SubscribeVets may be eligible for unemployment benefits
Question: My son, who served four years in the Air Force, has been unable to find a job since returning from Iraq almost a year ago. He lacks self-esteem because he is unable to financially provide for himself. Can he receive some type of compensation until he is able to find a job or get into a higher-education program?
Answer: The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service members (UCX) program provides weekly income to veterans as they look for work, including those who can find only part-time work. The program is administered by the States as agents of the Federal government. According to the 2010 edition of “Federal Benefits for Veterans,” every state program has specific rules. But here are some general requirements your son should meet in order to be eligible:
• Earned a certain minimum amount during the State’s “base period.” His Federal military service and wages count toward this requirement.
• Benefits are based on time spent in the military.
• Left the military under honorable conditions.
• Totally or partially unemployed.
• Able to work, available for work, and seeking work.
Perhaps your son overlooked the section on his DD-214 (discharge papers) instructing military personnel to file for benefits in the week of their discharge date.
He should discuss his circumstances with a rep at the employment office in his area. Since benefits vary from state to state, only the local rep where he applies will be able to tell him the amount and duration of his entitlement.
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Russell Davis has spent the last few years aggressively seeking answers to his own veterans’ benefit questions. He’ll be taking over the Taking on Life blog every Friday to tell you what he’s learned and to help honorable military discharged women and men, their spouses, partners and others to find answers.
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