Military Spouse and Family Financial Aid

Military service offers several education benefits, but trying to use them can be confusing. As a spouse of an active member of the United States military, you are entitled to some helpful government benefits. Contact your local VA Regional Office for eligibility and assistance. Learn more below about the education benefits available to you.



Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

How Much Does VA Pay?

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers"). You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.


Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.

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Post-9/11 Montgomery GI Bill Information

This new education benefit program is available to individuals who served in active duty on or after September 11, 2001 and is payable for education pursued after August 1, 2009. If you qualify for assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill on or after August 1, 2009 and you also qualify for assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may make an irrevocable decision to receive benefits solely under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this aid, you must qualify as one of the following:

  • You served 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001 and are still on active duty or honorably discharged.
  • You were released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporarily disabled retired list.
  • You were released from active duty for further service in a reserve division of the armed forces.
  • You may be eligible if you were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.

What is covered?

  • Cost of tuition and fees--paid directly to school--not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education.
  • Monthly housing allowance--paid directly to you--equal to the basic housing allowance payable to a military E-5 with dependents in the same zip code as your school.
  • Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000, paid directly to you.
  • A one-time payment of $500 paid to individuals relocating from a highly rural area.

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Post - 9/11 GI Bill: Transferability

While the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a very generous post-service education benefit, a special provision of the program allows career service members the opportunity to share their education benefits with immediate family members. Allowing career service members to transfer their GI Bill benefits to family members has long been one of the most requested items among military family readiness and advocacy groups. An eligible Service member may transfer up to the total months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, or the entire 36 months if the member has used none.

Family member use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following:

Spouse:

  • May start to use the benefit immediately.
  • May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
  • Is not eligible for the monthly stipend or books and supplies stipend while the member is serving on active duty.
  • Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service member's last separation from active duty.

Child:

  • May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces.
  • May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
  • May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age.
  • Is entitled to the monthly stipend and books and supplies stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty.
  • Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.

Eligibility:

Any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after August 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and

  • Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
  • Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve) on the date of election, is precluded by either standard policy (service or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute,

or

Is (or becomes) retirement eligible during the period from August 1, 2009, through August 1, 2013. A service member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active duty or 20 qualifying years of reserve service.

  • For those individuals eligible for retirement on August 1, 2009, no additional service is required.
  • For those individuals who have an approved retirement date after August 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, no additional service is required.
  • For those individuals eligible for retirement after August 1, 2009, and before August 1, 2010, 1 year of additional service after approval of transfer is required.
  • For those individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2010, and before August 1, 2011, 2 years of additional service after approval of transfer are required.
  • For those individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2011, and before August 1, 2012, 3 years of additional service after approval of transfer required.

Eligible Family Members:

An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer the individual's entitlement to the individual's spouse, one or more of the individual's children or any combination of spouse and child.

  • A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits, at the time of transfer to receive transferred educational benefits.
  • A child's subsequent marriage will not affect his or her eligibility to receive the educational benefit; however, after an individual has designated a child as a transferee under this section, the individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.
  • A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferee's eligibility to receive educational benefits; however, after an individual has designated a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.

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Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.

The new guidelines for the revised MyCAA program include:

  • Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
  • Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.
  • Limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures.

MyCAA Eligibility:

Spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2, as well as the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.

Note: The MyCAA program does not include Coast Guard spouses.

Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance Program

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
  • A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
  • A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

Eligibility Update: Eligibility requirements have been expanded to cover a spouse or child of a person who:

  • VA determines has a service-connected permanent and total disability; and
  • At the time of VA's determination is a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment; and
  • Is likely to be discharged or released from service for this service-connected disability.

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State Provided Education Benefits

Educational benefits for families, particularly the children of deceased, MIA, POW, and disabled veterans, may be available in some states.To obtain complete eligibility requirements and assistance in applying for these valuable benefits, contact your local County Veterans Service Office.

