New My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Program Guidance

Today, OSD has announced the new My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Program Guidance and a re-opening date of October 25, 2010. Significant changes have been made to eligibility, benefit and fiscal year cap, time-limit, and programs of study. These new guidelines reflect a return to the original purpose of the program – to assist spouses of service members achieve portable careers. These changes also align the program with responsible fiscal planning by the Defense Department to help sustain the program.

New Financial Assistance Guidelines

* The program is available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2.
* The maximum financial benefit will be $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
* Military spouses will be required to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.
* The program is limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures.
* Effective immediately, National Guard & Reserve members must be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit.

Spouses who currently have an active account will be allowed to request financial assistance until Thursday, October 21, 2010. Beginning September 1, 2010, spouses may request financial assistance for classes that have a start date up to January 15, 2011. To ensure adequate time to plan for courses, no career plans will be accepted after August 31, 2010. All currently approved financial assistance documents will be honored.

The program will be closed from Friday, October 22nd to Monday, October 25th so that we may ensure the infrastructure is in place to implement the new program.

Additional program details will be posted at www.militaryonesource.com/caa as they become available. We encourage you to check the site often.