Filing for Unemployment

The one thing I wish I had known from the get-go, which could have saved me thousands of dollars, is that military spouses can file for unemployment when they quit their job due to PCS orders. WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME THIS! I even went to a LINKS class and no one thought this was important to mention. For those who do not know, LINKS is a class that the Marine Corps offers to military dependents and family members to explain the benefits available to them...right...

When we PCS'ed to North Carolina, we were studs deep into a house remodel and buying a house at our new duty station. This combined with my unemployment and all the little extra costs of moving put us in, what is hopefully, the deepest financial hole we will ever experience. Unemployment could have really helped us out financially and made me feel a little less useless as a contributing member of our household.

Every state is different and has different rules about unemployment. I interviewed a few people so I could put together a general idea of the process. Some states require you to work for a certain amount of time in your current position before you can qualify for unemployment. Make sure your know your states requirements before you apply.

Since I never actually got to go through the experience of filing for unemployment I interviewed a few of our military spouse brothers and sisters to see how it's done.

Step 1: Get orders. Don't quit your job until you have a final report date.

Step 2: Give your notice. Every state is different but most states don't want you to quit your job before 30 days from your report date. You may even have to do a phone interview explaining why you had to quit early, even if it is only 2 weeks. During this interview you can explain that you needed some extra time to collect documents, attend a PCS class, meet with movers and begin packing etc. When you give your notice to your employer you must make it clear that you are quitting your job to follow your spouse on PCS orders. Here is an example of a resignation letter provided by a fellow spouse.

"To whom it may concern, As you may know, my spouse is active duty in the United States Navy. He has received permanent transfer orders to Whidbey Island, Washington and I will be moving to accommodate the needs of our family. Due to this relocation, I am remorsefully notifying you of my impending resignation from Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, Family Support Division effective 03/04/2016. I wanted to provide you with sufficient notice in order to complete a smooth transition of my job responsibilities to another employee. I feel blessed to have had this job and to have gained knowledge and experience which I’m sure will be helpful in my future endeavors. A copy of his military orders are attached"

Step 3: Receive final paycheck and apply for unemployment. You don't technically qualify for unemployment until you have been unemployed for 1 work week to include your paid vacation time. You can usually apply online or by phone and will apply in the state that you earned the income in. The unemployment office will likely contact your old employer to confirm your reason for quitting.

Step 4: Receive unemployment and begin job hunting. You can expect your first unemployment check 3-6 weeks after you qualify for unemployment. While receiving unemployment you will be expected to apply for about 2-3 jobs per week. Again, every state is different. You will have to keep in contact with the unemployment office on a weekly basis to keep them updated on your progress. You will also be paid on a weekly basis and will typically be eligible for 6 months.

Happy job hunting my friends!! Make sure you check out my post on military spouse discrimination before you start applying and check out my Facebook group, Military Spouse Nurses, to ask your peers what hospitals are best at your new duty station!

#MilitarySpouse #RN #Unemployment #PCS