You name it. We can help-24/7! 800-342-9647 Military OneSource
What does Military OneSource do?
Military OneSource, which supplements existing installation services, provides free help and information, by phone with a professionally trained consultant or online, on a wide range of issues that affect you and your family — from budgeting and investing to relationships and deployment. It’s available whenever you are — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Whether you’re single or married, a parent or not a parent, Military OneSource can help with the issues that are important to you. For service members and families who live far from military installations, Military OneSource is especially useful. No problem is too big — or too small. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find it.
Military OneSource also provides free counseling services (up to 12 sessions per person, per issue), face-to-face in the local community, by telephone, and online.
Why should I call Military OneSource?
Military OneSource helps you save time and money by researching your questions; supplying solid, reliable information; and providing valuable services. Use Military OneSource to seek help early, before a minor problem turns into a major one. With the Military OneSource team of master’s-level consultants, you can deal with several issues at one time — all within the privacy of your home. Consultants answer the telephone “live” and can also respond to e-mail questions. They also follow up to make sure you’ve received the help you need.
Here are just a few of the issues Military OneSource can help you with:
- Counseling services for personal and relationship issues. Military OneSource can help with issues such as stress management, grief, relationships, and parenting-skills. Counseling services (up to twelve sessions per person, per issue) are available free to military service members and their eligible family members in one of three ways:
- face-to-face with a trained counselor in your area (available in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands)
- via telephone with a Military OneSource consultant
- online in a secure real-time “chat” format with a Military OneSource consultant
- Child care and parenting issues. Specialized consultants can help you locate licensed child care providers in your area, as well as help with other parenting issues, such as ways to help your children succeed with homework or how to help your children adjust to a move.
- Deployment and reunion issues. Through both the Web site and the toll-free number, you can locate information for service members and their families about dealing with deployment. You’ll find information on staying connected with your children while you’re deployed, or information for Guard and Reserve members returning to work after a deployment.
- Education. Information about education issues of special interest to military families is available on the Web site and by phone. You can also arrange for individual consultations with trained specialists in the following areas:
- K-12. Help locating a school when you move, understanding school ratings, finding homeschooling resources, or evaluating public and private schools.
- College. Assistance with college applications, plus information and resources on financial aid, scholarships, and obtaining credit for military experience.
- Special needs. Help with issues related to relocation when you have a special needs family member, information on available educational services, and help finding a local advocate.
- Spouse training, education, and career. Our consultants can help military spouses focus on a career path that uses their strengths, identify work that travels well, find training and education, find jobs, move to a new career area, and develop their interviewing and resume-writing skills.
- Elder care issues. Finding help caring for a parent or grandparent can be a challenge for many service members. Specialized consultants can help you understand the kinds of elder care available and locate elder care in your community. With Military OneSource, you also have access to information on Medicare and Medicaid, dependent care costs, prescription drug assistance, medical insurance, and Social Security.
- Money matters. The Military OneSource financial team can help with budgeting, debt reduction, credit issues, and tax preparation. Financial planners are available by appointment for more detailed financial concerns. The Web site provides additional financial resources, including calculators for loans, debt reduction, and budgeting.
- Legal issues. Depending on your service branch, Military OneSource legal services are provided as a supplement to your installation’s Legal Assistance Office. The Military OneSource legal team includes licensed attorneys who can provide legal information and education.
- Violence and trauma. Military OneSource consultants can help you talk with your children about issues of war and violence. We also provide information, resources, and counseling on issues related to emergencies and natural disasters, including planning and preparedness.
- Relocation. Military OneSource also can help you make a smooth move to a new duty station. As you settle into your new community, use Military OneSource to find an apartment, locate child care providers, find gyms, find music lessons for your children, or find a quality summer camp. Military OneSource consultants can provide information on your new installation.
- Transition to civilian life. With Military OneSource, you can access information about life after the military — including retirement calculators, education and career opportunities, and travel.
- Healthy habits. Military OneSource offers information on health and related issues, including relationships, infertility, and mental health. The Web site offers articles related to specific issues, including how to stay healthy and help for children with special needs.
- Consumer issues and travel. On the Military OneSource Web site, you’ll find information to help you become a better consumer, along with links to discounts for service members and their families.
- Translation assistance. Through Military OneSource, you can have certain qualifying documents translated.
- Language interpretation. Our consultants can also arrange for interpretation, by telephone, to help non-English-speaking family members use the Military OneSource program.
How do I use Military OneSource?
Using Military OneSource is easy. Services are available to you through a toll-free number and online.
- Dial 1-800-342-9647. A Military OneSource consultant will listen, discuss your needs and concerns with you, and help you assess the situation. Most consultants have military experience and all have been trained on military culture. When you talk with a consultant, the consultant will read a privacy statement to you which will explain the limits of confidentiality. Depending on your situation, a Military OneSource consultant may:
- help you make a plan to resolve your issues or concerns
- provide customized research
- refer you to a self-help or support group
- guide you to helpful resources in your community
- refer you to a specialist or local counselor for short-term counseling
- refer you to a specialized telephone or online consultant for short-term counseling
- send you helpful educational materials
Remember, your privacy is assured and no one knows you reached out for support unless there is a threat of harm to yourself or others.
- Visit the Web site. On the Web site (www.MilitaryOneSource.com ), you’ll find resources on topics ranging from parenting to elder care, from moving overseas to buying a home. You can view materials on the site, or you can order or download materials free of charge. On the site, you’ll find:
- Articles. Information-rich articles offer real help and guidance on many different issues related to life in the military.
- CDs and booklets. Educational materials are available in a variety of formats (booklet, CD, cassette, and electronic downloads) and can be ordered or downloaded. Materials and shipping are free.
- Counseling link. Click on the counseling link and find out more about in-person counseling in your local area, specialized telephone consultations, or online consultations using a secure real-time “chat” format.
- Video tips. You can watch brief videos of consultants addressing common issues such as communicating, budgeting, and managing anger.
- Search and decision tools. Locators help you find summer camps or schools. Calculators help you determine how much your mortgage payment will be, how long it will take you to pay off your debts, or how much you need to save to pay for college.
- Assessments. Quizzes and assessments can help you determine your compatibility with your spouse, your parenting style, and if you need help with debt issues.
- Discussion boards. Military OneSource provides active discussion boards featuring information for single service members, families, and retirees.
- Webinars. Free online workshops — or Webinars — address many different subjects. New Webinars are offered each month and you can sign up for the interactive sessions or view past workshops through the Web site.
- And more. Prepare and file your taxes using an online tax-filing program, sign up for newsletters, find military resources and links, download podcasts, or view military-related news through real-time data feeds. Much more is available through the Military OneSource Web site.