Did you know that many military veterans are eligible to receive unemployment benefits when they separate from the military?
Transitioning from a military career to a civilian career is a big step. Not all jobs transfer over from the military and it can be difficult for civilians to understand how much military members bring to the table in terms of experience, leadership and many other attributes. It is not uncommon for military members to struggle when seeking civilian employment.
Thankfully, there are benefits that can help you bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. Service members who are no longer active in the military have the same unemployment benefit options available to them as other Americans. I applied for unemployment benefits when I separated from the military, and I encourage you to do the same if you are eligible.
Unemployment benefits for military veterans
Unemployment compensation may be available to ex-military personnel. If eligible, military members will receive compensation from the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service members (UCX). This program is run by the federal government, but each state has their own agents representing the UCX. Whether or not you are eligible and how much compensation you will receive depends on several factors. If you receive other compensation (separation pay, retirement pay) the amount of compensation for which you may be eligible will be reduced. Here we look at how you can go about signing up for unemployment compensation and what you can do before separation to get your finances in order.
Signing up for unemployment benefits
Since each state is in charge of unemployment benefits paid out to residents of the state, this is the starting point for signing up for compensation. The state unemployment office will be able to determine if you are eligible to receive benefits, how long you can receive benefits and how much compensation you will receive. You must apply through the state employment office which will also help you in your search for new employment. When visiting the state employment office to inquire about benefits be sure to have the following documents on hand; job history or resume, Social Security Card and DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).
A couple quick notes about military unemployment benefits:
- Federal law requires that you are physically in the state in which you file your first claim based on military wages. You can file in the state in which you separate from the military, but you may need to transfer your unemployment benefits if you move to another state (be sure to check with the employment bureau in the state where you move).
- Unemployment benefits for former military members is usually based on military service wages, however, separation pay or military retirement pay may affect your benefits.
- In most cases, you must have been separated under honorable conditions to be eligible for unemployment benefits.
- Each state may have unique rules or provisions. Check with your state employment office for specific information.
New GI Bill Program for Unemployed Military Veterans
If you are an unemployed veteran, you may be eligible for a new GI Bill program specifically designed for unemployed veterans age 35-60. The good news is this program is open to eligible veterans regardless of whether or not they still have remaining GI Bill eligibility (MGIB benefits typically expire 10 years after a veteran’s separation date).
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 was recently passed, which offers up to 12 months of education and training at the full-time active duty Montgomery GI Bill rate. Training is available to eligible veterans for VA Approved education and training programs at a community college or technical school. Benefits must be used toward an Associate’s Degree, qualified certification, or a non-college degree in a high demand field (examples include, information technology, trucking, certain medical occupations, and more).
Visit the GI Bill for unemployed veterans page on our site to learn more about eligibility, and how to apply.
Prepare your finances before separation from the military
A well padded emergency fund can provide the financial security necessary during a time of transition from one job to another. Service members who are planning to transition from military to civilian status should plan on saving as much money as they can to help bridge any gaps in employment. It took me about 4 months to find a job when I made the transition from the military to civilian workforce, but your results may vary depending on the economy where you separate, your skills, and other factors. Unemployment benefits helped, but I was also single and had few expenses. If you have a family and more expenses, then you will need a larger nest egg to help you through this transition.
Having enough money to cover several months worth of living expenses will offer some peace of mind until you are able to secure your next job. Consider saving your money in a high interest savings account which will offer a decent interest rate while still providing access to your money.
Comments
Why am I receiving a monetary determination statement denying my benefits when I had an Honorable discharge. I served my time honorably.
Rena, I’m not sure. You will need to contact your state employment bureau for individual assistance. A monetary determination statement may mean they believe you to have other sources of income, or there may be something else in their file. You will need to contact your state board for more assistance. Best of luck.
I was just wondering when can I fill for my unemployment benefits. I have already received my DD 214 but I am on terminal leave until 19 March.
Jeff, you are technically still unemployed, so you will need to wait until you are no longer actually part of the military. I recommend contacting your state unemployment bureau for the exact date you will be eligible because some states have a one week waiting period form the time you become unemployed before you can claim and receive unemployment benefits.
I called the Texas Work Force Commission and they really could answer my question. I figured I couldn’t fill until my ETS date but I was just trying to get the ball rolling just in case I hadn’t found a job by then. Thanks for the help!
Hi Ryan,
I am a US Marine and have some questions about the unemployment benefits. My EAS date is on December 16th this year. I am planning to go back to school after the military. I will try to pursue my bachelor in 3 years. In this case, I intend not to work so I can just focus on school. Will I be able to receive the unemployment benefit if I do this? I’m talking about 3 years of unemployment benefits, while attending school. Hope you will be able to answer this. thank you.
