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, the DoD introduced the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2018 and 2020, which allow each branch of service to reimburse military spouses for qualified relicensing or certification fees.

If your active duty spouse had PCS orders that crossed state lines between Dec. 12, 2017 and Dec. 19, 2019, you are eligible for reimbursement of up to $500. If your active duty spouse had (or will have) PCS orders to cross state lines after Dec. 20, 2019 or later, you are eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,000. 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.

How does reimbursement work?

However, the process for reimbursement varies by service. Click here for more information and do the following:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Apply for reimbursement.
   Follow the guidelines for your spouse’s branch. Resources are linked below.

• • Air Force: Information
  • Army: Information
  • Coast Guard: Information
  • Marine Corps: Information
  • Navy: Information

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^® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!

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