![A smiling soldier looking over military spouse benefits documents with his wife.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/9d651bac-5117-00f8-98a0-cbaa3849f366/fe0e9ffa-9fdf-41fa-8de9-ffa9c858ed93/military-spouse-benefits-hero.jpg?fm=jpg)
Military Spouse
Military Spouse Benefits & Resources Guide
Military spouses carry the weight of ensuring the financial readiness of their families. They also face unique challenges in pursuing a meaningful career. That’s why we’ve put together a list of benefits and resources for military spouses to access. It includes links and suggestions for a variety of programs that you can take advantage of, with everything from employment opportunities to financial support and educational scholarships.
![Image of Jessica Blaisdell, Financial Advisor at First Command.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/9d651bac-5117-00f8-98a0-cbaa3849f366/013139c1-6831-4731-b5f8-df24eb40cc1c/benefits-sub-banner-large-banner-1600x666.jpg)
Career Resources
– Jessica Blaisdell, Financial Advisor
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Portable Careers
Military spouses face unique career challenges. Three out of four spouses say that frequent relocations make it difficult to find and keep employment. And when they do find work, the position is often below their experience level or education. Luckily, there are several programs designed to assist you with your next career move, including networking, professional development and fellowship opportunities.
- Hiring Our Heroes
- Military Spouse Employment Partnership
- LinkedIn Premium Account for Military Spouses
At First Command, we actively recruit, hire and train military spouses. In fact, nine out of ten of our Financial Advisors are veterans or military spouses. Working at First Command allows you to develop professionally while helping military families like yours work toward financial security.
![A young military spouse with glasses managing her finances while using a calculator and reviewing paperwork.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/9d651bac-5117-00f8-98a0-cbaa3849f366/075095e5-3249-4c13-bbdb-592449dd11fe/benefits-fin-support-tile-medium-590x480.jpg)
Financial Support
If your family is facing financial hardships, you’re not alone. There are organizations dedicated to helping service members and their families work through financial and personal challenges, including military relief societies associated with the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.
- Army Emergency Relief
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Air Force Aid Society
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Your First Command Financial Advisor can help you assess relief options and work toward long-term financial health. First Command also offers debt consolidation loans, which can simultaneously simplify your life, reduce the total interest you’re obligated to pay and accelerate the retirement of your debt.
![A group of military spouses gathered together in a networking event.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/9d651bac-5117-00f8-98a0-cbaa3849f366/d34685fc-340a-4254-9dfc-70413ac64c54/benefits-community-tile-medium-590x480.jpg)
Community Resources
One benefit of being a military spouse is getting to be part of a close-knit community of families who understand the challenges of a life of service. While there are countless unique community resources available – including many that are specific to bases and military installations – there are also dedicated online organizations. These resources can be a great way to learn about available programs and connect with other military families.
![A young man in a graduation cap and gown after receiving a military spouse scholarship.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/9d651bac-5117-00f8-98a0-cbaa3849f366/16cf2368-86cd-44e7-86f9-06343b316631/benefits-scholarships-tile-medium-590x480.jpg)
Scholarships & Grants
If you’re thinking of continuing your education, you’ll be happy to know that there are numerous scholarships and grants available for military spouses. Many provide financial assistance to expand professional skills, get necessary certifications or pursue a degree.
- First Command Educational Foundation (FCEF)
- My Career Advancement Account Scholarship
- The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
- AFAS Merit Scholarship
- The CGMA Supplemental Education Grant Program
- The NMCRS Education Assistance Program
- Army Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP) Scholarship
- National Military Family Association: Military Spouse Scholarship Application