SubscribeUnemployment for Military Members
Do not fear, if you have been left unemployed from the Armed Forces (or separated as they term it), there are several options open to you to receive some form of benefits from your state, albeit as a result of a federal initiative.There are, as you would expect, some conditions, and you must have:
• Been on active service with a branch of the US Military; you may be entitled based on your service.
• Been separated under honorable conditions.
It is also good to know that during your service there is no payroll deduction for contribution to unemployment benefits when you leave. The cost is covered by the government.
If you do receive separation pay, then your unemployment compensation may be affected as a result. Retirees will almost certainly receive a reduced rate and possibly even no unemployment pay if they are in receipt of separation compensation.
The unemployment office of each state handles state benefits and the rates vary from state to state, so there is no generic answer as to the amounts of entitlement you may have. The nearest unemployment office will be listed in your telephone directory.
You can also receive information assistance from the National Military Families Association (NMFA) which is the only organization that is solely focused on the military family and its members. They are real experts in helping serving and ex-serving Armed Forces members and their families.
One area that the NMFA specializes in is helping spouses find benefit and employment as they have to suffer moves at the call of their military partner; they may not be able to get a job of their choice and may have to settle for whatever can pay the bills.
Another organization that assists military families is the Military Spouses Career Network. The network has carried out widespread research into the effects of moving every few years, and examined the benefits that are open to both the spouse and the military member should they be left unemployed by the Armed Forces, directly or indirectly.
