MyCAA Program

MYCAA

MyCAA articles are articles containing valuable information covering the various education benefits for military spouses. Many military spouses are not aware that they can apply for MyCAA education benefits. These MyCAA education benefits are for the attainment of education that support careers that are portable careers. The Defense Department realizes that military spouses frequently move and wants to provide benefits to support careers that military spouses can take from one location to another. The MyCAA program covers a very large variety of educational opportunities for military spouses. These include certificate programs for military spouses and courses enabling military spouses to be self-employed too. Check out the MilitaryConnection.com School Directory.

MyCAA Program

On October 25, 2010, the Defense Department (DoD) resumed My Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) funding program. In February of this year, to the dismay of many, this program was interrupted because the ovewhelming demand created budgetary issues.

The Defense Department conducted an extensive review of the program, its criteria and benefits. Below are the highlights of the current MYCAA program:

• Available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2
• Offers a maximum 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
• Requires military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course
• Program is limited to associate degrees, certifications, and licensures

The Military Connection Education Area and School Directory feature schools that honor this program with a variety of curriculums. Please check out the information.

Military spouses deserve a top-quality education that will result in opportunities for a high-demand career. They also need a portable career path so that they can easily relocate. A portable career will provide them outstanding employment opportunities regardless of how often or where they relocate. It will enable them to reach personal, professional and financial goals as they make the many sacrifices demanded of a military spouse. Employers will have well-trained employees with a work ethic that is extraordinary.

Eligibility for MyCAA

In order to be eligible for MyCAA, My Career Advancement Accounts for financial assistance, you must be the spouse of an active duty servicemember or an activated member of the National Guard or Reserves.

What Does MyCAA Pay For?
Eligible military spouses under the MyCAA Financial Assistance program will receive payment for tuition for education and training courses including licensing and state certifications for:

• Teachers
• Medical professionals
• Other occupations requiring recognized certifications
• Licensing exams and related prep courses
• Continuing Education Unit (CEU) classes including those offered through professional associations
• Degree Programs leading to employment in Portable Career Fields
• High School Completion courses and GED tests
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes

What Won’t MyCAA Pay For?

Spouses must first have an approved MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) document or they will personally be liable for paying course costs. MyCAA payments are made directly to the schools electronically and not to the spouse. MyCAA will not pay reimbursements to spouses of any kind for any reason.  Unfortunately, Coast Guard spouses are not covered by the MyCAA program because the Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and this program is through the Department of Defense. Congressional Mandate PL 11-417 Sec 582 applies to this program.

Some of the things that MyCAA does not cover are:

• Application, graduation or membership fees
• Student activity cards
• Child care
• Parking, transportation or medical services