Military Spouse Career Support Programs

What you get

Free career coaching for military spouses through SpouseWorks (formerly SECO), and the SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA), which helps pay for a license, certification, or associate degree. Both run through Military OneSource.

Who SpouseWorks serves

1. 1A spouse in the military communityMilitary OneSource services cover spouses of active duty, National Guard, and reserve members, and Coast Guard families. After retirement, or after an honorable discharge, the service member and immediate family can use them until 365 days past the end of service. Surviving spouses who have not remarried are also covered when the service member died on active duty or as a member of the National Guard, reserve, or Coast Guard. The SpouseWorks page does not list who can get coaching, so call Military OneSource to confirm for your family, especially after service ends.

Source: Military OneSource: who can use its services (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) (opens in new tab)

Which kind of help do you want?

• SpouseWorks career coaching

  SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) helps military spouses grow skills, get career advice, and find jobs. Every career coach has a master’s degree in education, adult education, vocational counseling, or human services. Coaches help you set career goals, improve your resume and interview skills, and build job search skills.

  Source: Military OneSource: SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: who can use its services (opens in new tab)

• SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA)

  The scholarship is a workforce development program. Military OneSource lists the current amount on its scholarship page.

  1. 1A service member on Title 10 ordersThe scholarship is open to spouses of active duty, National Guard, and reserve component members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force serving under Title 10 orders that count for the scholarship, across all ranks and pay grades. For the Coast Guard, it is only for spouses of members activated under the Department of the Navy.
  2. 2A license, certification, or associate degreeThe money goes toward a license, certification, or associate degree, or continuing education courses to keep a license or certification needed for a job.

  Source: Military OneSource: SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: who can use its services (opens in new tab)

What to gather, and what it shows VA

Have these facts handy when you call or apply. BeneVets does not ask for them.

Steps, in order

1. Free help with VA benefits

   SpouseWorks is a Department of War program run through Military OneSource, not a VA claim, so a VSO does not file it. If your family has a VA claim, a VSO can help. Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.

   Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: who can use its services (opens in new tab)

2. Schedule a career coaching session

   Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647, any time, to schedule a SpouseWorks career coaching session. Coaches are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, except federal holidays. Overseas, Military OneSource lists international calling options, and you can also use its secure live chat.

   Source: Military OneSource: SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: who can use its services (opens in new tab)

3. Register with SpouseWorks

   You can also register on the SpouseWorks website, linked from the Military OneSource SpouseWorks pages, to explore resources.

   Source: Military OneSource: SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) (opens in new tab); Military OneSource: SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) (opens in new tab)

4. Apply for a scholarship account

   Visit the scholarship website from the Military OneSource scholarship page and apply for an account. Military OneSource says that is how you check whether the scholarship fits your family.

   Source: Military OneSource: SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) (opens in new tab)

5. Search for schools and ask a coach

   The scholarship website lets you search for schools and institutions and read common questions. A SpouseWorks career coach can answer your questions about the scholarship.

   Source: Military OneSource: SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) (opens in new tab)

Good to know