Military and veteran spouses have access to education benefits, healthcare, career programs, and more. Here's what's available depending on the veteran's status.
Military spouses and the families of veterans have access to a wide range of benefits, but what's available depends heavily on the veteran's status — active duty, retired, or disabled. Knowing which programs apply to your family can make a significant financial difference.
Education benefits are among the most valuable. If the veteran transferred their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, the spouse receives up to 36 months of education funding including tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend. Separately, Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance is available to spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died from a service-connected condition. Chapter 35 provides up to 45 months of education benefits.
Healthcare coverage varies by the veteran's status. Spouses of active-duty members and military retirees receive TRICARE. Spouses of veterans with 100% permanent and total disability ratings are eligible for CHAMPVA, which covers most medical expenses with minimal out-of-pocket costs. If the veteran has a disability rating below 100% P&T and isn't a military retiree, the spouse typically doesn't have VA-sponsored healthcare.
Career and employment support includes the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), which connects military spouses with employers committed to hiring them. The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarship provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for military spouses seeking education, licenses, or credentials in portable career fields. The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program provides career coaching and academic counseling.
Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions are eligible for DIC payments, CHAMPVA healthcare, and Chapter 35 education benefits. Many states also provide additional benefits for surviving spouses, including property tax exemptions, free or reduced tuition at state universities, and employment preference.
Many state-level benefits also extend to spouses and dependents. Several states offer free or reduced tuition for dependents of disabled veterans, and some property tax exemptions transfer to surviving spouses. Check your state's specific benefits through our state benefits pages.