Spouses Reimbursed For Licensing & Certification Fees
The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allowed each service branch to reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for re-licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves that cross U.S. state lines, including OCONUS to stateside moves.
Military Spouses Will Now Be Reimbursed for Licensing and Certification Fees Due to PCS
Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force spouses are now able to apply for a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the cost of licensing and certification in a new state after a PCS. This will make it much easier for military spouses when they do need to move to a new state because they are married to a service member.
This will also apply to spouses of active-duty and active-reserve Marines. The reimbursement is also retroactive back to December 12th, 2017. That means spouses can be reimbursed for those fees from the date of the original payment.
These programs are part of a pilot program authorized through December 22, 2022, as a result of the passage of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act.
Licensing and Certification Can Be A Burden in Certain Fields
Licensing and certification fees can be a burden on military spouses and military families. Spouses who work as teachers, nurses, accountants, dental hygienists, and in many other fields must ensure they have a current state license before they can work in their new area.
Local and state-level requirements, as well as costs, can vary significantly depending on your location. A spouse could work four years in one state, move to another, and find a frustrating road in order to get licensed to work in the new state. At least with this program, some or all of the financial burden can be lifted during this process.
In some cases, a spouse may need to relocate more frequently than every few years. This program applies to every move, not just the first one, allowing those who move more frequently to still benefit from it.
How Do You Get the Reimbursement for This Program?
To receive reimbursement, your service member must request it through their local Personnel Administration Office or Center. They will need a copy of their PCS orders, a copy of their old license or certification, a copy of their new certification or licensure, and a receipt showing that they have paid the fees. You can also contact your Family Member Employment Assistance Program office and the Department of Labor’s Portal for more information about this exciting change for military spouses.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