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Branch Programs

Army

The Army offers the following Education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCAD is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Army. SOCAD consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Army installations worldwide. SOCAD colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others.SOCAD guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Army may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency. Visit the official SOCAD website for more details.
  • Army Emergency Relief (AER): Army Emergency Relief is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own."

Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP): Is a need-based education assistance program designed to provide spouses of active duty Army Soldiers and widows(ers) of Army Soldiers that died while on active duty, and are residing in the United States, with financial assistance in pursuing educational goals. The purpose of the program is to assist spouses/widows(ers) in gaining the education required to allow them to qualify for increased occupational opportunities. Individuals who receive free tuition as a result of their employment will not receive tuition assistance from AER. However, they may apply for assistance for fees, supplies or books (no duplicates) for classes in which they are enrolled. SEAP is limited to $2500 maximum per academic year.

Spouse Education Assistance Program (EAP): If you are assigned in Europe, Korea, Japan or Okinawa, Army Emergency Relief offers your spouse a grant to assist with the costs associated with pursuing his or her education, up to a maximum of $350 per term.

For more details on these programs, visit the official AER website.

Air Force

The Air Force offers the following Education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

  • General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program:The centerpiece of the Air Force Aid Society's education initiatives is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program which provides grants to selected sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members; spouses (stateside) of active duty members and Title 10 AGR/Reservists; and surviving spouses of deceased personnel for their undergraduate studies. The value and success of this program, is demonstrated in the 74,679 grants disbursed since the first awards were made for the 1988-1989 academic year. In recognition of escalating college costs, the award amount for grants is now $2,000 for all qualifying applicants.This grant program remains competitive in its need-based selection criteria, uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education cost factors, and is administered by ACT Recognition Program Services. ACT, located in Iowa City IA, is an independent, not-for-profit organization with over 40 years experience in providing support services to scholarship sponsors. Awards for each academic year are announced in June each year. Use of funds is limited to tuition, books and fees, or other direct educational expenses.
    Visit the official General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program website.
  • General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): The purpose of the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) is to provide partial tuition assistance for spouses of Active Duty airmen or officers, who accompany members to overseas locations and will be attending college programs. The focus of the program is on the completion of degree or certificate programs that provide increased occupational opportunities for spouses. The program provides tuition Assistance (TA) at a rate of 50% of unmet tuition charge per course, with a maximum of $1,500 per academic year and a term maximum, which is calculated by dividing the annual maximum ($1,500) by the number of terms within the academic year. For purposes of this program, "academic year" is defined as the 12-month period beginning August 1 through July 31 of each year. Visit the official (STAP) website.

Navy

The Navy offers the following education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCNAV is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the NAVY:SOCNAV consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to NAVY installations worldwide. SOCNAV colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others. SOCNAV guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Navy may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.
    Visit the official SOCNAV website for more details.
  • The Navy Maine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP):The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers STAP to your spouse if you are on active duty and stationed in an overseas (OCONUS) location. Your spouse may be a full or part-time student studying toward a vocational certificate, or an undergraduate or graduate degree. Amounts granted: Undergraduate level maximum of $300 @ semester and $1500 @ year or Graduate level maximum of $350 @ semester and $1750 @ year.To request an application form and information about deadlines, contact one of the following NMCRS offices: Guam, Guantanamo Bay, London, Naples, Okinawa, Roosevelt Roads, Rota, Sigonella, or Yokosuk.
    Visit the official (STAP) website for more information.
  • VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program: To apply, you must be the spouse of an active duty member or the dependent child of an active or retired member of the Navy or Marine Corps. You must also be a full time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university. 1000 grants are awarded each academic year at $2000 each. Applicants are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan of up to $3000.The loan repayment begins within 30 days of award and must be repaid by allotment within 24 months. The application deadline is 1 March of each year.Late applications will not be considered for the scholarship; however they will be evaluated for a loan. Visit the official VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program website for more details.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard offers the following education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCCOAST is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Coast Guard: SOCCOAST consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Navy and Marine installations worldwide. SOCCOAST colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others. SOCCOAST guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Marine Corps may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.Visit the official SOCCOAST website for further information.
  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) offers a Supplemental Education Grant (SEG): Up to $160 per year. You can use this grant for ANY family member's education expenses. However it does not cover Tuition expenses. This grant can also be used to pay for ASVAB, CLEP, SAT, and other study guides. CGMA also offers several education related loans.To apply contact your local CG Mutual Assistance Representative or Education Officer. Visit the CGMA website to learn more about the programs offered by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
  • The Coast Guard Foundation: Provides $300,000 annually in educational grants to enlisted personnel working towards their college degree. Learn more at http://www.cgfdn.org/.

