Unemployment Benefits for Military Spouses

Relocating can be tough on military families. Military spouses often face the daunting task of rebuilding their careers with each move, contending with potential employment gaps, and adapting to varying professional opportunities. While it's not a permanent fix, filing for unemployment can help get your feet back on solid financial ground.

Unemployment for Military Spouses Due to Relocation

Almost all U.S. states allow military spouses to receive unemployment compensation for moving along with their active-duty partner due to PCS orders.

To ease the process, follow these general steps when filing for unemployment due to your partner's PCS:

1. Submit a copy of your spouse's orders with your unemployment paperwork.
2. List your spouse's military relocation as the reason why you quit your job on all forms.
3. Notify your employer in writing that you are quitting due to your spouse's military relocation, and keep a copy of this letter.

Most states allow you to resign 30 days before the report date listed on your spouse's orders, so be careful about quitting too early if you plan to file for unemployment.

Military Spouse Unemployment Due to PCS Overseas

Military spouses relocating to another country due to PCS orders may still be eligible for unemployment benefits. The state where you were formerly employed can verify this possibility for you.

Filing for Unemployment

You must file for unemployment in the state where you were employed, not where you live or relocate.

Once you start receiving unemployment benefits, you'll need to register with a local workforce center to show that you're actively looking for a job. Staying active in the job hunt and keeping proof of your efforts will be vital to maintaining unemployment wages.

In many cases, the office you register with will also offer services to help you get the job you want. These services range from help with your resume to help with your interviewing skills and even career counseling.

Military Spouse Unemployment Benefits

The weekly allowance for unemployment benefits varies by state and whether or not you are filing with dependents. Twenty-six weeks is typically the maximum amount of time you can receive unemployment payments.