In September, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin announced the rollout of seven new quality-of-life initiatives for military service members and their families. The basics of these, along with a few other programs, are detailed below with links to resources to help set your family up for success as you plan for 2025 and beyond.
Increase in TLE from 14 days to 21 days
To help reduce the financial burden of waiting for housing during a Permanent Change of Station, the Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement increased from a 14-day maximum to 21-day maximum. It also allows TLE to be accessible for up to 60 days prior to leaving an installation and upon arriving at the new installation.
Learn more about TLE here.
Expanded rank eligibility for MyCAA spouse financial assistance to E-9
To aid military spouses in securing additional education, licensing and other career-boosting endeavors, the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) eligibility now includes spouses of active-duty service members and “National Guard and reserve Service members on Title 10 orders in the E-7, E-8, E-9, and W-3 ranks,” the press release states. It also now includes service members who are O-1 to O-3. This is in addition to ranks E-1 to E-6.
This program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses.
New operational deployment pay
As of October, soldiers on approved operational deployments will receive an additional $240 per month. This applies to ranks E-1 to O-6 and is provided in response to the increased rigors of deployment, the Army stated.
Free Wi-Fi pilot in unaccompanied housing
Service members in unaccompanied housing will soon have access to free Wi-Fi to help them manage their finances, stay connected to friends and family, access mental health care, and more. Each branch will identify pilot locations in which to test this program in junior enlisted housing in service of the U.S. Department of Defense goal of becoming a “Wi-Fi connected force.”
This year, the Navy rolled out a Wi-Fi pilot which brought connectivity to 4,000 rooms in 12 facilities in Hampton Roads as well as the Marine Corps, which launched in 12 facilities and about 2,500 rooms. According to Military.com, one official said these pilots will provide insights which will be incorporated into departments of the Army and Air Force pilots in late 2024 or early 2025.
Increased compensation for child care workforce
To help retain and develop the military child care workforce, the DOD will be working in conjunction with Congress to increase compensation of managers and supervisors, and add key educator and inclusion positions. There is currently no set timeline for this increase to occur.
Travel reimbursement for temporary caregiver
As of Oct. 1, 2024, service members can now request reimbursement for temporary caregiver travel after arriving at a new duty station. As families navigate waitlists with each new duty station, this will help offset the cost of temporary care. According to the Defense Travel Management Office, eligible domestic travel can be reimbursed up to $500, and for travel outside the continental U.S., reimbursements are made up to $1,500. Reimbursements for hotel, food, or other incidentals are not currently authorized.
Learn more here.
Save child care costs with a dependent flexible saving account
The Uniformed Service Member Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account can save you up to 30% on care as well as reduce your overall tax burden. The contributions you make to this account are not subject to payroll taxes, and can be used for dependents under 13 and other relatives who live in your home who do not have the capacity for self-care.
To determine how much you might save by participating in this DOD program, visit the DCFSA calculator. Open season to enroll in this program is available until Dec. 9.
New program reimburses up to $1,000 in military spouse business relocation costs
As of June, eligible spouses can now request up to $1,000 to cover costs related to relocating a business during or after a PCS. This can cover exam fees, business licenses, permits and registrations, and more, the Army stated in a press release.
Details for qualifying expenses and how to apply for reimbursement can be found at your MilitaryOneSource portal.
Pet PCS travel reimbursement
As of January 2024, service members can now request reimbursement for pet travel expenses related to a PCS. This can include pet transportation, boarding, or quarantine fees and can be reimbursed up to $550 for moves within the continental U.S. and up to $2,000 for a PCS change outside of the continental U.S.
See the Joint Travel Regulations for more details or the memorandum here.
Learn more about the Taking Care of Our People initiative here. Get milestone-specific financial help, worksheets, calculators, and resources for pre-deployment, PCS, childbirth and more here.
