Resource Guide for Spouses and Family Members of Active Duty and Deployed U.S. Military Personnel
Supporting a loved one in the military comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to assist spouses and family members with financial aid, healthcare, education, emotional support, and overall well-being. This guide provides essential information to help navigate military life with confidence.
1. Financial Assistance and Benefits
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) – Helps cover housing costs for military families.
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA) – Provides extra funds to families when a service member is deployed for more than 30 days.
- Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program – Gives hiring preference to spouses for Department of Defense (DoD) jobs.
2. Healthcare and Insurance
- TRICARE – Comprehensive healthcare coverage for military families.
- Military OneSource Health & Wellness Services – Provides confidential counseling, health coaching, and non-medical support.
- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) – Assists military families with special medical or educational needs.
3. Deployment Support and Communication
- United Service Organizations (USO) – Offers support services, care packages, and free calling cards for deployed service members.
- American Red Cross Hero Care Network – Facilitates emergency communication between families and deployed members.
- Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) – Provides confidential counseling to help families cope with deployment stress.
4. Education and Career Support
- MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) – Offers up to $4,000 in scholarships for spouses pursuing education and career training.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer Benefits – Allows service members to transfer unused education benefits to their spouse or children.
- Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – Connects spouses with employers committed to hiring military families.
5. Child and Youth Services
- Child Development Centers (CDC) – Provides affordable childcare options on military installations.
- Military Kids Connect – An online community that helps children cope with military life.
- School Liaison Officers (SLOs) – Assist families with school transitions and education resources.
More Info
6. Emotional and Community Support
- Blue Star Families – Offers peer support, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Operation Homefront – Provides financial assistance, housing, and family support programs.
- National Military Family Association (NMFA) – Advocates for military families and provides various support programs.
7. Legal and Emergency Assistance
- Legal Assistance Program – Provides free legal services for military families, including wills, power of attorney, and tenant rights.
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) – Ensures ongoing financial support for spouses in the event of a service member’s passing.
- Military Crisis Line – Offers 24/7 confidential support for families in crisis.
8. Recreation and Discounts
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) Programs – Offer discounted travel, lodging, and entertainment for military families.
- Space-A Travel – Allows eligible family members to fly for free on military aircraft.
- Military Discounts – Many businesses provide discounts on travel, retail, and entertainment for military families.
More Info
Conclusion
Military spouses and family members play a critical role in supporting their loved ones while navigating the challenges of military life. By taking advantage of these programs and services, families can strengthen their resilience, build connections, and ensure their well-being. For additional support, visit Military OneSource here or contact your local military family support center.