Additional Education Assistance: The Coast Guard also offers dependent spouses and Federal Coast Guard employees the opportunity to take CLEP, DANTES, and other tests at no cost. Visit the official Coast Guard website for more information.

Marine Corps

The Marines offers the following education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCMAR is the Servicemember's Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Marines: SOCMAR consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Navy and Marine installations worldwide. SOCMAR colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others. SOCMAR guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Marine Corps may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.Visit the official SOCMAR website for more details.
  • The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): The Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program offers grants and/or interest-free loans of up to $2,000 a year to eligible active duty servicemembers accepted to the following programs:

* Enlisted Commissioning Program

* Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program

* Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program

The program is also open to Midshipmen who have been released from active duty for immediate assignment to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program. Application is made through the Commanding Officer of the NROTC Unit, or by contacting NMCRS Headquarters.Visit the official Admiral Mike Boorda Scholarship Program website for more information.

  • Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP): The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers STAP to your spouse if you are an active duty servicemember stationed in an overseas (OCONUS) location. Your spouse may be a full or part-time student studying toward a vocational certificate or an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Amounts granted:

* Undergraduate level - maximum of $300 @ semester and $1500 @ year.

* Graduate level - maximum of $350 @ semester and $1750 @ year.

To request an application form and information about deadlines, contact one of the following NMCRS offices: Guam, Guantanamo Bay, London, Naples, Okinawa, Roosevelt Roads, Rota, Sigonella, or Yokosuka.Visit the official Spouse Tuition Aid Program website for more information.

  • VADM EP Travers Scholarship and Loan Program: To apply, you must be the spouse of an active duty member, or the dependent child of an active or retired member of the Navy or Marine Corps. You must be a full time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.

* 1000 grants are awarded each academic year at $2000 each.

* Applicants are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan of up to $3000.

* The loan repayment begins within 30 days of award and must be repaid by allotment within 24 months.

* Application deadline is 1 March of each year.

* Late applications will not be considered for the scholarship; however they will be evaluated for a loan. Visit the official VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loans website for more details.

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Private Scholarships ,Grants and Other Programs

While looking for money for school many spouses and their families overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. Survivor and Dependent Education Assistance programs offer great benefits, but they may not cover everything. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants specifically designed to help cover education related costs, so you don't have to. Many scholarships go unclaimed because students don't know where to look. Here are just some of the many scholarships available to you:

American Association of University Women

The American Association of University Women offers scholarships for women. These scholarships are awarded to eligible women who meet the specific requirements of AAUW Branch and State offices.

American Patriot Freedom Scholarship

Since launching the American Patriot Freedom Scholarship Program in 2006, the program, administered by Homefront America, Inc. has awarded over $95,000 in scholarships. Each year, military dependent children from around the world submit their essays hoping to receive one of 25 - $1,000 scholarships.

Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association

Links to various grants and scholarship opportunities. See website for details and application dates.

Folds of Honor Scholarship

The Folds of Honor Foundation offers college scholarships for spouses and children of service members disabled in action or killed in action in Iraq or Afghanistan. Applications may be submitted in advance for children who will not need the scholarship for several years. Scholarship amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers several scholarship programs for students of Hispanic heritage.

