Reimbursement for Relicensing & Certification Fees for Military Spouses
The Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes the challenges many military spouses face maintaining a career while moving every few years. So, it introduced the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which allows each branch of service to reimburse up to $500 for qualified relicensing or certification fees for military spouses when their active duty spouse gets PCS orders that cross state lines. The goal of this policy is to ease the financial burden of transferring your license or certification when you PCS.
Whom does the reimbursement for relicensing policy impact?
Many professions require a state license to work, including teachers, health care professionals, attorneys, and social workers, to name a few. Each state maintains its own standards. While some licensing boards offer reciprocity for certain fields, there is still a fee to get licensed.
Some states and professions do not offer reciprocity, so you may be required to take an exam, submit additional documentation, or complete a certain number of professional experience hours.
Click here for more information from Military OneSource on state policy topics, including licensure.
What does the reimbursement policy cover?
Reimbursement can cover re-certification, exam, and registration fees. It can also cover associated fees for data-gathering, verification reports for transcripts, test score results, or documentation on previously held licenses. The maximum reimbursement is $500.
How does reimbursement work?
However, the process for reimbursement varies by service. Click here for more information and do the following:
- Review licensing requirements in the state you are moving to.
Check to see if there are reciprocity agreements for your profession. This link from the Department of Labor, is geared toward military spouses and provides information on each state’s policies and procedures. You may qualify for unemployment compensation while going through re-certification if the new state’s process is lengthy or expensive. - Obtain licensure.
Complete the new state’s licensure process. Reach out to the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities website, SECO, to network with other spouses who have gone through the process. Keep all documentation and receipts. - Apply for reimbursement.
Follow the guidelines for your spouse’s branch. Resources are linked below.
-
- Air Force: Information and process
- Army: Information and process
- Coast Guard: Information and process
- Marine Corps: Information and process
- Navy: Information and process
In conclusion, thanks to this new policy, PCSing will be a little bit easier for military spouses who wish to maintain their professional certifications.
Are you ready to join the mission?
MilSpouse Money Mission™ offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses, including the Money Ready curriculum for various stages of financial life, a blog, a video library, and a social media community. And we’re just getting started!
Join the mission to lead your family to a stronger financial future. Explore the Money Ready curriculum. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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Reimbursement for Relicensing & Certification Fees for Military Spouses
The Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes the challenges many military spouses face maintaining a career while moving every few years. So, it introduced the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which allows each branch of service to reimburse up to $500 for qualified relicensing or certification fees for military spouses when their active duty spouse gets PCS orders that cross state lines. The goal of this policy is to ease the financial burden of transferring your license or certification when you PCS.
Whom does the reimbursement for relicensing policy impact?
Many professions require a state license to work, including teachers, health care professionals, attorneys, and social workers, to name a few. Each state maintains its own standards. While some licensing boards offer reciprocity for certain fields, there is still a fee to get licensed.
Some states and professions do not offer reciprocity, so you may be required to take an exam, submit additional documentation, or complete a certain number of professional experience hours.
Click here for more information from Military OneSource on state policy topics, including licensure.
What does the reimbursement policy cover?
Reimbursement can cover re-certification, exam, and registration fees. It can also cover associated fees for data-gathering, verification reports for transcripts, test score results, or documentation on previously held licenses. The maximum reimbursement is $500.
How does reimbursement work?
However, the process for reimbursement varies by service. Click here for more information and do the following:
- Review licensing requirements in the state you are moving to.
Check to see if there are reciprocity agreements for your profession. This link from the Department of Labor, is geared toward military spouses and provides information on each state’s policies and procedures. You may qualify for unemployment compensation while going through re-certification if the new state’s process is lengthy or expensive. - Obtain licensure.
Complete the new state’s licensure process. Reach out to the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities website, SECO, to network with other spouses who have gone through the process. Keep all documentation and receipts. - Apply for reimbursement.
Follow the guidelines for your spouse’s branch. Resources are linked below.
-
- Air Force: Information and process
- Army: Information and process
- Coast Guard: Information and process
- Marine Corps: Information and process
- Navy: Information and process
In conclusion, thanks to this new policy, PCSing will be a little bit easier for military spouses who wish to maintain their professional certifications.
Are you ready to join the mission?
MilSpouse Money Mission™ offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses, including the Money Ready curriculum for various stages of financial life, a blog, a video library, and a social media community. And we’re just getting started!
Join the mission to lead your family to a stronger financial future. Explore the Money Ready curriculum. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
