I wish someone would’ve told me that I could possibly receive unemployment benefits when I have to quit my job to PCS with my husband. Unfortunately, I found out years after getting married about this benefit.
According to the Defense Dept, 21 states now allow military spouses to receive unemployment benefits. 8 states deny the benefits outright, and the rest consider each request on a case-by-case basis.
I have received unemployment while moving for a PCS, but you have to make sure you submit a copy of your spouse’s orders and put that as the reason you quit your job. You need to tell your employer that is the reason as well. Most states mandate that you can quit 30 days before the report date, so find out what your state requires before you leave.
Here are some great resources for finding out specifics for your state’s laws:
I just starred this in my Google Reader. Thanks for sharing, Keri!
ReplyDeleteman i wish i would have known about this sooner... i am going on two years unemployed now...grrrr.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that information will help a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteBecause the laws are different in every state, it can be extremely frustrating. I have been trying to find out if there is a watchdog organization tracking how often states are denying these applications and on what basis. I've done a couple of interviews with spouses, a few grateful for benefits they've received and far more frustrated that they can't get clear answers or get denied when their state has laws protecting them.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see an agency tackle this issue and monitor it.
It's definitely worth fighting when your unemployment claim is denied unfairly. Often times, the caseworker has missed pertinent information that can make it a yes or no. Always file for a hearing if you get rejected, and at least you will be given an opportunity to tell your side as to why you should get it. Be prepared is the bottom line.
ReplyDeleteThe report date on my husbands orders are december 10. Do I need to resign and file for unemployment BEFORE this date, or can I wait until the 21st of December. I don't want to mess up my chance of receiving the benefit.
ReplyDeleteYou can resign anytime before 30 days of his report date. What ever date you resign, you immediately file for unemployment in the state you are moving to, if you have an address, and tell them you need to file an interstate claim. Most of the time this has to be done in person or over the phone. You must put as reason for being unemployed that you had to resign due to your spouses military orders to move more than 50 miles from your job. Then you will need to give them or fax them a copy of his orders, or it will get declined. Sometimes, as I have experienced, it gets declined and then you have to appeal the decision, which is not complicated, and you will have a phone hearing and then they will backpay you. Don't forget to sign up on your new post at the Employment Center on base, because you qualify for Spouse Preference in getting a federal job. If you want to pursue federal employment, email me your resume and I can work with you to "beat the system", as it's a keyword search when they hire, but the benefits and portability in federal employment are worth the hassle for a federal job. I also work in recruitment for a living, so I am a resume pro. You will need to set up a profile in USAjobs.com to apply for jobs, and enter the resume I help you create. Then apply for positions that are both Status and All US Citizens that you might qualify for. You do not need a degree, but it will get you a higher level position. We can talk more offline if you want to email me. keri525@yahoo.com
DeleteHi Keri, I am in California and my husband has orders for Washington DC. His report date is 8/19/13. I just wanted to know if you can recommend a good date for me to resign. I need to get my house up and ready to rent, find a place to live temporarily and then pcs. I did not want anything to ruin my chances of getting this. Also, I would like to know what I would have to do when I get to our new state. I am not even sure if we will be living in Maryland or Virginia. Things are kinda up in the air for now. I also have 2 kids and 1 on the way, I need all the help I can get. Any information will help me greatly. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI work a seasonal job and am able to claim unemployment in my homestate...im am getting ready to move(his orders) in 1 week. Since I was suppose to start back at my job in 2 weeks can I still claim unemployment?
ReplyDeleteI am currently working for the Ferderal Govt and will be PCSing with my husband in June. We will be remote, not by a base, for three years. I was able to workout a detail with my current job that would let me work as a virtual employee for one year. If I am unable to find employment after that, would I still be able to claim unemploymnet?
ReplyDelete