Spouse Assistance is a US program that provides funds for the education of spouses of deployed military members, with similar programs in other countries. Eligible expenses are limited to tuition and books, and the program must meet certain standards. Private sector spousal assistance is rare.
Spouse Assistance evokes a program authorized for continuity in the US in 2009 that helps contribute some funds to the education of spouses of deployed members of most segments of the US military, with the exception of the Coast Guard. This program, much praised for its scope, is not unique to the US. There are many other military services such as the UK Royal Air Force that have similar programs. Each program may have different limits and objectives.
In the US, as of 2009, active duty spouses and deployed service members of the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army or National Guard could be entitled to up to $6000 to use towards certain educational expenses. Other eligible individuals include those who have a spouse who was seriously injured or killed while on duty. As mentioned, this program does not extend to spouses serving in the US Coast Guard, although this may change over time. In addition, spouses cannot be separated or the applicant spouse generally does not qualify.
Eligible expenses in the spousal assistance program are limited to tuition and books, and the program people choose tends to meet certain standards. Educational training should be seen as something that can enable a “portable” career. In other words, if people are transferred to another base, their education should allow them to find a job there. In fact, each spousal assistance application is approved or denied based on the type of program the spouse plans to enter and whether the federal government has pre-approved them for participation in the program. This still leaves many different education possibilities, and studies to earn most degrees or a variety of technical/professional training would likely pass.
For most people, spousal assistance comes into effect with notice that a person will be deployed and may end after the member of the military returns home. Again, as the US version of this program is relatively new, details may change over time and should always be checked. Another thing to check is the actual amount awarded. While this value is currently set, it can also change.
Many people wonder if there is such a thing as spousal assistance in the private sector. The answer to that is: if it is, it’s extremely rare. There are several companies that offer assistance to children of workers or give them the chance to apply for scholarships with application limited to children of company employees. In addition, many private companies offer assistance to their regular employees, although the terms under which this offer is made vary.
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