what are the benefits of being married to a soldier

8 Awesome Military Marriage Benefits You Have as a Spouse

1. Being able to stand next to your hero. This heart warmer is at the TOP of my list. ...
2. Healthcare is Included. I’ve known a few people who have tolerated physical pain instead of going to the doctor because they didn’t have insurance or couldn’t afford the bill.
3. You Can Get Marriage Counseling and Family Support. ...
4. Free education. ...

More items...

Full Answer

Why does his new wife have military benefits?

She was not his wife while he was active duty. Current spouses of retirees receive the same benefits the retiree does -- including health care coverage. Military members and retirees are given health care for life for themselves and their qualifying family members. That's the benefit, plain and simple.

What benefits do Army Wives get?

• Housing or a housing allowance
• Military ID card
• Medical benefits
• Installation support services
• Chain of command

What to know about getting married in the military?

What You Need to Know About Marrying Into the Military

• You will spend time apart from your new spouse. The military is not a job in the traditional sense. ...
• Find out about military traditions, protocols and more. The military is full of traditions, protocols and rules. ...
• You can find funding for your education and career support. ...
• The military community has your back. ...

What happens when both spouses are in the military?

Military Couples: When Both Spouses Are Service Members Dual-military couples have the benefit of a shared experience, a basis of strength for some military marriages. But these couples also can face some unique challenges as well when it comes to careers.

Do you get paid more if you are married in the military?

Although not known as "military marriage pay," service members do receive a pay increase as part of their housing and cost-of-living allowances after they get married.

What happens when a soldier gets married?

Regardless of where or who, once married, if the spouse is non-military, the military member can bring a copy of the certified marriage certificate to the Personnel Headquarters on the base to receive a dependent ID card for the spouse, and enroll the spouse in DEERS (Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System), ...

How long do you have to be married to get military spouse benefits?

20/20/20 Benefits To qualify, the couple must have been married for at least 20 years overlapping the member's military career. For more information, see the Military Health Benefits for Divorced Spouses article in the Military Divorce Guide.

Is it good to marry a soldier?

SOME people think that a soldier cannot make a good spouse and bring about a happy marriage and wonderful family. This is wrong. Although our job is demanding and requires working away from home, it can still be safe to trust a soldier and later mary him or her. A good spouse is a matter of personality and character.

What do military wives do for work?

There are a wide range of roles that military spouses can explore in Health Care & Social Assistance; a few potential job functions include becoming a nurse, therapist, health caregiver, dental hygienist, pharmacy technician or medical assisting personnel. Educational Services.

What is life like for a military wife?

The role of being a military wife doesn't come lightly. It means being supportive, loving, loyal, fierce, and reliable. While you know separation happens, no one can ever prepare you for the hole your spouse leaves in your heart when they're on a mission.

How much money is a military spouse entitled to?

The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) limits pension division awards to 50% of the service member's disposable retired pay. However, the maximum can be as high as 75% if the court orders the service member to pay alimony and/or child support.

What is the 20/20 rule for military spouses?

All three criteria must be met for you to have access to the same benefits as your military spouse: Must have been married for at least 20 years. Spouse must have served in the military for at least 20 years. 20 years of the marriage must overlap 20 years of the spouse's military service.

Does my wife get half my military retirement?

The maximum amount of pension income an ex-spouse can receive is 50% of the military retirement pay. Once the order is filed with DFAS, it will take three months (90 days) for the direct payments to begin if the ex-spouse is already receiving their pension.

How do you know if a soldier loves you?

In short, these are the top signs that a military guy is interested in you:He flirts with you.He trusts you.He shares his feelings with you.He calls you whenever he has time.He gives you attention.He looks for your support.

Do military marriages last?

But from what we do know, it seems that on the whole, military couples are probably not more likely to divorce than civilian couples. They may actually even be less likely to split up. (However, some studies suggest that there is an increase in divorce after the military spouse leaves the military.

What to know about being a military wife?

The BasicsAsk your spouse to enroll you in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). ... Obtain a military identification card from the ID card facility. ... Establish power of attorney. ... Ask your spouse to list you as a beneficiary on his or her Serviceman's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) policy.More items...

What do military wives learn?

As a military wife, you’ll learn to make friends quickly and make friends everywhere.

Why do civilian companies hire military wives?

Some civilian companies will even give a hiring preference to military wives because they know how challenging it can be sometimes to find employment as a spouse.

What would happen if the Marine Corps wanted you to have a wife?

