Military Spouse Career
Advancement Account (MyCAA) Info Page

Administered by Department of Defense, the MyCAA program provides $4,000 for eligible Military Spouses. MyCAA financial assistance will pay for expenses such as post-secondary education and training, tuition, licensing.

1. Visit MyCAA website to create an account.

2. Choose a career plan/path. ASM can assist you with this step.

3. Select your school (ASM) and ASM courses.

4. Contact Military One Source (MOS) at 1-800-342-9647 to speak with a MOS Career/Education Consultant. This is a mandatory step.

5. Ask MOS Consultant to send your request for approval.

6. You will be notified via email of your approval. It is that simple!

What is a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)?
The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, also known as MyCAA, provides employment, career, education/training, counseling and Financial Assistance for Spouses of active duty and activated Reserve Components (Guard and Reserve) Service members world-wide.

What kind of Financial Assistance is available through a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)?
The Internet based MyCAA tool allows Spouses to apply for up to $6000 in Financial Assistance for education, training, licensing or certification necessary for their Portable Careers.

Who is eligible for a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account?
Spouses married to an active duty or activated Reserve Component (Guard or Reserve) Service member (e.g., your Military Sponsor) are eligible to participate in MyCAA. This includes Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) and Coast Guard deployed with the Navy.

How will my eligibility be verified?
We will use DEERS to verify eligibility for MyCAA based on your sponsor’s social security number. If your sponsor has not registered you in DEERS or your personal information in DEERS is out-of-date, please contact DEERS at Toll-free: 1-800-538-9552; TTY/TTD: 1-866-363-2883; www.TRICARE.osd.mil/DEERSAddress. If you need assistance, contact your Military OneSource Career/Education Consultant (1-800-342-9647).

If my Military Sponsor has a Date of Separation in DEERS that is less than a year away, am I still eligible?
Yes, if your Military Sponsor is on active duty or activated Guard and Reserve, you are eligible now and will remain eligible for Financial Assistance until you finish your Career and Training Plan. If you have questions, contact your Military OneSource Career/Education Consultant (1-800-342-9647).

If my Military Sponsor is activated Guard or Reserve, but his/her orders aren’t for a full year or more, am I still eligible?
Yes, you are eligible now and will remain eligible for Financial Assistance until you finish your Career and Training Plan. If you have questions, contact your Military OneSource Career/Education Consultant (1-800-342-9647).

If I am legally separated or divorced from my sponsor, am I still eligible?
No, the MyCAA legislation specifically excludes spouses who are divorced and spouses who are married to, but legally separated from, their sponsor under court order or statute of any State or territorial possession of the United States.

If I my Spouse and I are both members of the armed forces, am I still eligible?
No, the MyCAA legislation specifically excludes spouses who are members of the armed forces. You are not eligible if you are active duty, Guard, Reserve or Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR).

If I am a Military Veteran and am no longer in the military, am I eligible?
Yes, if you are married to an active duty or activated Guard or Reserve Service member, you are eligible.

Can I have MyCAA Financial Assistance if I already have a job?
Yes, if you need a license, certification, credential, education, or training in order to seek or maintain employment or move up your career ladder, you are eligible for MyCAA Financial Assistance.

What if I already paid for a class or fee that I want to put in my Career and Training Plan? Can I get the money back through MyCAA Financial Assistance?
No, reimbursements are not available.

What do I have to do to apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance?

1. Set up a Profile on MyCAA.

2. Review and digitally sign (by entering your user name and password) the MyCAA online Statement of Understanding (SOU) Terms and Conditions.

3. Call a Military OneSource Career/Education Consultant to begin working on your career goal and Career and Training Plan (1-800-342-9647).

4. Use the School Search function under the Resources tab to see if you School or other Payee is registered as a MyCAA participant.

5. If the School or other Payee is not in the AI Portal, the Spouse should either use the MyCAA School Request function or call a Military OneSource Career/Education Consultants (1-800-342-9647) for assistance.

6. Financial Assistance is paid directly to Schools and other Payees registered in the AI Portal.

7. Apply for acceptance at your School or other Payee program for which you wish to receive MyCAA Financial Assistance.

8. Enroll in your selected block of study or course at your School or other Payee program.

9. Let your MOS Career/Education Consultant know you’re ready to start your Career and Training Plan.

10. Tell your School or other Payee program they can now invoice MyCAA using the AI Portal.

Does adding classes to MyCAA Career and Training Plan also enroll me in the classes at my School?
No, you still have to apply and be accepted for the course of study at the School or other Payee program and follow their enrollment procedures.

If I already have a degree, can I take graduate courses with MyCAA Financial Assistance?
Yes, you may take graduate courses as part of your Career and Training Plan to begin your Portable Career.

If I need a graduate degree, but must complete undergraduate coursework before I begin my graduate program, can I use MyCAA Financial Assistance (e.g., Pre-med, pre-law, or similar preparatory courses)?
No, MyCAA Financial Assistance can not be used for preparatory courses.

If I finish my Career and Training Plan and then relocate, can I use MyCAA again?
Yes, as long as you have not used the entire $6,000, you may continue to use MyCAA Financial Assistance.

Will I have to pay for any part of my Career and Training Plan?
MyCAA will pay up to $6,000 of your Career and Training Plan. You are responsible for any remaining costs. Contact your MOS Career/Education Consultant (1-800-342-9647) to discuss the best ways to use your available MyCAA Financial Assistance. You may also be eligible for additional funding from sources such as Pell Grants, GI Bill/Post 911 Education Bill, Scholarships, etc. and may use them in conjunction with the MyCAA Financial Assistance.

Are there costs which are not covered by MyCAA Financial Assistance?
Financial Assistance does NOT include the following: Separate payments for books, supplies, or equipment (e.g., costs not directly incorporated into the billing for the block of study); computers; graduation fees; child care, student activity cards; application fees; transportation; parking; or medical services testing fees.

What are the requirements after I finish a block of study?
Make sure your grades or test scores are submitted by your School or other Payee into your MyCAA. Tell your MOS Career/Education Consultant when you complete your Career and Training Plan and when you receive your licensure, certification or academic degree. Once you find a job, let your MOS Career/Education Consultant know about your new Portable Career.

What if I’m not interested in Financial Assistance, can I still participate in MyCAA?
Yes, you can create a profile, participate in forums, serve as a mentor, talk to a Military Career/Education Consultant, and access MyCAA Resources to help you make career and life decisions.