What Benefits Do Military Spouses Receive?
Military spouses have long been the backbone of the military family, often sacrificing their own careers, social lives, and sometimes even their own personal ambitions to support their service members. In recognition of this sacrifice, the United States government has put in place a range of benefits for military spouses, aimed at supporting their own personal, professional, and financial development. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most significant benefits that military spouses can claim.
**Health Benefits
One of the most significant benefits that military spouses can claim is health coverage through the Military Health System (MHS). Eligible spouses can receive access to medical, dental, and pharmacy services through various MHS networks, including TRICARE (Veterans Affairs healthcare), Defense Health Agency (DHA), and Coast Guard civilian healthcare. This includes benefits such as:
- Affordable healthcare coverage
- Annual physicals
- Coverage for chronic illnesses
- Access to specialists
- Prescription medication coverage
- Dental and eye care
- 24/7 access to military medical personnel
Education and Professional Development
Military spouses face unique challenges, such as frequent relocations and inconsistent work schedules, which can hinder their ability to further their education and careers. To address this, military spouses can take advantage of various education and professional development benefits, including:
- Tuition Assistance: Up to 100% tuition coverage for spouses attending college or vocational schools.
- GI Bill: Spouses can use transferred GI Bill benefits to further their education or career goals.
- Online Career Training: Many organizations, such as the US Navy’s Sailor’s Creed College Fund, offer online training programs, scholarships, and fellowships to support spouse education.
- Career Readiness: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations offer career training, resume-building workshops, and job placement assistance.
- Employment Skills Training: Programs like Hire Our Heroes, a joint initiative by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer career advice, resume building, and job placement services.
Financial Benefits
Military spouses often face financial challenges due to frequent relocations and inconsistent income. To help alleviate these issues, there are various financial benefits that spouses can claim:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): A monthly allowance designed to help military spouses keep up with rising housing costs.
- Housing Allowance Entitlements: Eligible spouses receive a housing stipend in areas with high costs of living.
- Furniture and Appliances: As part of their Permanent Change of Station (PCS) reimbursement, spouses may be able to claim expenses for relocating furniture and appliances.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit, are designed to help spouses with expenses related to childcare or dependants.
- Disbursed Pay and Reimbursed Expenses: Some bases offer disbursed pay options, allowing spouses to take home a larger percentage of their spouse’s paycheck. Some bases also offer reimbursed expenses for childcare, commuting, and other essential items.
Relocation Support
Military spouses are familiar with the stress and confusion that comes with relocating to a new duty station. To make the transition smoother, various support options are available:
- Relocation Assistance: Trained relocation experts offer pre-move counseling, logistics management, and relocation resources to help spouses adjust to the new location.
- Financial Assistance: The US Armed Forces offer relocation loans or grants to help with transportation, housing, and relocation expenses.
- Career Relocation Services: Some employers, like GEHC, offer career relocation assistance, including relocation planning, job placement, and settlement services.
- Talent Acquisition Teams: Hiring managers and recruiters offer in-person interviews and assessments in the new duty station or via video conference.
Other Benefits
There are many other benefits that military spouses can claim, including:
- Discounted Travel: Eligible spouses can enjoy discounted travel packages, hotel stays, and car rentals through the MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) program.
- Pet Care: Many military organizations offer pet care services, including pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities.
- Childcare and Youth Development: The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Employment Recognition (DANETR) offers childcare, youth development, and dependent care services to eligible military spouses.
- Subsistence Allowance: Eligible spouses may be entitled to a subsistence allowance, a small cash stipend designed to supplement their income.
- Spouse and Dependant Education Assistance Program (SEDAP): Offers $100 per month stipend for spouses attending school and $100 per month for dependants in full-time school.
Table 1: Key Military Spouse Benefits
| Category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Health | MHS coverage, TRICARE, DHA healthcare |
| Education and Professional Development | Tuition Assistance, GI Bill, online career training, employment skills training |
| Financial | BAH, housing allowance entitlements, furniture and appliances |
| Relocation | Relocation assistance, financial assistance, career relocation services |
| Other | Discounted travel, pet care, child care, subsistence allowance, SEDAP stipend |
Conclusion
Military spouses face unique challenges, but with a wide range of benefits at their disposal, they can successfully navigate the complexities of life as a military family member. From healthcare coverage and education assistance to relocation support and financial aid, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with these benefits and take advantage of the programs available.
