How Does MyCAA Work?

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program is sponsored by the Department of Defense and is designed to offer education funding for eligible military spouses. MyCAA is a component of the DoD’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program designed to help eligible military spouses pursue the skills needed for gainful employment in high demand, high growth portable career fields and occupations.

What is MyCAA?

MyCAA is a scholarship funded by the Department of Defense that provides eligible military spouses with tuition assistance of up to $4,000, in $2,000 increments per fiscal year.

How does MyCAA work?

Military spouses can use MyCAA to pursue certifications, licenses or associate degrees that help position them for employment in occupations and career fields that are in demand, portable and high-growth.

Is there an annual cap?

Yes. An eligible military spouse is limited to an annual fiscal cap of $2,000.

What about a program that has an upfront cost of more than $2,000?

A cap waiver could be available on an annual basis for those certificate and licensure programs that have an upfront cost for tuition that exceeds $2,000. The maximum benefit that can be awarded for education is $4,000.

When can a spouse complete the coursework?

According to MyCAA guidelines, spouses must be able to both start and finish their coursework during the time that their spouse is on Title 10 military orders. The program of study must be completed within three years of the date that the first course was started. Fortunately, MedCerts offers short-term 3-6 month training programs that are MyCAA-approved.

Who is an "eligible military spouse?"

In order for a person to be an "eligible military spouse," the service member must be on active duty in the army, navy, marine corps or airforce. Pay grades that are eligible include E-1 to E-5, O-1 to O-2 and W-1 to W-2.

Are spouses of the National Guard and reserve component eligible for MyCAA?

Yes, as long as these military service members are within the following pay grades: E-1 to E-5, O-1 to O-2 and W-1 to W-2. If a service member is in a Transition Assistance, Post Deployment or Alert status, their spouse is not eligible for MyCAA.

How can interested military spouses get more information?

Do you have more questions about how MyCAA works? This MyCAA funding tip sheet offers a wealth of information, resources, and information designed to answer all your MyCAA questions. You can also complete the brief info request form above to have one of our Education Consultants assist you with developing your Education and Training Plan as well as help you determine your eligibility for this scholarship.