What is MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)?
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses for the pursuit or maintenance, including continuing education courses, of a license, certification or associate degree necessary to gain employment in an occupation or career field.
Who is eligible for the MyCAA Scholarship?
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program is open to spouses of active-duty service members, National Guard and reserve members under qualifying Title 10 orders in pay grades E-1 through E-9, W-1 through W-3 and O-1 through O-3. The authorization of the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act allows military spouses to remain eligible for the financial assistance offered through the MyCAA Scholarship if their sponsor is promoted above the eligible ranks as long as the spouse has an approved Education and Training Plan in place.Spouses of service members in the National Guard or reserve in the pay grades listed above. Spouses who have completed high school or obtained a GED. Spouses who have financial assistance documents approved before the active-duty service member’s date of separation or the active-duty service member’s release from Title 10 military orders.
How much does MyCAA cover?
MyCAA provides financial assistance to eligible military spouses up to $2,000 each fiscal year, up to a program maximum of $4,000.
Who is NOT eligible for the MyCAA Scholarship?
Spouses married to service members in pay grades W-4 and above and O-4 and above,
unless a spouse has an approved Education and Training Plan in place prior to their
sponsor’s promotion above the eligible ranks. Spouses who are a member of the armed forces currently on Title 10 orders.
Spouses who are married but legally separated, or under court order or statute of
any state or U.S. territory, from a member of the armed forces on Title 10 orders.
Spouses whose National Guard or reserve military sponsor is in a warning orders/alert,
post deployment/demobilization or transition status. Spouses who are unable to apply for financial assistance while their military sponsor
is on Title 10 orders or before the sponsor’s date of separation.
Does Adding Classes to my MyCAA Career Plan Also Enroll Me in Classes at My Career Training School?
Adding classes to your MyCAA career plan will not automatically enroll you in classes at your career training school. You will still have to apply and be accepted to the program as per their enrollment requirements.
Can I use MyCAA and the GI Bill?
Yes, active duty service members can transfer Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouses for use alongside MyCAA funding. Note that MyCAA scholarship funds can only be applied to tuition costs, and unused funds will not be returned. It’s best to use MyCAA funds for tuition before applying funds provided by the GI Bill to your student expenses.
Can I use MyCAA and financial aid together?
Yes, you can use two sources of federal education benefits to help pay for the same course or program. In addition to the financial aid provided by the MyCAA scholarship, you can fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can combine these resources to offset education costs.
Do military spouses have to pay out-of-state tuition?
According to the GI Bill, active service members and their dependents can pay in-state tuition rates to attend any out-of-state public college or career training school. Certification programs and licensing degrees typically offer a flat rate for all students, regardless of location.
What if a spouse has more than one source of funding to pay for a class?
Two sources of federal education benefits can be used to pay for the same course/program. MYCAA funds must be applied to the tuition costs only and spouses/students may NOT receive a refund of MyCAA monies.
How long do spouses have to use MyCAA funding?
Spouses have three years to apply for funding from the date of the first approved financial assistance document. (Spouses may, however, request a Benefit End Date waiver under extenuating circumstances.)
Are there time limits for course and program completions?
Yes, the duration of an associate degree course cannot exceed 12 months, and a license or certification program cannot exceed 18 months.
How to apply for MyCAA Scholarship?
1. Create a MyCAA Account - Visit the official MyCAA website (https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/) and register for an account.
2. Verify Eligibility - During the registration process, your eligibility will be automatically verified.
If approved, you can proceed to the next step. The Department of Defense uses DEERS
to verify eligibility for the MyCAA program based on the service member’s social security
number. Your sponsor should make sure that your DEERS information is up-to-date before
applying for MyCAA.
3. Develop a Career and Training Plan (CTP) - This plan outlines your educational goals, chosen program, and career aspirations
such as qualifying for a portable career field. Consider consulting with a SECO Career
Coach (available through Military OneSource) for personalized guidance on crafting
your CTP. Remember, MyCAA funds can be used for licenses, certifications, or associate
degrees in approved occupations that offer portability and flexibility, aligning with
the mobile nature of military life. One tip: you need to enter a career ambition on
the application, which should align with your selected major or area of study.
4. Submit Your Application - Once you've finalized your CTP, submit it electronically through your MyCAA account.
The platform will guide you through the process and provide the necessary instructions.
Once approved, notify the university or college you are planning to attend. Remember,
this scholarship is not available for every learning institution, but schools and
programs that accept MyCAA can help you navigate the application process. You can
search for eligible institutions and even explore career interests on Military OneSource.
Once approved, notify the university or college you are planning to attend. Remember, this scholarship is not available for every learning institution, but schools and programs that accept MyCAA can help you navigate the application process. You can search for eligible institutions and even explore career interests on Military OneSource.
MyCAA Fact Sheet | MyCAA Point of Contact: Veterans@northshore.edu