Being a military spouse can be both challenging and rewarding at the same time. You may feel proud of your spouse’s service, but you also face unique difficulties that can deeply affect your life.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of being a military spouse and the challenges that come along with it.
Military Spouse Benefits
When it comes to benefits, military spouses have access to a wide range of resources that can help them navigate the challenges of military life. Here are some benefits that military spouses can take advantage of:
Requirements for Accessing Benefits
In order to access military spouse benefits, you must first enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a military ID card. This card is a vital piece of identification that allows you to access a variety of military benefits.
Education Benefits
One of the most beneficial programs for military spouses is the MyCAA Scholarship program. This scholarship provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance to military spouses who are working towards a license, certification or Associates degree in fields that are in high demand.
This is a fantastic opportunity for spouses who want to further their education while their loved ones are serving our country.
GI Bill Transfer
Another great benefit for military spouses is the ability to transfer the GI Bill to their children. Your spouse can transfer all or a portion of their GI Bill to your dependents, which can make a huge difference when it comes to the cost of college.
Additionally, the GI Bill allows for a housing allowance, which can be incredibly helpful when trying to cover housing costs.
Insurance Benefits
Military spouses also have access to a number of valuable insurance benefits, including life insurance, healthcare, and car insurance. These benefits are designed to provide adequate coverage and peace of mind in case of any occurances.
Housing Benefits
Military spouses can also take advantage of free housing at military bases, provided through the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). This benefit is particularly helpful for those who may be struggling to cover rent or mortgage payments.
Loan Program for Small Businesses
Lastly, military spouses can take advantage of the Patriot Express loan program, which offers low-interest rates and a maximum loan amount of $500,000. This program is designed to help military spouses start or grow a small business.
Counseling and Support Benefits
Being a military spouse can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. That’s why there are various support services available through the Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program and Fleet & Family Service Center.
These resources provide counseling and emotional support to help military spouses cope with the unique challenges they face.
Challenges of Being a Military Spouse
Now that we’ve talked about the benefits, let’s explore some of the challenges that military spouses face when their spouses are serving.
Separation from Spouse
One of the biggest challenges of being a military spouse is the separation from your spouse. Deployments, temporary stations, and work shifts can all take a toll on your emotional wellbeing and make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with your spouse.
Missing Holidays Together
Another difficult aspect of being a military spouse is missing holidays together. It’s challenging to be apart from your loved ones during special occasions, such as Christmas and birthdays.
Difficulty Understanding Spouse’s Job-Related Feelings
Military jobs can be incredibly stressful and cause a lot of anxiety and tension. As a military spouse, it can be hard to understand your partner’s job-related feelings, especially if you’re not familiar with the type of work they do.
Adherence to Military-Specific Protocols and Traditions
Lastly, military spouses may find it difficult to adhere to military-specific protocols and traditions. These can range from standing for the national anthem to going through the commissary vehicle check.
Also, social media restrictions, such as not being able to post about your spouse’s deployment location, can be especially difficult when you just want to keep your loved ones informed.
Conclusion
Being a military spouse comes with its own unique set of challenges, but it also offers a variety of benefits that can help make your life a bit easier. By taking advantage of the resources available to you and leaning on your support system, you can overcome the difficulties and thrive while supporting your spouse’s service to our country.
In conclusion, this article has explored the benefits and challenges of being a military spouse. We’ve discussed the various resources available to military spouses, including education benefits, insurance benefits, and housing benefits, as well as the challenges of separation from your spouse and adhering to military-specific protocols and traditions.
While being a military spouse can be challenging, it also offers a unique opportunity to support your loved one’s service to our country and to take advantage of the resources provided by the military community. By understanding these benefits and challenges, we can better support and thrive as military spouses.