The Defense Department program Military OneSource provides information, tools, and resources to help service members, families, survivors, and retirees thrive in their military lives. Listen as host Bruce Moody explains the many features of this behemoth of a website. Learn about the specialized consultations available through Military OneSource, like spouse employment support, EFMP adoption services, health coaching, and financial management. Eligible individuals can receive confidential non-medical counseling online, over the phone, or in person.
What is Military OneSource?
Military OneSource provides information, resources, and tools to help active duty service members, their families, and survivors thrive on the path to a successful military career and post-military life. The free program provides various support services, including online and telephone assistance, counseling, and specialty consultations on relocation/PCS moves, taxes, financial planning, spouse employment, education, elder care, adoption, and special needs, among other topics.
Many service members and their families seek non-medical counseling through Military OneSource. They may call for a quick screening or consultation and are then connected to local providers for up to 12 sessions. Military OneSource also offers specialty counseling for family relationships, deployments/reunifications, grief, and stress management.
Families with special needs can get assistance from Military OneSource by connecting with a specialist in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). They can receive guidance on educational, social, health, transportation, and other services available to those with diagnosed physical, intellectual, or emotional
What Does Military OneSource Do?
Whether you need help planning a PCS, budgeting, reading your LES, or making sense of tax deductions, Military OneSource can connect you to the right resources. Its consultants are available to answer your questions by telephone or online. They can also provide non-medical counseling, specialty consultations for spouse employment, education and adoption, and more.
Military OneSource is free, confidential, and accessible anywhere in the world. Its staff are experts in a broad range of subjects, including Military Life Cycle, Family & Relationships, Moving & Housing, Financial & Legal, Education & Employment, and Health & Wellness. Non-medical counseling is available to address a wide range of concerns, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. Military OneSource counseling is not therapy and cannot replace any medical services you receive. All of its services are offered based on need and eligibility.
How to Contact Military OneSource?
The Military OneSource login is your access point for the free programs, services, and tools developed by the DOD to help you navigate military life. You can find information on relocation and housing, finances and tax support, family and relationships, health and wellness, and more. Confidential non-medical counseling is also available for a wide variety of issues.
Military OneSource was originally run by a private company called Ceridian but is now operated by ValueOptions. At no cost, it is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Components, spouses, children, retirees, and survivors. Veterans have access to all of the services for a year after separation or retirement as long as they meet eligibility criteria.
Military OneSource includes a call center with master’s-level consultants who understand the military lifestyle. They offer confidential help with deployments, reunions, family stress, relationships, grief, finances, spouse employment, education, and parenting. They can also provide expert guidance on relocation, PCS moves, budgeting, and large consumer purchases.
Is Military OneSource a Government Agency?
While Military OneSource provides information and support to service members, it is not a government agency. The program is run by a private company under contract with the Department of Defense called Ceridian.
The site offers various services to assist members and their families with day-to-day issues, including financial planning, spouse education, career opportunities, counseling on deployment and family separation, advice/consultation on elder care, adoptions for military Families, and educational assistance. The website also offers free online libraries, H&R Block tax preparation, filing software, consultations, and much more.
Non-medical counseling is available through phone, email, chat, or secure online video session for stress management, relationship issues, depression, and grief. It’s offered by qualified counselors who are not a medical doctor, and no co-pay or insurance is required.
However, some members may be disappointed that Military OneSource does not cover all branches of the military. Coast Guard members, for instance, are not eligible for the same benefits as other service members. Nevertheless, veterans separated from the military are eligible for a year of access to Military OneSource’s resources.