Hope for the Warriors

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS(tm), offers multiple scholarships to U.S. military spouses of wounded service members and Fallen Warriors.

Military Officers Association of America Scholarship

The Military Officers Association of America has multiple scholarship opportunities. Visit their website for details and deadlines.

National Institute of Whole Health (NIWH)

The National Institute of Whole Health is offering a $1,250 scholarship to all qualified MyCAA participants, towards their enrollment in an NIWH Whole Health curriculum.

National Military Family Association

The National Military Family Association Scholarship Fund awards scholarships for Military spouses. Applications, when available, are posted on their website.

Navy Wives Clubs of America

The Navy Wives Clubs of America offers a scholarship program for spouses of enlisted Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members.

Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation offers Tillman Military Scholarships for service members and their dependents.

 

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Useful Websites:

(Note that Bryant & Stratton College Online is not affiliated with the sites below and thus is not responsible for the veracity or quality of their content.)

The Post 9/11 GI Bill

http://www.gibill.va.gov

GovBenefits.gov

www.govbenefits.gov

GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over a thousand benefit and assistance programs. They include education grants and loans, health, housing, and other types of assistance. To obtain a tailored list of benefit programs for which you may be eligible, complete the free and confidential questionnaire on the GovBenefits.gov homepage. Or search for all programs by state, category, state, or federal agency by going to "Benefits".

Federal Student Aid Scholarship Search

https://studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/scholarship/v3browse.asp

This page of the Federal Student Aid website offers a scholarship search. The Student Aid site also offers a Financial Aid and Scholarship Wizard.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. We consistently champion the promise of postsecondary education to all Americans and its value to our society.

Military Community Scholarship and Financial Aid Explorer

www.mcsfex.net

This site helps military members and their families research scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

Military.com

www.military.com

This commercial site has information on scholarship opportunities for military family member. Visit the Military.com's Scholarship Finder and get started on your way to finding free money for school.

Students.gov

www.students.gov

This U.S. Department of Education site links students with information on financial aid, tuition assistance, and scholarships. There is a section for military members and their families. Start your search by going to "Pay for your education.
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Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

How Much Does VA Pay?

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers"). You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.


Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.

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Post-9/11 Montgomery GI Bill Information

This new education benefit program is available to individuals who served in active duty on or after September 11, 2001 and is payable for education pursued after August 1, 2009. If you qualify for assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill on or after August 1, 2009 and you also qualify for assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may make an irrevocable decision to receive benefits solely under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this aid, you must qualify as one of the following:

  • You served 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001 and are still on active duty or honorably discharged.
  • You were released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporarily disabled retired list.
  • You were released from active duty for further service in a reserve division of the armed forces.
  • You may be eligible if you were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.

What is covered?

  • Cost of tuition and fees--paid directly to school--not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education.
  • Monthly housing allowance--paid directly to you--equal to the basic housing allowance payable to a military E-5 with dependents in the same zip code as your school.
  • Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000, paid directly to you.
  • A one-time payment of $500 paid to individuals relocating from a highly rural area.

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Post - 9/11 GI Bill: Transferability

While the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a very generous post-service education benefit, a special provision of the program allows career service members the opportunity to share their education benefits with immediate family members. Allowing career service members to transfer their GI Bill benefits to family members has long been one of the most requested items among military family readiness and advocacy groups. An eligible Service member may transfer up to the total months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, or the entire 36 months if the member has used none.

Family member use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following:

Spouse:

  • May start to use the benefit immediately.
  • May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
  • Is not eligible for the monthly stipend or books and supplies stipend while the member is serving on active duty.
  • Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service member's last separation from active duty.

Child:

  • May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces.
  • May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
  • May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age.
  • Is entitled to the monthly stipend and books and supplies stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty.
  • Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.

Eligibility:

Any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after August 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and

  • Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
  • Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve) on the date of election, is precluded by either standard policy (service or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute,

or

Is (or becomes) retirement eligible during the period from August 1, 2009, through August 1, 2013. A service member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active duty or 20 qualifying years of reserve service.

