If your spouse had to get a new professional license, recertification, or move a business because of your PCS orders, the Marine Corps may reimburse you up to $1,000 for each category. HQMC just updated the eligibility rules and submission process. This applies to Active Duty and Active Reserve Marines, and covers PCS orders going back to October 2022 for licensing costs and December 2023 for business costs.
Bottom line: Submit your reimbursement request through your local Personnel Administration Office (PAO) within 24 months of your PCS effective date, with all required documents.
Who it affects
Active Duty and Active Reserve Marines who:
- PCS'd to a new jurisdiction (state, territory, DC, or OCONUS installation), AND
- Had a spouse authorized to travel at government expense on those orders, AND
- The spouse had to obtain a new professional license, recertification, or relocate a spouse-owned business as a result
A few edge cases worth knowing:
- If your spouse works just outside the new jurisdiction but within reasonable commuting distance of the new duty station, they may still qualify.
- If your last PCS was OCONUS and your spouse couldn't use their license there, they may be able to claim it at the next stateside duty station, as long as the credential stayed current.
- If license portability or reciprocity meant your spouse didn't need a new credential at the follow-on PDS, eligibility carries forward to the next PDS where a new credential is actually required.
What is NOT covered:
- Failed licensing attempts
- Separation or retirement orders (those are not PCS orders)
- Travel to a testing site
- Licenses or certifications that are valid in all jurisdictions
What you need to do
- Confirm your PCS orders included dependent travel authorization.
- Gather your documentation (see Key Docs below).
- Submit everything through your local PAO using NAVMC 11116, with a completed DD Form 1351-2 attached.
- Finance will process the reimbursement as a credit to your wages. Note that federal and state income tax withholding applies.
Key docs required:
- Copy of PCS orders with dependent travel authorization
- Copy of the old license from the previous jurisdiction, or proof of employment in that profession if no license was required there (or proof of business ownership for business cost claims)
- Copy of the new license or certification issued by the new jurisdiction
- Receipts for all claimed fees
Key dates
| Category | Eligible from | Eligible through | Submission window |
|---|---|---|---|
| License / certification costs | 1 Oct 2022 | 31 Dec 2029 | Within 24 months of PCS effective date |
| Business costs | 22 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2029 | Within 24 months of PCS effective date |
The official version
This policy is covered in MARADMIN 413/26. Authority comes from 37 USC 453 and the FY23 NDAA.
For general help or spouse employment resources, contact your local Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) office or visit https://usmc-mccs.org/services/career/family-member-employment-assistance/.
For state licensing information, visit www.veterans.gov/milspouses (Department of Labor portal for military spouses).
POC: Krystal Cardenas, MFR, krystal.l.cardenas.civ@usmc.mil, 703-432-2931.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.