30 Best Military Benefits for Spouses and Families

New to the military lifestyle? Here are the 30 best military benefits for spouses and families to utilize.

As a military spouse, I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this lifestyle. While the focus should always remain on the brave men and women serving in uniform, the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of military spouses and families often go unnoticed. However, behind every service member stands a resilient and adaptable spouse, navigating the complexities of military life with grace and strength. I know this because I’m proud to call so many of them my friends 😉

One aspect that sets military life apart is the array of benefits available to spouses and families, designed to support and empower them throughout their journey. From healthcare to financial assistance, education, employment opportunities, and even special discounts, these benefits serve as a lifeline for military families. 

30 Best Military Benefits for Spouses and Families

From healthcare and financial assistance to employment opportunities and community support, the benefits available to military spouses are diverse and far-reaching. While the challenges of military life are undeniable, I am deeply grateful for the myriad of opportunities and resources that help us to thrive amidst the unique demands of this lifestyle. 

Healthcare Benefits: Military spouses are eligible for comprehensive healthcare coverage through programs like TRICARE, ensuring access to quality medical services regardless of their location.

Financial Assistance: Programs such as the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) provide financial assistance for education and training, empowering spouses to pursue their career goals.

Education Benefits: Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, military spouses can access educational benefits to pursue higher education, vocational training, or certifications.

Employment Opportunities: Military installations often host job fairs and offer employment resources tailored to spouses, facilitating their job search and career advancement.

Portable Careers: Many professions offer opportunities for remote work or licensure reciprocity, allowing military spouses to maintain fulfilling careers despite frequent relocations.

Networking Opportunities: Military spouse organizations and support groups provide invaluable networking opportunities, fostering connections and camaraderie within the community.

Childcare Assistance: Subsidized childcare programs such as Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Family Child Care (FCC) offer affordable and reliable childcare options for military families.

Flexible Deployment Policies: Employers with military-friendly policies often accommodate spouses during deployment periods, offering flexibility and support during challenging times.

Relocation Assistance: Military spouses can access relocation assistance programs to ease the transition to a new duty station, including housing support, transportation assistance, and settling-in services.

Continuing Education Opportunities: Military spouses can pursue continuing education and professional development through programs like the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) in federal hiring.

Entrepreneurial Resources: For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, resources such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer guidance and support for starting and growing a business.

Legal Assistance: Military Legal Assistance Offices provide free legal services to spouses on a variety of issues, including estate planning, family law matters, and consumer advocacy.

Mental Health Support: Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) and other mental health resources offer confidential counseling and support to help spouses navigate the unique stressors of military life.

Community Engagement: Military spouse clubs and volunteer opportunities provide avenues for community involvement and personal fulfillment, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Discount Programs: Many retailers, restaurants, and service providers offer military discounts as a token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families.

Financial Counseling: Personal Financial Managers (PFMs) offer free financial counseling and workshops to help spouses manage finances, budget effectively, and plan for the future.

Housing Benefits: Military spouses may qualify for housing allowances or subsidies, making housing more affordable and accessible, especially in high-cost areas.

Career Counseling: Military Family Support Centers offer career counseling services, resume assistance, and job placement resources to help spouses navigate their career paths.

Spousal Support Groups: Peer support groups and spouse-specific programs provide a safe space for spouses to share experiences, seek advice, and offer encouragement to one another.

Scholarship Opportunities: Various organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for military spouses, helping alleviate the financial burden of higher education.

Remote Work Opportunities: The rise of remote work has opened up new opportunities for military spouses to pursue careers that are not tied to a specific location, increasing flexibility and employment options.

Emergency Assistance: Military relief societies and nonprofit organizations offer emergency financial assistance to spouses facing unexpected hardships, providing a crucial safety net during times of need.

Continuity of Benefits: Even in the event of a service member’s injury, retirement, or death, military spouses sometimes continue to receive certain benefits, ensuring ongoing support and stability.

Dependent ID Cards: Military spouses are eligible for dependent ID cards, granting access to military installations, facilities, and services, enhancing their sense of belonging to the military community. The biggest benefits of having a dependent ID card (aside from it being your lifeline to TRICARE) is access to base fitness facilities and the commissary when you’re stationed with a higher cost of living.

Legal Protections: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides legal protections to military spouses, including relief from certain financial obligations and protections against eviction or foreclosure. This is especially helpful when it comes to credit card fees!

Professional Licensing Assistance: Spouses may receive assistance navigating the process of obtaining professional licenses in new states or countries, facilitating career continuity across relocations. An addendum to the SCRA (the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act or S.1084) made it a federal law to provide the validity of professional licenses of service members and spouses when relocated because of military orders.

Language and Cultural Training: Military installations often offer language and cultural training programs to help spouses adapt to new environments during overseas assignments, enhancing cross-cultural competence.

Support for Special Needs Families: Military Exceptional Family Member Programs (EFMP) provide support and resources for spouses caring for family members with special needs, ensuring access to necessary services and accommodations.

Travel Opportunities: Military Space-A travel allows spouses to accompany their service member on official travel at a significantly reduced cost, enabling affordable travel and unique experiences.

Resilience Training: Military spouses can participate in resilience training programs to develop coping strategies, enhance adaptability, and thrive in the face of adversity.

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