The Top 8 MyCAA Funding FAQs Answered

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarship covers workforce development and training programs funded by the Department of Defense. MyCAA funding offers financial assistance of up to $4,000 in scholarships to eligible military spouses.

With MyCAA, you can continue your education to obtain a license, certification or associate's degree leading to portable and gainful employment in high-demand "portable" fields like healthcare.

Eligibility for MyCAA

Your eligibility for MyCAA is determined by the following criteria:

• If you are the spouse of an active-duty military service member in the pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2

• If you have completed your high school education or General Educational Diploma

• If you are the spouse of an active-duty military National Guard, Reserve under Title 10 orders

• If you are the spouse of a service member who is severely wounded, ill, disabled or missing in action‌

Spouses married to service members promoted to pay grades E-6 and above, W-3 and above or O-3 and above are ineligible unless the service member was already enrolled in an individual career plan.

Military spouses who are “legally separated” or are active-duty members, Guard or Reserve on Title 10 orders themselves are not eligible.

Top 8 MyCAA FAQs

1. What Can MyCAA Pay For?

‌MyCAA funding covers tuition fees for classes, training, examinations and courses for a license, certification or an associate’s degree at any academic institution that has been approved for MyCAA Scholarship participation. MyCAA will also provide up to 9 hours of paid credit for remedial courses and 3 hours of non-credit remedial courses.

2. Where Can MyCAA Not Be Used?

‌The program cannot be used to buy books, supplies, computers/laptops or other items. MyCAA funding cannot be used for courses or exams that are not included in your Education Training Plan — a mandatory document that details your program and courses to be completed.

MyCAA also cannot reimburse the fees for recently started or previously completed courses. Student activity, event or entertainment fees cannot be reimbursed using MyCAA. Any non-accredited courses, internships or programs are not eligible for MyCAA.

3. Does MyCAA Have a Time Limit?

‌Once you sign up for MyCAA, you must complete all coursework within the time frame of 12 months for an associate’s degree program and 18 months for a license or certification program. However, spouses can contact a career coach or Employment Readiness staff to discuss waiver options in case of a failed course.

4. How Many Times Can You Use MyCAA?

‌MyCAA funding consists of a total of $4,000, but it has a $2,000 annual cap. This means you can use parts of the $4,000 at different times. For example, you can use $2,000 twice for some certificate programs. However, you cannot apply for the scholarship more than once.

5. Do You Have to Pay MyCAA Back?

‌MyCAA is financial assistance in the form of a scholarship, and it does not need to be repaid.

However, any expenses above the MyCAA amount must be paid by you. You can apply for the Federal Application for Student Aid to check your eligibility for additional grants or student loans.

Note that MyCAA is not income and not subject to income tax.‌

6. Can You Use MyCAA to Pursue a Graduate Degree?

‌You can use MyCAA to apply for any program in line with the Education Training Plan from an accredited institution to obtain a license, certification or associate’s degree.

The program does not cover advanced courses towards a bachelor's or graduate degree. However, you can seek guidance from your career coach for more information.

7. What If You Do Not Complete the MyCAA Program?

‌If you sign up for a MyCAA program, you must complete all coursework. If you fail or withdraw from a course, your MyCAA funding account will be locked until you contact a MyCAA Career and Education Consultant.

After failing twice, your account may be permanently locked — further financial assistance will not be provided.

8. Where Can You Direct MyCAA Complaints?

‌If you need to discuss issues regarding MyCAA service delivery, you can contact a MyCAA Service Delivery Manager at 1-800-342-9647.

Finding the Ideal Portable Career

‌Now that you have a clear understanding of the MyCAA program eligibility and funding, you can sign up for MyCAA and take advantage of the scholarship.

With your MyCAA account, you can select the program of your choice from various training certifications available at MedCerts. MyCAA funding can help pave your way toward the ideal portable career in high-demand fields like healthcare.