  • For those individuals eligible for retirement on August 1, 2009, no additional service is required.
  • For those individuals who have an approved retirement date after August 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, no additional service is required.
  • For those individuals eligible for retirement after August 1, 2009, and before August 1, 2010, 1 year of additional service after approval of transfer is required.
  • For those individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2010, and before August 1, 2011, 2 years of additional service after approval of transfer are required.
  • For those individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2011, and before August 1, 2012, 3 years of additional service after approval of transfer required.

Eligible Family Members:

An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer the individual's entitlement to the individual's spouse, one or more of the individual's children or any combination of spouse and child.

  • A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits, at the time of transfer to receive transferred educational benefits.
  • A child's subsequent marriage will not affect his or her eligibility to receive the educational benefit; however, after an individual has designated a child as a transferee under this section, the individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.
  • A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferee's eligibility to receive educational benefits; however, after an individual has designated a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.

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Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.

The new guidelines for the revised MyCAA program include:

  • Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
  • Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.
  • Limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures.

MyCAA Eligibility:

Spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2, as well as the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.

Note: The MyCAA program does not include Coast Guard spouses.

Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance Program

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
  • A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
  • A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

Eligibility Update: Eligibility requirements have been expanded to cover a spouse or child of a person who:

  • VA determines has a service-connected permanent and total disability; and
  • At the time of VA's determination is a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment; and
  • Is likely to be discharged or released from service for this service-connected disability.

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State Provided Education Benefits

Educational benefits for families, particularly the children of deceased, MIA, POW, and disabled veterans, may be available in some states.To obtain complete eligibility requirements and assistance in applying for these valuable benefits, contact your local County Veterans Service Office.

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Branch Programs

Army

The Army offers the following Education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCAD is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Army. SOCAD consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Army installations worldwide. SOCAD colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others.SOCAD guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Army may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency. Visit the official SOCAD website for more details.
  • Army Emergency Relief (AER): Army Emergency Relief is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own."

Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP): Is a need-based education assistance program designed to provide spouses of active duty Army Soldiers and widows(ers) of Army Soldiers that died while on active duty, and are residing in the United States, with financial assistance in pursuing educational goals. The purpose of the program is to assist spouses/widows(ers) in gaining the education required to allow them to qualify for increased occupational opportunities. Individuals who receive free tuition as a result of their employment will not receive tuition assistance from AER. However, they may apply for assistance for fees, supplies or books (no duplicates) for classes in which they are enrolled. SEAP is limited to $2500 maximum per academic year.

Spouse Education Assistance Program (EAP): If you are assigned in Europe, Korea, Japan or Okinawa, Army Emergency Relief offers your spouse a grant to assist with the costs associated with pursuing his or her education, up to a maximum of $350 per term.

For more details on these programs, visit the official AER website.

Air Force

The Air Force offers the following Education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

  • General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program:The centerpiece of the Air Force Aid Society's education initiatives is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program which provides grants to selected sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members; spouses (stateside) of active duty members and Title 10 AGR/Reservists; and surviving spouses of deceased personnel for their undergraduate studies. The value and success of this program, is demonstrated in the 74,679 grants disbursed since the first awards were made for the 1988-1989 academic year. In recognition of escalating college costs, the award amount for grants is now $2,000 for all qualifying applicants.This grant program remains competitive in its need-based selection criteria, uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education cost factors, and is administered by ACT Recognition Program Services. ACT, located in Iowa City IA, is an independent, not-for-profit organization with over 40 years experience in providing support services to scholarship sponsors. Awards for each academic year are announced in June each year. Use of funds is limited to tuition, books and fees, or other direct educational expenses.
    Visit the official General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program website.
  • General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): The purpose of the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) is to provide partial tuition assistance for spouses of Active Duty airmen or officers, who accompany members to overseas locations and will be attending college programs. The focus of the program is on the completion of degree or certificate programs that provide increased occupational opportunities for spouses. The program provides tuition Assistance (TA) at a rate of 50% of unmet tuition charge per course, with a maximum of $1,500 per academic year and a term maximum, which is calculated by dividing the annual maximum ($1,500) by the number of terms within the academic year. For purposes of this program, "academic year" is defined as the 12-month period beginning August 1 through July 31 of each year. Visit the official (STAP) website.

