Military Spouse Benefits: Education, Careers & More
Updated July 2026
Military spouses give up a lot for their family's service, and there is a real set of benefits built to help — for school, careers, health care, and moves. Here are the ones worth knowing.
Education: the MyCAA / SpouseWorks scholarship
Eligible spouses can receive up to $4,000 (with an annual cap) toward licenses, certifications, national tests, or an associate degree tied to a career field. It is aimed at spouses of service members in certain junior and mid pay grades, including Guard and Reserve spouses when the member is on Title 10 orders — confirm current eligibility on Military OneSource.
Careers: employment help and hiring partners
The military's spouse career program (career coaching plus a large employer-partner network) connects spouses to companies that have committed to hiring and retaining military spouses. Spouses of active-duty members may also qualify for military spouse preference for certain federal and on-installation jobs, and remote-friendly employers help careers survive PCS moves.
Keeping your license across a PCS
When a PCS forces a move to a new state, the DoD reimburses eligible spouses up to $1,000 for the cost of re-establishing a professional license or certification in the new state — separate from MyCAA, which pays for the training itself.
Legal protections: SCRA residency and taxes
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (and related spouse residency rules), a military spouse can generally keep a single state of legal residence for tax and voting purposes even as the family moves — avoiding a new state income tax at every duty station.
Health care and base access
As a dependent enrolled in DEERS, a spouse gets a military ID and TRICARE coverage, plus access to the commissary, exchange, and MWR facilities. Families with special medical or educational needs can enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). See our DEERS & ID guide and TRICARE guide.
Frequently asked questions
What education benefits do military spouses get?
The main one is the MyCAA/SpouseWorks scholarship — up to $4,000 (with an annual cap) toward licenses, certifications, or an associate degree in a portable career field, for spouses of service members in eligible pay grades, including qualifying Guard and Reserve spouses.
Can a military spouse keep their professional license after moving?
The DoD reimburses eligible spouses up to $1,000 for relicensing or recertification costs when a PCS moves them to a new state. Many states also now offer license reciprocity for military spouses to make the transfer easier.
Do military spouses get TRICARE?
Yes. As a dependent enrolled in DEERS, a military spouse is eligible for TRICARE health coverage, along with a military ID card and access to the commissary, exchange, and base services.
Are Guard and Reserve spouses eligible for these benefits?
Many of them, yes — especially when the Guard or Reserve member is activated on Title 10 orders. Eligibility for specific programs like the spouse scholarship depends on the member's status and pay grade, so confirm current rules on Military OneSource.