Mr. Guina, greetings. I am being discualified from getting unemployment in MA, (they say) according to Section 29 (d) (6) as follow: “Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this subsection, the amount of benefits otherwise payable to an individual for any week which begins in a period with respect to which such individual is receiving governmental or other pension, retirement or retired pay, annuity or any other similar periodic payment which is based on the previous work of such individual, shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of such pension, retirement or retired pay, annuity or other payment, which is reasonably attributable to such week; provided, however, that such reduction shall apply only if then required by section 3304(a)(15) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; and provided, further, that any amendment of section 3304(a)(15) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 shall become part of this subsection on the effective date of such amendment; and provided, further, that if then allowed by section 3304(a)(15) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, such reduction shall apply only if a base period employer contributed to or maintained such pension, retirement or retired pay, annuity, or other payment plan, and in the case of a payment not made under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, or the corresponding provisions of prior law, services of the individual for such employer during the base period affected eligibility for or increased the amount of such pension, retirement or retired pay, annuity, or other similar plan; and provided further, that if the individual contributed to such plan, the amount of benefits otherwise payable to such individual shall be reduced by fifty per cent of the amount of such pension, retirement or retired pay, annuity, or other payment, notwithstanding the amount contributed by the individual to such plan. Payments received under the Social Security Act shall not be subject to this paragraph.”
Can you please translate this into simple English and please let me know if this applies to us military retirees?
Thank you in advance!
George
George, that is a whopper of a paragraph! The way I understand it is that the state of MA wants to reduce your unemployment benefits by the amount of your government pension, and if your pension is higher than unemployment benefits would be, then they would cancel each other out and you would not receive the unemployment benefits.
Unfortunately, that is all I can gather based on that information. You may try contacting a veteran’s group in your area to see if this is the standard policy or if there are any exceptions. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
I have a quick question I am currently in California and I just got admin separated from the Navy with a Gen Under Hon Cond discharge.
Anyways throughout my separation process I was constantly assured none of this was going to effect unemployment benefits well to my demise it has I just found out this past week that it got denied because I didn’t serve full service but I served 90%. I am just having a hard time and am in the process of moving to florida with hopes that it will be easier to file there. Any help you could give me would be much appreciated.
Savannah, most states have a minimum requirement for how long you need to work before you can apply for unemployment benefits. Your military service may also be subject to this minimum time requirement as well. My recommendation is to contact the unemployment bureau to get a definitive answer regarding why your unemployment application was declined. You may also find it helpful to visit a veteran’s bureau in your state for additional guidance or help applying for unemployment benefits. Best of luck, and thanks for your service.
Hello Ryan,
I am really worry rightnow, I was in the army I was discharge honorable. They gave me a compensation, I apply for unemployment but they denied. THey told me that it was because the compensation that I got. Well I was getting 10% disability of the military every month. I got letter saying that they are going to stop giving my disability paid because when I got military I got a compensation from the military. I am so confused. They gave me an option. The letter said that I can pay the competition money and after I pay they will continue giving my disability. But I think that really unfair because I coulndnt even get unemployment and they never explain that to me. what can I do in this case? I hope you can help me. thank you!
Star, My recommendation is to contact a Veteran’s Affairs office, or similar veteran’s organization to assist you with this matter. Dealing with disability compensation claims needs to be handled on a case by case basis and you need an expert to help you understand the rules and how they work. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
STAR- im in the navy and the way it was explained to me was you cant get both a Severance and disability. What they are saying to you is if you dont pay back the severance you got, say for example $10,000 then you wont get any additional disability payment until after all the payments equal $10,000, pretty much if you dont pay your severance back they will keep taking away your disability payment until it equals up to tha amount of your severance payment, then once it equals up to that amount you will start recieving your disabilty again. I will try to find an instruction on that but i know for a fact you cant recieve both a severance paycheck when you separate and disability, its either one or the other or what will happen in this case is they will recoup your severance payment you recieved through garnishment of your disability payments. Hope this helped
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYEMENT WITH THE MILITARY?
Hi,
I just finished doing 20 years in the Navy 2 months ago, and waiting on a service connected disability claim for over lets say, 7 service connected issues, my question is can i collect unemployment compensation until then, if i am getting a retainer(pension) in one of the following states : (Illinois or California) ?? Thanks..
Darryl, Some states may or may not give unemployment compensation for people who are receiving a pension. Your best bet is to contact the respective employment bureau for each state to determine your eligibility. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Hi,
My husband just got out of the Navy. He is applying for disability and was wondering if he could also apply for unemployment? Will one affect the other? Thank for your help.
Jennifer, each state has varying rules regarding unemployment benefits. I recommend he speak with an employee at his state employment bureau for specific questions. Additionally, it may take some time before a decision is given regarding disability benefits, so it would be a good idea to go ahead an apply for all benefits as soon as he is eligible (this would go for both unemployment benefits, which can usually be applied for about one week after one becomes unemployed, and veterans can start the disability benefits application process when they are separating from the military).
