ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
The Department of the Air Force is now reimbursing service members up to $1,000 to re-establish spouse-owned small businesses during a permanent change of station or assignment on or after Dec. 23, 2022.
“Spouse employment is a key factor in the success of our Airmen and Guardians. Dual-income households contribute to military readiness, allowing service members to focus on their mission. Investing in our spouses’ careers is not just the right thing to do, it makes our Airmen and Guardians’ service possible,” said Alex Wagner, assistant secretary of the Air Force Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “This effort will also help ease the burden of relocations and facilitate the ability of our members’ spouses to return to work quickly.”
The spouse-owned small business reimbursement applies to PCS or PCA orders on or after Dec. 23, 2022; members must file a claim within 24 months of the date the PCS or PCA orders are authenticated.
This new reimbursement can be used in conjunction with the existing $1,000 reimbursement for spouses who required re-certification or re-licensing, increasing the possible total reimbursement up to $2,000.
Members are encouraged to contact their installation’s Military & Family Readiness Center with questions about eligibility and how to submit a claim. The service member’s servicing finance office will work with both the member and their spouse to verify eligibility and provide necessary documentation of qualified expenses to begin the reimbursement process.