To aid in recruiting efforts, branches of the Armed Forces offer a number of benefits to new recruits as well as the spouses of enlisted men and women. The Air Force offers to assist new recruits in repaying their student loan debt, though this benefit does not extend to their spouses. Other college-related benefits are available for Air Force spouses, however.
College Loan Repayment Program
The Air Force College Loan Repayment Program is an incentive offered to some members of the Air Force who have existing student loan debt. Up to $10,000 in student loan debt can be repaid by the CLRP, with a payment equaling the greater of 33 1/3 percent of the unpaid debt or $1,500 being made after each year of active duty service. Eligible members of the Air Force must remain in active duty service to continue receiving CLRP payments.
CLRP Eligibility
The CLRP is only available to new Air Force recruits who have joined with a four- or six-year active duty enlistment. The recruit must have taken college-level courses prior to enlisting in the Air Force for which student loans were used. CLRP benefits only apply to the enlisted individual; a spouse or other family member cannot claim the benefits in his place. Even those members of the Air Force who are not eligible for the CLRP may still receive deferment and forbearance on their student loans while on active duty.
Air Force Spouse Benefits
Though Air Force spouses are not eligible for CLRP benefits, there are other benefits that are designed specifically for the husbands and wives of enlisted men and women. Spouses of Air Force personnel receive access to base facilities at the Air Force base where their husbands or wives are stationed; these include the commissary, gas station, gym and child care facilities. Spouses are eligible to receive healthcare and other services from the base clinic. The Air Force also has programs designed specifically for Air Force spouses, including a tuition assistance program for spouses wishing to continue their educations.
Air Force Spouse Tuition Assistance Program
While Air Force spouses are not eligible for the CLRP, if they are married to active duty members of the Air Force, they may qualify for the Air Force Spouse Tuition Assistance Program. The STAP pays 50 percent of the cost of tuition for continuing education, up to a yearly maximum of $1,500. Only spouses who accompany their active-duty husband or wife to an overseas location that participates in the program are eligible. The program must be applied for through the Base Education Office of the base where the classes will be taken, and may be combined with Pell grants or other forms of assistance. Any other financial assistance will be applied to tuition before STAP funds.
0 comments:
Post a Comment