Navy

The Navy offers the following education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCNAV is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the NAVY:SOCNAV consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to NAVY installations worldwide. SOCNAV colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others. SOCNAV guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Navy may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.
    Visit the official SOCNAV website for more details.
  • The Navy Maine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP):The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers STAP to your spouse if you are on active duty and stationed in an overseas (OCONUS) location. Your spouse may be a full or part-time student studying toward a vocational certificate, or an undergraduate or graduate degree. Amounts granted: Undergraduate level maximum of $300 @ semester and $1500 @ year or Graduate level maximum of $350 @ semester and $1750 @ year.To request an application form and information about deadlines, contact one of the following NMCRS offices: Guam, Guantanamo Bay, London, Naples, Okinawa, Roosevelt Roads, Rota, Sigonella, or Yokosuk.
    Visit the official (STAP) website for more information.
  • VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program: To apply, you must be the spouse of an active duty member or the dependent child of an active or retired member of the Navy or Marine Corps. You must also be a full time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university. 1000 grants are awarded each academic year at $2000 each. Applicants are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan of up to $3000.The loan repayment begins within 30 days of award and must be repaid by allotment within 24 months. The application deadline is 1 March of each year.Late applications will not be considered for the scholarship; however they will be evaluated for a loan. Visit the official VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program website for more details.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard offers the following education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCCOAST is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Coast Guard: SOCCOAST consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Navy and Marine installations worldwide. SOCCOAST colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others. SOCCOAST guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Marine Corps may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.Visit the official SOCCOAST website for further information.
  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) offers a Supplemental Education Grant (SEG): Up to $160 per year. You can use this grant for ANY family member's education expenses. However it does not cover Tuition expenses. This grant can also be used to pay for ASVAB, CLEP, SAT, and other study guides. CGMA also offers several education related loans.To apply contact your local CG Mutual Assistance Representative or Education Officer. Visit the CGMA website to learn more about the programs offered by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
  • The Coast Guard Foundation: Provides $300,000 annually in educational grants to enlisted personnel working towards their college degree. Learn more at http://www.cgfdn.org/.

Additional Education Assistance: The Coast Guard also offers dependent spouses and Federal Coast Guard employees the opportunity to take CLEP, DANTES, and other tests at no cost. Visit the official Coast Guard website for more information.

Marine Corps

The Marines offers the following education Programs for its Spouse and Family members:

  • SOCMAR is the Servicemember's Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Marines: SOCMAR consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Navy and Marine installations worldwide. SOCMAR colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others. SOCMAR guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Marine Corps may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.Visit the official SOCMAR website for more details.
  • The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): The Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program offers grants and/or interest-free loans of up to $2,000 a year to eligible active duty servicemembers accepted to the following programs:

* Enlisted Commissioning Program

* Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program

* Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program

The program is also open to Midshipmen who have been released from active duty for immediate assignment to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program. Application is made through the Commanding Officer of the NROTC Unit, or by contacting NMCRS Headquarters.Visit the official Admiral Mike Boorda Scholarship Program website for more information.

  • Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP): The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers STAP to your spouse if you are an active duty servicemember stationed in an overseas (OCONUS) location. Your spouse may be a full or part-time student studying toward a vocational certificate or an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Amounts granted:

* Undergraduate level - maximum of $300 @ semester and $1500 @ year.

* Graduate level - maximum of $350 @ semester and $1750 @ year.

