What The MyCAA "Reboot" Means

Community Business College has received some information regarding the re-activation and acceptance of new participants in the MyCAA program. Here is the summary:


The Department Of Defense has completed the program review and will be making the necessary adjustments to resume the MyCAA program beginning in October 2010.

Starting 8 a.m. (EDT) Monday October 25, 2010, Military OneSource Career and Education counselors will have a much more active role in supporting military spouses. In addition to understanding resources available via DoD’s financial aid support, they will provide support and assistance to identify and gain access to other federal, state and local programs. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

New MyCAA financial assistance guidelines
With a focus on the original intent of the program, the Defense Department’s financial assistance program will:

1. Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 (Pay grades verified by DEERS)
2. Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000 (in other words, $2,000 per year in tuition assistance to MyCAA approved schools exclusively like Community Business College with a maximum lifetime benefit total of $4,000). Waivers will be provided by counselors on a case-by-case basis for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000
3. Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course
4. Be limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures

Additionally, National Guard and Reserve members must be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit. Spouses may no longer use the MyCAA benefit when the service member is in an alert or demobilization period. The new eligibility rule takes effect immediately.

Starting 8 a.m. (EDT) Monday October 25, 2010, Military OneSource career and education counselors will have a much more active role in supporting military spouses. In addition to understanding resources available via DoD’s financial aid support, they will provide support and assistance to identify and gain access to other federal, state, and local programs. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

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. Additional program details will be posted on this Web site when they become available. We encourage you to check the site often.

Currently Approved Spouses
Spouses who currently have an active account will be allowed to request financial assistance until Thursday, October 21, 2010. And 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.

Miscellaneous Notes
The program will be closed from Friday, October 22 to Monday, October 25, 2010, so that we may ensure the infrastructure is in place to implement the new program.

“Military spouses are the backbone for military families, displaying strength of
character to be admired by this nation. The Department of Defense remains
committed to investing in military families, and appreciates the sacrifice of
those who also serve.”

* All current correct and approved FA’s will be honored.


Note: The MyCAA policies that will be implemented are under development and will be finalized by the October 25 start.


More details will be posted here as they become available.

Community Business College’s training programs are approved by the MyCAA funding program.