As the phrase goes, “If the Marine Corps [or other branch of the service] wanted you to have a wife, it would have issued you one.”

Why do military people divorce?

A bad deployment or challenging career course has led to countless divorces in the military.

Do military spouses get discounts?

You’ll also get discounts to pretty much every place imaginable as a military spouse.

Is stress in marriage more than stress in other marriages?

Finally, your marriage will undergo significantly more stress than other marriages, and you and your spouse will both have to be committed to see it through.

Is meat cheaper than commissary?

Plus the price of meat is way cheaper than anything you’ll see out in town. Military wives have access to commissary. Image: Defense.gov. Similarly, you can find anything that you’ll need like shoes, clothing, electronics, and so forth at the PX (or equivalent), and you won’t have to pay any tax on what you buy.

Do military restaurants give discounts?

No matter the store or restaurant, there’s a very high chance that they give military families a little extra love in the form of a discount.

Can I transfer my spouse's GI Bill to my children?

And then there is the GI Bill which if our spouse hasn’t or isn’t planning to use they can transfer it to you or your children. But there are some timing restrictions that you will need to be aware of.

Can you live on a military base for free?

We get a house for FREE! Although not everyone chooses to live on base, it’s still AWESOME to know that you can. Most military bases offer housing. However if they don’t, we also have the pleasure of receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) which will pay for your family to live “out in town.” Your BAH amount is based on location, pay grade, and dependency status.

What are the benefits of being in the military?

The military can be a difficult lifestyle for a family, but it does come with some excellent benefits. Some of those are in the form of cash, and some are in the form of discounts. In addition to the bi-monthly paycheck, military service members receive benefits like money for housing, subsidized groceries and healthcare.

How to get military benefits?

To receive any military benefits, military family members must be registered in the military's personnel system, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and receive a military ID card. To do that you need to be the service member's spouse or child.

Why is MWR more affordable than off base?

The programs MWR funds and manages on base are often much more affordable than their off-base counterparts because the government subsidizes their costs. MWR manages most recreation on every base, including gyms, pools, bowling alleys, horse stables, event centers, golf courses, discounted equipment rentals and more.

What do military members get?

Every military service member receives at least a base pay. Most also receive a variety of allowances, special pays and bonuses de pending on things like deployment, paygrade and military job. For most married service members, those allowances include Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

How to find out military pay?

An easy way to figure out your service member's pay, regardless of branch of military service, is by using the Military.com pay calculator. You can also download the calculator as an easy-to-use app for iOS or Android.

Does the military pay for medical bills?

Active-duty military families -- regardless of which branch of service their spouse serves in -- receive benefits through the military's healthcare, which is called Tricare. While Tricare is technically not an insurance company, it often operates a lot like one, helping military families receive healthcare and pay medical bills.

Do military bases have daycares?

Most military bases have a variety of full-time or hourly daycare center s. The costs of these are based on a family's total income, not just the service member's paygrade. Waiting lists at these centers can be long, so the military also allows families to use subsidized in-home daycares that have been officially approved. If you don't live near a base or there are no on-base daycare center spots available, the military will also subsidize the cost of care at certain off-base, civilian daycares that have become a part of their network.

Why is the military divorce rate so high?

The military divorce rate is traditionally a little higher, because of the difficulty of a military life brings its challenges to the family. Frequent moves and trips, unaccompanied assignments, long working hours, combat deployments, and potentially dangerous work can add to the stresses of married life.

What are the benefits of military base schools?

You will find many people on base in the same position as you, and they will become family. Base schools offer unique environments to military children in pre-school and elementary schools on many bases. The no tax and lower than average shopping experience at the grocery store and base stores are also helpful to the monthly budget. Social activities are also prevalent on base and in the surrounding area for the military family to help with the departure of a spouse on deployment.

What is a military dependent ID card?

The ID Card paperwork is mailed to the spouse who can then take it to any military installation and obtain a military dependent ID Card.

Can a single person move their girlfriend?

Single members, of course, cannot move their girl/boyfriends at government expense, nor will they be allowed to live off-base (even at their own expense) at job training locations. If the job training is less than 20 weeks, a married person can still elect to move his/her dependents (at his/her own expense), but would (usually) be allowed to live with them off base.

Do military members have to provide housing?

All of the services have regulations which require military members to provide adequate support to their dependents. While in basic training and job school, you're being provided a housing allowance for the sole purpose of providing a place to live for your dependent family members.

Is marriage in the military good?

