Marriage can significantly impact your military benefits, offering financial stability, housing opportunities, and additional resources for you and your spouse. However, understanding the full scope of these changes is essential to ensure you and your family make the most of these benefits. This guide provides a detailed look at how marriage impacts military benefits, including links to key resources for further information.
1. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
One of the most immediate benefits of marriage for military members is an increase in Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Married service members often receive a higher BAH rate to support their family.
- Learn more about BAH rates.
- Understand the BAH calculator.
2. Health Care Benefits (TRICARE)
Spouses of active-duty military members become eligible for TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s health care program.
- Enroll through TRICARE’s website.
- Explore TRICARE plans for families.
3. Military ID Cards
After marriage, your spouse will need a military ID card to access benefits like base facilities, commissaries, and health care services.
- How to obtain a military ID card.
- Locate the nearest ID card issuance facility.
4. Access to Commissaries and Exchanges
Military spouses can shop tax-free at commissaries and exchanges, offering significant savings on groceries and household items.
- Find your local commissary.
- Explore military exchange stores.
5. Housing Opportunities
Marriage may qualify you for family housing on base or additional support for renting or purchasing a home off base.
- Understand military housing policies.
- Learn about VA home loans.
6. Family Separation Allowance (FSA)
If you’re deployed or assigned to a location where family cannot accompany you, you may qualify for FSA to help with expenses.
- Details about Family Separation Allowance.
7. Relocation and PCS Moves
Military families receive support for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, including allowances for moving expenses.
- Review PCS entitlements.
- Learn about relocation assistance programs.
8. Survivor Benefits
Marriage impacts survivor benefits in the event of a service member’s death, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).
- Overview of Survivor Benefit Plan.
- Learn about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
9. Educational Benefits
Spouses can access educational assistance through programs like the GI Bill and MyCAA scholarships.
- Transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
- Learn about MyCAA scholarships.
10. Tax Advantages
Married military members may qualify for tax benefits, including deductions and allowances.
- Explore military tax resources.
- Use the Military Tax Center.
11. Legal and Financial Assistance
Marriage grants spouses access to free legal services through the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps and financial counseling programs.
- Find a JAG office near you.
- Explore military financial counseling.
12. Deployments and Family Readiness
Married service members have access to family readiness programs that support spouses during deployments.
- Learn about Military OneSource Family Support.
- Join Family Readiness Groups.
13. Child Care Benefits
If you have children, military bases provide affordable and high-quality child care options.
- Find Child Development Centers.
- Learn about Child Care Aware.
14. Spousal Employment Assistance
Programs like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) help spouses find meaningful employment.
- Explore MSEP job opportunities.
- Learn about spouse employment resources.
15. Military Discounts
Married service members and their spouses often qualify for exclusive discounts on travel, retail, and services.
- Discover military discounts.
- Check ID.me for deals.
Final Thoughts
Marriage can enhance a service member’s military benefits, from financial stability to health care and educational opportunities. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal and procedural requirements to make the most of these advantages.
For immediate assistance with marriage services, including same-day ceremonies, visit Get Married Today. If you need document authentication for international use, Orange County Apostille offers reliable apostille services.