Military Spouse Benefits You Need to Know About: Education, Careers & Scholarships
Military spouses face unique challenges when it comes to education and employment—frequent PCS moves, licensing hurdles, and career interruptions are all part of military life. The good news? There are powerful military spouse benefits designed specifically to support education, career growth, and job placement, and many spouses don’t even realize they qualify.
From free career coaching and education scholarships to remote job opportunities and exclusive military spouse hiring programs, these benefits can help you build a portable, flexible career—no matter where military life takes you. Below, we’re breaking down some of the most important military spouse education and career benefits you need to know about, including how they work and how to access them.
(1) Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program
Benefit overview
Military spouses looking for a leg up in their career need to look no further than a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities career coach. These coaches can help at any stage of a spouse’s life, from finding the right school or connecting with employers to starting a business.
How this benefit helps
With SECO, spouses will find:
Expert help
Every coach has either a master’s degree in education, adult education, vocational counseling or human services.
Assistance at every stage of your career path
Coaches can help with career exploration, education training and licensure, employment readiness and career connections.
Convenience
Coaches are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, except federal holidays.
How to access this benefit
To schedule an appointment with a SECO career coach, call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or live chat. You can also visit the MySECO website to explore resources and learn more.
(2) My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program
Benefit overview
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program. It 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 an associate degree necessary to gain employment in an occupation or career field.
How this benefit helps
Apply for financial assistance to continue your education.
Get the credentials you need to achieve your career goals.
How to access this benefit
Find out more information about the MyCAA scholarship program and see if you’re eligible by visiting the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship website.
(3) FLEXJOBS
Benefit overview
Military spouses are eligible for free, one-year subscriptions to FlexJobs, a leading site for job seekers looking for remote and flexible careers.
How this benefit helps
Searching for a job that fits into your mobile military life can be frustrating, costly and time-consuming. The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program is helping remove these barriers for military spouses with free, one-year FlexJobs subscriptions. Spouses can access:
Thousands of job listings for flexible careers
Search more than 50,000 full-time, part-time, freelance and temporary job openings in more than 50 career fields. Job listings are for positions at all experience levels, from entry level to senior manager.
Expert support from a SECO career coach or advisor
Unlimited, free support from SECO career coaches and advisors will help you meet your career and education goals.
How to access this benefit
The number of free subscriptions to FlexJobs is limited, so register for yours by logging into your MySECO account. If you’re not signed up for MySECO, create an account to access this and other benefits.
For more information or assistance, contact a SECO career coach or advisor by calling 800-342-9647 or starting an online chat.
(4) Military Spouse Hiring Preference (MSP)
Gives eligible military spouses priority consideration for Department of Defense civilian jobs, especially during PCS moves.
(5) Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act (MSLRA)
Critical for spouses in licensed professions (teachers, nurses, realtors, therapists, etc.). Helps reduce barriers when transferring licenses across state lines due to PCS orders.