Ryan,
I’m glad you did this section. When I went through TAP class they all told us we were NOT elegible for unemployment. I later found that to be untrue, I just wish these people would be held accountable for their misguiding.
I served 8 years in the military, recently got out on a chapter 8 (pregnancy). I moved from fort hood to fort Lewis. Do I qualify for unemployment or will I be denied?
Charlette, you will need to contact your state unemployment bureau for a definitive answer. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Ryan,
I recently retired from 25 years in the Air Force. I applied for unemployment in the state of Arizona for the month of Aug (which is the month prior to me receiving my retirment check) as I was advised during my TAP class. I have now been informed by the state I am not eligible for unemployment. Furthermore, my case was “perminately disqualified” and the “call center” cannot really tell me what that means. My only option is to file an appeal, however I cannot call and speak to someone; it’s all done via fax. Well the system has won in this case as I no longer wish to deal with this situation.
Jennifer, each state has different requirements and qualifications for unemployment benefits, and I believe that in some states an active pension may disqualify people from receiving unemployment benefits. The only recommendation I can give beyond what your state employment bureau gave you is to contact a private lawyer about the matter (there are lawyers who specialize in employment claims and similar situations). At the minimum they should be able to give you the basic information in free consultation. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Awesome website Ryan! Thank you so much.
Hi Ryan, thanks for taking time out to answer everyones questions, and mine hopefully, lol. I’ll be separating from the Navy this November, through the Early Out Program. I plan on using my GI Bill benefits to go to school full time in Indiana (I’m currently stationed in Oklahoma) Would I be able to file for unemployment and at the same time use my GI Bill with the BAH benefits? Thanks again!!!
Misty, I’m happy to help. I want to point out that I have heard some states will not allow people to receive both the GI Bill and unemployment benefits at the same time, so you should double check with your state for the final decision (each state has its own requirements for unemployment benefits). The other thing to remember is that while you are receiving unemployment benefits, you are required to continue looking for work. So even if you are attending school full-time under the GI Bill, you would be required to prove you are seeking employment, and be willing to take that employment if it is offered.
Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
If a Military retiree isn’t allowed to recieve unemployment compensation when laid off from a job during retirement why do we have to pay the same taxes as everyone else?
We earned our retirement pay from the military and if we work we pay the same taxes as everyone else so why the bias?
Jim, I wish I had an answer for you. Each state sets it own guidelines.
I am currently a Navy Reservist on Active Duty orders. Those orders are set to end on October 21 and I currently do not have a civilian job lined up yet. I have been on orders for the past 18 months and was unemployed before that. I am assuming that I can merely apply for unemployment benefits since this has been my full time employment for that period of time but want to be sure. I do plan to retire but that won’t happen until January. Do you see any reason why I would be denied unemployment benefits based on the above?
Jim,
I recommend contacting your state employment bureau, as each state sets its own requirements for unemployment benefits. I recommend contacting them at least as soon as you can so you can have the relevant information ready when necessary – instead of trying to scramble to locate documents at the last minute.
Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Hello
i am currently in the USN and i have a question. my home of state is Georgia, but im currently station in Virginia, and i was wondering if i file for virginia will there be any complications? if i plan on living in virginia.
As well as Can you get BAH from the G.I bill and unemployment at the same time?
Jasper, you should file for unemployment benefits wherever you end up living after you separate from the military. If you move while receiving benefits, then you should contact your state employment bureau for further instructions.
Regarding GI Bill and unemployment: IN some cases you can collect unemployment benefits while using the GI Bill, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria for both. For example, to collect unemployment benefits, you have to prove you are actively seeking employment. If you are able to prove you are seeking employment while you are going to school, then you may be eligible to receive both. Keep in mind, however, that each state is responsible for setting rules regarding unemployment benefits, so this is general information, not specific to your situation. My recommendation is to contact the state employment bureau where you will live after you separate from the military for information specific to your situation. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
JASPER- i live in VA and i know many friends who recently separated that do get both unemployment and GI BILL BAH in VA. As Ryan always states “you have to be actively be seeking employment during this time” wink wink if you catch my drift. So when you have to call the automated phone line to get your unemployment make sure you input “the places you applied to” wink wink.
There are exceptions to this “searching for work” policy. If you contact your state unemployment office and get a waiver to this regulation because you are actively engaged in college education in order to gain valuable job skills that you will use in the future, you may not have to fulfill the “actively searching for work” requirement. The key is getting the waiver FIRST!