To request an application form and information about deadlines, contact one of the following NMCRS offices: Guam, Guantanamo Bay, London, Naples, Okinawa, Roosevelt Roads, Rota, Sigonella, or Yokosuka.Visit the official Spouse Tuition Aid Program website for more information.

  • VADM EP Travers Scholarship and Loan Program: To apply, you must be the spouse of an active duty member, or the dependent child of an active or retired member of the Navy or Marine Corps. You must be a full time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.

* 1000 grants are awarded each academic year at $2000 each.

* Applicants are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan of up to $3000.

* The loan repayment begins within 30 days of award and must be repaid by allotment within 24 months.

* Application deadline is 1 March of each year.

* Late applications will not be considered for the scholarship; however they will be evaluated for a loan. Visit the official VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loans website for more details.

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Private Scholarships ,Grants and Other Programs

While looking for money for school many spouses and their families overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. Survivor and Dependent Education Assistance programs offer great benefits, but they may not cover everything. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants specifically designed to help cover education related costs, so you don't have to. Many scholarships go unclaimed because students don't know where to look. Here are just some of the many scholarships available to you:

American Association of University Women

The American Association of University Women offers scholarships for women. These scholarships are awarded to eligible women who meet the specific requirements of AAUW Branch and State offices.

American Patriot Freedom Scholarship

Since launching the American Patriot Freedom Scholarship Program in 2006, the program, administered by Homefront America, Inc. has awarded over $95,000 in scholarships. Each year, military dependent children from around the world submit their essays hoping to receive one of 25 - $1,000 scholarships.

Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association

Links to various grants and scholarship opportunities. See website for details and application dates.

Folds of Honor Scholarship

The Folds of Honor Foundation offers college scholarships for spouses and children of service members disabled in action or killed in action in Iraq or Afghanistan. Applications may be submitted in advance for children who will not need the scholarship for several years. Scholarship amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers several scholarship programs for students of Hispanic heritage.

Hope for the Warriors

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS(tm), offers multiple scholarships to U.S. military spouses of wounded service members and Fallen Warriors.

Military Officers Association of America Scholarship

The Military Officers Association of America has multiple scholarship opportunities. Visit their website for details and deadlines.

National Institute of Whole Health (NIWH)

The National Institute of Whole Health is offering a $1,250 scholarship to all qualified MyCAA participants, towards their enrollment in an NIWH Whole Health curriculum.

National Military Family Association

The National Military Family Association Scholarship Fund awards scholarships for Military spouses. Applications, when available, are posted on their website.

Navy Wives Clubs of America

The Navy Wives Clubs of America offers a scholarship program for spouses of enlisted Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members.

Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation offers Tillman Military Scholarships for service members and their dependents.

 

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Useful Websites:

(Note that Bryant & Stratton College Online is not affiliated with the sites below and thus is not responsible for the veracity or quality of their content.)

The Post 9/11 GI Bill

http://www.gibill.va.gov

GovBenefits.gov

www.govbenefits.gov

GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over a thousand benefit and assistance programs. They include education grants and loans, health, housing, and other types of assistance. To obtain a tailored list of benefit programs for which you may be eligible, complete the free and confidential questionnaire on the GovBenefits.gov homepage. Or search for all programs by state, category, state, or federal agency by going to "Benefits".

Federal Student Aid Scholarship Search

https://studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/scholarship/v3browse.asp

This page of the Federal Student Aid website offers a scholarship search. The Student Aid site also offers a Financial Aid and Scholarship Wizard.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. We consistently champion the promise of postsecondary education to all Americans and its value to our society.

Military Community Scholarship and Financial Aid Explorer

www.mcsfex.net

This site helps military members and their families research scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

Military.com

www.military.com

This commercial site has information on scholarship opportunities for military family member. Visit the Military.com's Scholarship Finder and get started on your way to finding free money for school.

Students.gov

www.students.gov

This U.S. Department of Education site links students with information on financial aid, tuition assistance, and scholarships. There is a section for military members and their families. Start your search by going to "Pay for your education.
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