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for military & veteran spouses

The Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Government offer several programs specifically designed to support military spouses in various aspects of their lives, including employment, education, health and family support. We hope the following vetted resources help support your journey as a military and/or veteran spouse.

Community Resources

Military OneSource: offers a full-range of resources for DOD and military families such as deployment and PCS and OCONUS services, mental health and substance abuse support, and a wide-range of childcare resources. 

National Resource Directory (NRD): a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration for service members, veterans, family members and caregivers.

Education & Training

DOD Voluntary Education Program: provides adult education programs, tuition assistance, and counseling services for spouses to further their education.

Military OneSource Education Services: resources and support for spouses seeking higher education, including scholarship information and educational counseling. 

DOD Education Activity (DODEA): official edcuational resource for children of service members and DOD civilians from pre-K through high school. For overseas families, access and search for accredited schools for children, divided into the Americas, Europe and Pacific. Domestic resources are available for families living on base, as well as virtual learning and remote learning resources for students in the U.S. 

Employment & Career Support

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): offers a job portal with opportunities specific to military spouses from employers committed to hiring spouses. 

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO): provides career and education guidance, including career coaching, resume assistance, job search strategies and more. 

My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship: offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in portable career fields. 

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN): a non-profit organization focused on employment readiness training and job placement, providing free services to military spouses, retired spouses, and caregivers. 

Department of State Professional Development Fellowship Program: fellowship program offered by the Dept. of State's Global Community Liason Office (GCLO) available to eligible family members (EFM) and member of household (MOH) individuals serving overseas under Chief of Mission authority. The GCLO fellowship program supports spouses and partners in their efforts to develop, maintain, and/or refresh their professional skills while overseas, including gradute and undergraduate-level education.

Family Support

Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program: offers confidential, non-medical counseling services to help military families, including spouses, cope with the challenges of military life. 

Exceptional Family Member Program: provides support for military families with special needs, including medical, educational, and emotional support services. 

Financial Assistance

Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator 

Defense Finance and Accounting Service: paytables and allowances. 

eBenefits: research, find, access, and manage benefits and personal information. 

Per Diem Rates: access rates from the Defense Travel Management Office. 

Thrift Savings Plan: retirement plan for service members and government civilian employees. 

Service Group Life Insurance (SGLI): low-cost term life insurance to eligible service members. 

Health & Wellness

The Military Health System (MHS): comprehensive health care information and services for military personnel, families, and retirees. Includes details on health care administration, medical readiness, mental health resources, and TRICARE. 

TRICARE: health care insurance program for military families, including spouses and retirees. 

Military OneSource Health and Wellness Coaching: free, confidential coaching to help spouses achieve health and wellness goals. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/health-wellness-coaching/

MOVING & PCS

Plan My Move: access customized moving checklists, planning tools, and information on housing, education, and employment at new duty stations, including OCONUS and CONUS locations. 

Military INSTALLATIONS: directory of programs and services available at military installations worldwide, providing resources when relocating. 

BaseDirectory.com: a comprehensive resource for finding facilities and services on military bases worldwide. Covers all branches of the military and includes information for over 15,000 establishments. Users can search for facilities by state or country and find detailed information including directions and phone numbers. 

MilitaryByOwner: a comprehensive resource for military families looking to buy, sell, or rent homes near military installations. The site offers property listings, advertising options for homeowners, and resources for home buying, selling, and renting. Also includes tools for property management and relocation assistance, making it a valuable platform for military personnel during PCS moves.

Podcasts

Academy Insider: a resource dedicated to guiding and supporting midshipmen, future midshipmen, and their families through the United States Naval Academy journey. The platform offers insider information, personal stories, podcasts, and practical advice to help families navigate the challenges of Academy life. It aims to transform the experience from one of survival to one of leading and maximizing opportunities. The site also features blogs, a community forum, and updates via newsletters.