Army spouses could qualify for an additional $1,000 in financial support connected to a PCS move under a new directive, the service announced in a June 4 press release.
The funds would reimburse spouses for business-related expenses connected to the move. They would be in addition to the $1,000 already authorized for relocation-related relicensing costs.
The directive, issued May 30, provides details on the types of expenses eligible for reimbursement.
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More information on licensure reimbursement policies in effect for the Army and other branches is available at this Military OneSource website. Other details as of June 4:
- The Navy policy, updated April 29, also includes a $1,000 reimbursement for business costs.
- The Air Force and Space Force offer up to $1,000 in reimbursements for small business costs in addition to the $1,000 available for licensing reimbursement.
- The Marine Corps and Coast Guard offer $1,000 in licensing reimbursement.
Relocation and Licensure
A 2023 change to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act intended to allow for greater portability of professional licenses across state lines. Unfortunately, spouses are still facing challenges due to lack of clear guidance.
The rule covers all licenses except law licenses, according to Military OneSource, but restrictions do apply – licenses must have been active during the two-year period before a military move, for instance. Learn more from this Justice Department information paper (PDF download).
Expanding, and funding, interstate licensure compacts was part of the House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel report; many of the report’s recommendations were included in the base text of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The House bill would allow DoD to continue entering into such “cooperative agreements” – current authority to do so expires at the end of the 2024 fiscal year.
