Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presents coins to coalition troops representing Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve while visiting Erbil, Iraq, March 7, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza) ()
New initiatives enacted in March 2023 are already having an impact on the wellbeing of families throughout the U.S. military. Changes were initiated in September 2022 by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and have focused on strengthening support for service members and families.
Four topics were prioritized: economic stabilization, easier moves, family support and spouse careers.
Economic Stabilization
In order to provide financial stability for military families, there will be a new monthly Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) for active-duty service members with dependents whose gross household income falls below 130% of the federal poverty level. Payments began January 2023, and you must apply for the allowance.
Click here for details about the BNA.
Commissaries are being given more government funding so costs can be lowered to a rate that allows a return to savings of at least 25%.
Making Moves Easier
Temporary Lodging expenses are being increased to allow for partial meal expenses, a longer 14-day TLE cost payment (CONUS), and TLE extensions of up to 60 days in areas of housing shortage.
Service members who are E-1 to E-6 will recieve an increase in their dislocation allowance.
Military OneSource is enhancing their online moving tools.
Family Support
Service members will be able to contribute up to $5,000 in pretax income to a flexible spending account for dependent care. A target date has been set for the end of 2023, and a special enrollment for the 2024 tax year will be held if the target is not met.
Prekindergarten (pre-K) will be fully funded in all DoDEA schools, pending congressional approval. This will provide free full-day pre-K to 4-year-old dependents eligible for DoDEA schooling.
Military OneSource will provide increased support for EFMP families.
As of February 1, 2023, military parental leave has been expanded to 12 weeks for both parents, whether welcoming a child through birth, adoption or long-term foster care.
Click here for a fact sheet about the expanded Military Parental Leave Program.
Child Development program centers will recieve increased funding to raise capacity.
Child Development program workers will recieve a 50% discount for their first child who is enrolled in a program.
In limited locations, funding may be offered for service members to utilize local child care facilities or in-home care.
Military Spouse Careers
Enhance the licensure reciprocity for military spouses across the nation. Currently, compacts exist for nine medically-related fields, and the goal is to expand the program to include other professions like teachers, massage therapists, cosmetologists, nutritionists and more.
Provide scholarship money, up to $4,000, via the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program for spouses of eligible service members.
Promote flexible and telework opportunities for military spouses.
In January 2023 a pilot program was launched that provided paid private-sector fellowships for military spouses.
Expanding the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) list of employers who recruit, hire and retain military spouses. There are currently 540 employers in the program.
For more details about these new initiatives, visit Military OneSource.
