A Complete Guide to Veteran Unemployment

The veteran unemployment rate at the moment is low – just 2.4% – but no one who has put their life on the line for this country should struggle with unemployment. 

Thankfully, there are systems in place to support vets. If you can’t work because of a disability or are having trouble finding work outside the military, then you may qualify for them. In this post, we’re going to walk you through the veteran unemployment process.

Keep reading and you’ll have the resources you need to get back on your feet as you look for new opportunities.

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members

Of all the veteran unemployment options, the most popular is the unemployment compensation for ex-service members (UCX) program. This is meant to help service members transition out of their military careers back into civilian working life. It’s a federally-funded benefit that is administered at the state level. 

Your actual benefit amount is calculated by looking at your active duty earnings. It factors in your base pay and all allowances at the time of your departure from the military.

Here are a few of the most important requirements that you have to meet in order to qualify for the UCX:

• You have to reside in the state that you’re applying
• You should have been on active duty in 4 of the last 5 quarters before applying
• You must have fulfilled your first tour of duty
• You have to currently be engaged in a job search
• You can only have been honorably discharged

Your UCX benefits can be reduced or terminated if you’re receiving other benefits or have a working wage.

Disabled Veterans Benefits

Under the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, disabled veterans can partake in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Education program (VR&E). This program helps ex-service members that have “qualifying disabilities” with job training and other employment services.

If you’re unable to obtain gainful employment because of a disability you received while on duty, you could qualify for the Individual Unemployability benefit from Veteran’s Affairs. This could end up in you receiving full disability benefits.

All that you need to do is prove that your injury was sustained while on duty and that it prevents you from finding employment. Your approval will depend on your disability rating, which you can learn more about on the VA website.

There are also housing stipends available under the VR&E program. These supplement other unemployment benefits by covering housing costs. 

Veteran Unemployment Benefits Are There for You

Transitioning out of careers in the military can be difficult, especially if you’ve got a disability. These veteran unemployment benefits are in place to make that transition more doable. The first step to getting back into civilian life is applying for them and then working on finding a fulfilling career.

If you found this post helpful, visit our site for more important information for military service members.