For military spouses, frequent moves often means leaving behind fulfilling employment. As a military spouse you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you have to leave your job due to a PCS move.
Which states offer unemployment for military spouses?
Currently, 46 states offer unemployment compensation for military spouses who leave their jobs due to their service member’s permanent change of station (PCS). Those that aren’t on board yet? North Dakota, Ohio, Louisiana and Idaho.
You may be eligible. Forty-six states allow for military spouses to apply for unemployment benefits if the loss of their job is due to a spouse receiving military PCS orders. Go to your particular state’s unemployment benefits finder for details and how to apply.
What is the military spouse unemployment rate?
A 2019 DoD survey found that one in five military spouses who work in a licensed profession waited 10 months or more to get their credential after a move. All told, military spouses faced a 22% unemployment rate and a 26% wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts before COVID-19.
Can a military spouse apply for unemployment benefits?
State legislatures have eased or expanded unemployment benefits to include military spouses who voluntarily leave jobs to follow active-duty service members.
How to file unemployment claim for your spouse?
In many States you may file your claim by telephone or online. Go here to find your State Workforce Agency. Apply as soon as you can after you have moved. The law of the State where you apply will determine the results.
Where do I go to file for unemployment after leaving the military?
Go to your state’s website for unemployment and read all of the rules before you quit your job. When filing, you will likely need a copy of your service member’s PCS orders.
Can a spouse get unemployment if they quit their job?
You typically cannot receive UC if you voluntarily quit. However, most states have a “good cause” exception to this rule, including a move to follow a spouse due to a job transfer, such as a PCS move. It’s important to note that each state operates its own unemployment benefit program and details vary from state to state.
