Have you found yourself in love with your current job, but being a military spouse, you know that soon you will have to move? Well, for me this was the case. After finding a job that I was happy with, we knew we would be moving for the first time. Unfortunately, a work from home position was not an option for the company I was with.
My husband was stationed at Fort Riley and it was finally time for our children and I to catch up with him. I left with no job lined up, and with doubt of how we would be able to adjust from a two-income household to one income. BUT shortly after, I found out that as a military spouse who had to leave their employment due to a PCS, I qualified for unemployment benefits. Even though I thought I would not be approved, I decided to still give it a try. After having to wait three weeks, my benefits were approved.
Even though I was able to receive unemployment and that helped me from stressing about how we would be able to provide basic household needs. It has been a difficult transition for me to go from working full time to being unemployed. I went from full time work and being a mom, to being a mom full time. How wrong was I to think that would be easier than working! Being able to stay home with my kids after PCS has been hard but also rewarding. I have been able to enjoy my kids more and even though it can be overwhelming to be needed every five minutes or hear mama every second, I have realized that being able to get unemployment benefits and be with my family has been a blessing.
About Unemployment
The first thing to remember is that you will be filing for benefits in the state that you were working at before you PCS. It might take two to three weeks to have the claim reviewed and to receive your first check. Be sure to have the information of your former employer handy such as addresses, and dates worked. Currently up to 46 states offer unemployment benefits due to PCS and to check the requirements for your state specifically.
One thing I learned with this claim is that once you do get your job at your new location, you will have to file for the waiting week of unemployment.
THIS resource, through Military OneSource was extremely helpful to me and I hope it is to you as well!
Meet Janira
Hi! My name is Janira. My husband has been in the military a little over a year, we are currently stationed at Fort Riley. We have been married for 6 years and have two children, a five year old girl and three year old boy.
I love to be creative and bake when I can. I spend most of my time with my kids and our two huskies enjoying the outdoors.
