NDAA EXTENDS CHILDCARE SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SPOUSES LOOKING FOR JOBS
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has expanded childcare assistance for military spouses actively seeking employment. Previously, spouses could access up to 90 days of childcare under the “Looking for Work” program. The NDAA now extends this benefit to 180 days, giving military families more flexibility and support while searching for full- or part-time jobs. In August 2025, the extension was officially published on the Department of Defense Military Child Care website, making it available nationwide.
Why This Matters to Military Spouses
Military spouses face unique employment challenges. Frequent relocations due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, limited local job opportunities, and the need to rebuild professional networks and community connections make securing employment particularly difficult.
For years, the military spouse unemployment rate has remained near 24%, significantly higher than the national average.
Childcare is often one of the biggest barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce. Without reliable care, military spouses struggle to attend interviews, start new positions, or pursue education and training opportunities that could improve their employability.
By extending childcare assistance to 180 days, the NDAA recognizes these challenges and provides families with the time and resources needed to secure meaningful employment.
How the Childcare Assistance Program Works
- Complete the Looking for Work Form: This form is necessary to begin the one-time 180-day period of eligibility for fee assistance.
- Submit the Form: The form must be submitted to the appropriate military child care program for your branch.
- Provide Ongoing Verification: You will need to provide verification every 30 days that you are still actively seeking employment.
Important Details:
- One-Time Period: This is a one-time certification for 180 days.
- Verification: Be prepared to submit documentation to prove you are still looking for work, as you may be asked to verify this at 30-day intervals.
- After 180 Days: Once the 180-day period concludes, you will need to provide proof of employment or other required documents to continue child care enrollment.
Advocating for Military Families
The push to extend the program came from organizations like Operation Child Care Project, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that military families have access to affordable, high-quality childcare.
The group has been advocating for this policy change since 2021, highlighting that even civilians—who face fewer relocations and logistical challenges than military spouses—rarely secure employment within just 90 days.
Sabrina Dalton, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Child Care Project, said:
“This change is incredibly meaningful. Finding meaningful employment often takes longer than 90 days. Families need time to settle into a new location, establish networks, and navigate the job market. Extending childcare support to 180 days gives spouses the breathing room they need to find work that aligns with their skills and goals.”
Dalton added:
“The next step is to advocate for a 180-day supplement to trigger with every PCS move or qualifying life event, such as losing a job. While this is a major step forward, there is still work to do to fully support military families.”
Help Navigating Child Care Assistance
Eligible families can apply for the childcare assistance program through MilitaryChildCare.com. Navigating government programs can be challenging, so organizations like Operation Child Care Project offer free, personalized guidance to military families.
Assistance includes helping families understand available programs, locate participating childcare centers, and access other childcare-related resources.
“If families need help understanding fee assistance programs, finding participating childcare centers, or have general questions about childcare, they can fill out our case management intake form on our website. We help families explore their full suite of childcare options,” said Dalton.
Reliable Childcare Strengthens Military Families
By doubling the “Looking for Work” childcare benefit, the NDAA not only supports military spouses in finding employment but also strengthens military families as a whole. Reliable childcare allows spouses to pursue career opportunities, contribute to family income, and maintain personal and professional growth, ultimately contributing to overall family stability and readiness.
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