MyCAA Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ)
What is MyCAA Program?
MyCAA, or the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, is an education and training focused scholarship and grant program for military spouses. It’s a branch of the DOD and its main purpose is to help military spouses gain access to education and employment in high-demand, high-growth careers that you can take with you from post to post.
Who is eligible for Military Spouse Scholarship?
If your spouse (military sponsor) is currently active duty and within pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2, (this includes members of the National Guard and the Reserves) then you’re eligible.
When can I apply?
If you can start and complete your program while your spouse is on Title 10 military orders, you can get a scholarship. Programs for certifications usually range from six to nine months in duration. If you choose an online, self-paced program; you could finish sooner and get to work!
Why should I apply for MyCAA scholarship?
Do you want to go back to school, change careers, or start an exciting new career? If you’re eligible for a career training program tuition grant, you should definitely apply. You could make more money to support your family, gain new friends and experiences in the workplace, and contribute to your spouse’s success – all with a new MyCAA career.
FAQs
FAQs
What is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program?
MyCAA is a career development and employment assistance program designed to help military spouses pursue education that could help them prepare for an in-demand and portable career. Under this program, qualified military spouses will be receiving a grant to help them get education from approved schools like Meditec.
What is a portable career?
A portable career, as the word suggests, is a career that you can take with you wherever you go. It does not require the traditional stationary, in-office work set up. Work-from-home and telecommuting work options are considered portable careers.
What kind of assistance does MyCAA provide?
MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of up to $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring a professional credentials needed to meet their Portable Career goal. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 (up to the maximum education benefit of $4,000).
What do I need to do to get started?
Visit the MyCAA portal https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa to create an account and to check for your eligibility.
Who is eligible for MyCAA benefits?
Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who can start and complete their coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders, including spouses married to members of the National Guard and Reserve Components in these same pay grades.
How do you verify my eligibility?
We will know if you are eligible through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). It will be based on your sponsor’s social security number. Information in DEERS must be up to date to be eligible.
My sponsor is nearing the date of separation. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, as long as your sponsor is on active duty during the time of enrollment, you are eligible for the tuition benefit until the end of your career training plan.
I’m legally separated / divorced from my spouse. Can I still apply for MyCAA?
No. The legislation for MyCAA excludes legally separated or divorced spouses from this benefit.
I am a veteran and I am currently married to an active duty military member. Can I apply for MyCAA?
Yes, as long as your spouse is on active duty.
Can I still apply for MyCAA even if I have a job?
Yes, as long as you are eligible, you may apply for courses that are MyCAA approved.
I’ve already paid for my own classes. Can I have a refund?
No. Classes or programs that have been paid for already through your own funds cannot be refunded.
I’ve already used MyCAA for a previous program. Can I apply again?
If you have not yet exhausted the $4,000 tuition benefit, you may still use the remaining to apply for another course.
Will I have to pay for any part of my career plan?
Once you are approved for MyCAA, your entire training program at Meditec will be covered.
What costs are not covered by MyCAA?
MyCAA only pays for tuition and licensing costs for courses and programs of study that lead to licenses, certifications and certificates required by portable career fields and occupations. To check the full list of items not covered by MyCAA, visit https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/.
I finished my course at Meditec. Is there else anything I need to do?
After completing your course, confirm with Meditec that your grades have been submitted to MyCAA. You will also need to inform your MyCAA counselor that you have completed your training program.
I received my tuition assistance. What’s next?
Contact a Meditec MyCAA specialist at [email protected] to confirm your enrollment and approval of MyCAA funds.