Ryan, I was separated from the Navy recently under honorable conditions and was wondering, is there a time limit in which you have you apply for unemployment after being separated from the military? For instance, if you got separated on 1 Sept. 2011, do I have to apply for umemployment by a certain time? Or is there no time limit for applying?
Hi Don, Each state has different rules regarding unemployment benefits, but I don’t think this should be a problem. My recommendation is to go to your state employment bureau and file for benefits ASAP. (you may also be able to begin the process online, depending on your state). Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
i’m about to get out of active duty navy and am going into the navy active reserves can i still apply for unemployment? i mean i’m only going to get $200 a month if that. i can live off of $200 a month these days. if you can answer my question i would greatly appreciate it. thanks
Pete, you will need to check with the employment bureau in your state regarding eligibility. In many states you can earn up to “x amount” of dollars per week or month while still receiving partial or full unemployment benefits. (“x-amount” varies by state, which is why you will need to contact the state in which you will file for unemployment benefits). Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Hello there, what is the average amount of weeks for veterans unemployment after leaving the service?
Kevan,
I don’t have a firm answer for you. I think it would depend on the individual, the amount of time they served in the military, which state they live in, how long it takes them to find a job, and which other types of benefits they may be eligible for (for example, the government has, in the past, extended the duration that people can receive unemployment benefits).
My recommendation is to contact the employment bureau in the state you will live in after you separate and ask them what your situation would look like if you were to separate from the military. Keep in mind that some provisions, such as the extensions offered by the government or by certain states, may change at some point in the future.
Best of luck and thanks for your service.
IF YOU GET OUT OF THE NAVY EARLY, CAN YOU RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENIFITS? MY HUSBAND AND I ARE STATIONED IN MARYLAND, BUT HAVE A HOUSE IN VA BECAUSE I WAS STATIONED IN NORFOLK UNTIL ABOUT A MONTH AGO. WE WERE COMMUTING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. I RECENTLY HAD OUR SECOND CHILD, AND I WOULD RATHER NOT DO A 140 MILE ROUNDTRIP COMMUTE EVERYDAY WITH TWO KIDS UNDER TWO. IF I GET OUT JUST 6 MONTHS EARLY, COULD I RECEIVE BENIFITS?
I’m about to get out of the Navy after 9 years of service. I am currently in California. I have been unable to find any information about unemployment online, how much I may be entitled too, and if I can use it in conjunction with my Post 9/11 Bill. I called the unemployment office, but all they would tell me is they wont set an appointment until I was closer to my EAOS, and that they personally didnt know the answers. Any info or related links would be appreciated.
Ryan,
Can you clarify for me when a reservists is an eligible veteran for unemployment compensation? There does not seem to be much consistency at the state level.
For example, a reservist attends basic training and advanced individual training and receives a DD 214. That is considered “active duty for training” and is covered by title 32 of the public law, as opposed to active duty under title 10 when a reservist is mobilized.
Would you happen to know the federal Public Law that applies?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Jack
my husband is seperating from the us army in feb 3 is his last day. After that if he decides to go to school with his GI bill will the family get to keep health benefits or can we get them through the states. He is thinking of collecting unemployment and going to school under the GI bill. we have three children and im unemployed stay at home mother and was concerned on how we could could keep health benefits? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Amy, Military health benefits end when you separate from active duty (unless he is a retiree or is receiving VA medical care due to a disability). It is possible to get COBRA benefits, which is basically the same health care, but these need to be paid for out of pocket, and are expensive for a family. Many colleges offer reduced health insurance, but you need to be a student to be eligible to purchase it, so he may not be eligible immediately upon separation from the military. I recommend looking into an individual health care plan, or looking into a part time job which offers health insurance. Some examples of part time jobs which offer group healthcare insurance include StarBucks, Target, and some other stores. You will still need to pay for the health care benefits, but group health care is often less expensive than buying an individual plan, especially if anyone in your family has a history of health problems.
Ryan,
I am being seprated from the Army on March 31 because of a Medical Board. They are giving me severance pay, and the VA is also paying me monthly. Am I entitled to unemployment benefits in the state of Texas. I’m a E-5 with 11 years of service.
Greetings,
My husband just recently came off a voluntary deployment with the Montana Air National Guard. He spent a year and a half working Alert at the Hawaii National Guard. This deployment was voluntary, but he was “selected” as one of the best to go and could not refuse. He is done now and back in our home state of Montana. We have attempted to file for unemployment benefits as he is job-less and the job market is sparce in our town. After contacting the unemployment office, they stated we needed to have a DD214 from the Hawaii deployment or his claim would be denied. The problem is, is this deployment was funded under Title 32, not Title 10, which I BELIEVE does not go on a DD214. They stated they will not accept official orders or anything else showing an end date to this deployment. Is this true of the DD214? Is there anything we can do in this situation? Help!
Jamie Valvoda