Advantages of Military Marriage. The military is a good employer to those with families as there are many programs and benefits for the family and spouses of the military member . Here is a list of many of them:

Can a married military member move dependents?

The married military member is entitled to move their dependents (and personal property) to the next duty station at government expense. Travel entitlements end when one signs in at their new duty station, so whether or not one can be reimbursed for dependent travel depends on the date of the marriage.

What are the challenges of marriage in the military?

But military couples have unique, career-specific challenges to face: that of frequent moves, the deployment of the active duty partner, having to constantly adjust and set up routines in new places ...

What is the marriage.com course?

If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.

What are the problems that military service can cause?

Marital problems related to deployment and military service can include struggles related to service-caused PTSD, depression or anxiety, caregiving challenges if their service member returns injured, feelings of isolation and resentment towards their spouse, infidelity related to the long separations, and the roller coaster of emotions related to deployments.

How to manage temptations in marriage?

You have to trust each other, communicate well, and not put yourselves in situations that cause temptations to arise. Staying busy, having a purpose and focus, and staying connected to your support systems are all ways to manage.

How many schools can a military child attend?

And the effects of this ever-changing environment—some military children can attend up to 16 different schools from first grade through high school– can be felt long into adulthood. 4. Finding meaningful work in terms of career is difficult for the military spouse.

Do military couples divorce?

Divorce rates are high among military couples. The active duty spouse can be expected to be away from home more often than at home. This is the norm for any married enlisted man, NCO, Warrant Officer, or Officer serving in a combat unit. “When you marry a soldier, you marry the Army”, the saying goes.

Is it hard to be a military wife?

The stress of a military spouse is different from those of a civilian. You’ve got good mental health resources at your fingertips. Being a military wife doesn’t have to be difficult.

What are the benefits of having a spouse in the military?

Military spouses qualify for programs that make it easier to find federal jobs and positions on military bases. Other programs also offer scholarships and financial help to pay for college, certifications and other trainings . The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program is a great place to learn about your options.

Why is it important to have a spouse in the military?

Make no mistake, military spouses are a vital part of the military itself, playing a major role in keeping service members happy, healthy and ready to serve.

What is a military spouse's career?

Making your career portable means developing the skills and training and getting the licenses, degrees and certifications that employers want in high-growth, high-demand fields and occupations. Popular “portable careers” include teaching and child care, nursing, event planning, engineering and customer service.

What is the military full of?

The military is full of traditions, protocols and rules. Some military protocols are steeped in tradition and meaning; some are fun; and others keep your service member safe and ready for duty.

What are the resources available to the military?

There are a number of official resources to help you achieve your best military life, including: 1 On-installation Military and Family Support Center 2 Branch-specific Family Readiness Groups 3 Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program 4 Military OneSource concierge-like support services

What is the military onesource number?

For immediate assistance or to access confidential help, call the Military OneSource toll free number at 800-342-9647. You can also contact us if you have any questions. Submit.

What are the benefits of being a military veteran?

Once enrolled, you can access military benefits, including health care and health insurance. Other benefits include: Access to commissaries and exchanges. Free gyms, libraries and other recreation opportunities. Free tax services. Free, confidential non-medical counseling services. Help with education and career goals.

What is married military couples program?

Married Army Couples Program. Keeping a family together while accomplishing the missions set forth by the Army, is something many dual military couples face. One way to meet the challenge is by enrolling in the Married Army Couples Program (MACP). Established in August 1983, the MACP is a program designed to help ensure ...

What is the key to a successful dual military marriage?

The key to a successful dual military marriage is a consideration for each other’s career goals.

How long do you have to create a family care plan for a dual military spouse?

Dual military couples have 30 days after arriving at a new unit to produce a valid family care plan, which includes naming both a short-term and long-term care provider.

Can you station a married couple in the army?

The Married Army Couples Program works, but it doesn’t guarantee you will be assigned together. There are a number of things which can make it difficult for the MACP to station a couple together. If two soldiers have the same low-density military occupational specialty (MOS) or job, they may be more difficult to station together.

Is dual military good?

Benefits of Being a Dual Military Couple. Still, other dual- military couples said while there are difficulties, there are also a number of benefits. Military spouses understand the stress each other faces on the job every day, and can help each other cope with the challenges they deal with.

Can a married soldier join the military?

Soldiers who are married to a member of another branch of the military may not enroll in the MACP program for automatic joint domicile consideration, but they may request reassignment to join their spouse by submit ting a DA Form 4187 to their career branch. Find out more about contacting a branch manager at the Army Human Resources Command (HRC) website.