employee may be able to transfer to a position of similar grade. The employee must have passed the probationary period of 52 weeks prior to applying for a transfer. There are some positions that are restricted to veterans only, so if you are looking at open positions at the next duty station, make sure there isn’t a veteran-only preference unless that specification applies to you.

Military spouses continue to face challenges on the employment front. There are three on-base resources available that may provide spouse preference. Check out your base MWR, Community Services or even DOD positions.

Write Everything Down

This can take some work, potentially, but it will be worth it. Grab a notebook that you can carry with you every day so you will have easy access to it. If you really don’t know where the money goes at the end of the pay period, write it all down. This includes a coffee at the drive-through and any vending machine used. Write everything down every day. Do this for two weeks, adding up the totals at the end of every day. Compare with any other family members in your home, make sure to add the total. It is usually pretty clear when you add the numbers up what you have been spending it on.

If you do this for a couple of weeks a couple of times of a year, it is a great check on the pulse of your budget. You can easily make changes or twinges to what costs you need to change when you are aware of them.

This also helps you determine the needs versus the wants in your life. While the wants are nice to have, it isn’t something you need to spend money on.

Get a Budget Analysis

Military families can attend budget classes through the service branch-specific Community Services or Relief Societies. These budget classes come in two forms – one in a group setting and a one-on-one budget review. A group budgeting class reviews the budgeting principle for a group. This means you can go with your partner or take turns attending to review the basics. In the individual budget analysis, you sit down with someone trained in reviewing budgets to build a budget. They assess the spending and provide guidance on where to trim if you want to or where you may need reassessments.

Grocery Delivery

Wait, don’t scroll this one by. Grocery delivery is a great way to stay on budget. You are able to scroll through coupons and deals specifically to spend money on the best budget deals. You also aren’t pulled into easy grabbing or colorful packaging. Within the grocery delivery order, you can select the coupons or a sale tab to really stick to a budget. Make it a game and stick to a certain amount of money for that trip.

This also saves you from shopping while hungry. The key is to have a snack before sitting down to the grocery shopping online.

Coupons

You don’t have to be a super saver to use coupons. Check out websites for your favorite stores, or just search coupons in your favorite search engine. Once on the coupon section, you can specifically browse for your favorite brands. Clip those coupons and then use them. Don’t let them expire. Think of it as money – because that is what it is.

Money Saving Applications

If you really don’t want to coupon clip, digital coupons are common and accessible. Check your store for digital coupons to add to your rewards card. There are many coupon applications as well that requires you to scan the item and then submit your receipt. These applications usually can be combined with digital and paper coupons as well, so this can save you some extra money, especially if there are multiple coupons on your favorite brands.

Get Everyone Involved

If you are in a family or couple, make sure to involve everyone in the budget plan. If everyone isn’t on board, you will not be able to stick to the budget. Plan ahead with a meeting of everyone’s spending, and build the budget plan together. Discuss writing everything down and a weekly grocery budget. Setting out expectations for the budget will make it a smoother process overall and lead to more progress.

 What’s your top budget tip?

If you or your military-connected family member are pursuing a degree or could use funds for certifications, this list is for you.

National Military Family Association – Year Round – Spouses

The organization supports military family members in various ways, and one of them is through scholarships for military spouses. If you are a spouse to a post-9/11 service member and hold a valid military ID, you are eligible to apply to their scholarship program. The program pays for degrees, professional licensures, supervised clinical hours, continuing education courses, and business expenses.  Applications are taken year-round with quarterly awards.

Pat Tillman Foundation – Opens February 2023 – Spouses

The Foundation has a scholarship program open to spouses of active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. The $10,000 scholarship covers academic expenses, including tuition, fees, and books. Applications are open annually in the winter months, with the next application opening in February 2023.

Fisher House Foundation – Opens September 2022- Spouses and Children

The Fisher House Foundation offers multiple scholarships. The Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship is a college scholarship for children of service members who became seriously injured or died in the line of duty since 9/11. Military Spouses can apply for and receive funds for degrees, certifications, licensures, clinical hours, expenses, and more. The Scholarships for Military Children is a program through the Defense Commissary Agency providing $2,000 for college expenses.

Thanks USA – Opens March 15, 2023 – Spouses and Children

The ThanksUSA program offers scholarships to military spouses and children for use in their first-time undergraduate degree at an accredited 2 or 4-year university or trade school.

Hope For Warriors – Fall and Spring Application – Spouses and Children

The program offers several scholarships. There are scholarships for those pursuing graduate work, associates, bachelors or Master of Social Work. There is also a scholarship for Gold Star Spouses.

MyCAA Scholarship – Spouses of Service Members E1-E5, W1-W2, O1-O2

My CAA – or My Career Advancement- is a scholarship specifically for spouses to provide assistance for licenses, certifications, national tests, or associate degrees to pursue their desired careers.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society – Annually – Spouses and Children of Sailors and Marines

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Program offers grants for children and spouses of active duty, retired or deceased Sailors and Marines. The grants are for undergraduate or master’s degrees at accredited 2 or 4- year post-secondary, technical or vocational institutions.

Air Force Aid Society – Annually – Spouses and Children of Air Force Service Members

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) offers ten merit scholarships a year to dependent children and spouses of retired and active-duty Airmen. To apply for an AFAS merit scholarship, completion of the Arnold Education Grant application is required.

Army Emergency Relief – Annually – Spouses and Children of the Army Service Members

There are two scholarship programs from the Army Emergency Relief. The Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program is an annual scholarship for Army spouses pursuing undergraduate degrees or professional certifications. For Army children pursuing an undergraduate degree can apply for the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) – Annually – Spouses of Coast Guardsmen

CGMA clients can apply for the programs if they are enrolled in college in pursuit of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, vocational program or seeking a correspondence course.

Spouse Clubs

Don’t forget to check the spouse clubs on your current or recent military bases. There are often scholarship programs for spouses and/or children of service members. Check with the local club for eligibility requirements and deadlines.