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Unemployment Compensation
for
Ex-Servicemembers


 
The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX) program provides benefits for eligible ex-military personnel and is administered by the States as agents of the Federal government.  In accordance with Title 5 USC 8521, an ex-servicemember may be eligible for UCX benefits provided the member was discharged or released under honorable conditions (an officer must not have resigned for the good of the service) and completed the first full term of active obligated service in which the member initially agreed to serve; or if a reservist, completed 180 days of continuous active duty.  You must submit your claim for compensation not more than 18 months following your discharge or release from active duty. 

If you were discharged before completing the required term of service, the discharge or release must be for an approved reason under the law.  In most cases, active duty service in excess of 365 continuous days is required to be eligible for UCX benefits if discharged before completing the required term.  

Navy service members drawing retired pay are eligible for UCX benefits; however, since Navy retirements are considered to be 100% Navy funded, unemployment benefits are reduced accordingly.  Disability benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs are not deducted from unemployment benefits.

The law of the State under which the claim is filed determines benefit amounts, number of weeks benefits can be paid, and other eligibility conditions.  For specific questions on UCX eligibility and/or how to submit a claim for compensation, you must contact your State workforce agency as soon as possible after being discharged from the military. You can ask for help from your State employment office's Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER).  It may be helpful to have a copy of your service and discharge documents (DD-214 or similar form) when you open your claim.  In many states you may now file your claim via telephone and/or internet.

Individuals who are disqualified or denied benefits have the right to file an appeal of the denial.  If the denial was based on the reason for discharge from the military, the individual must file an appeal with the military branch.  If the denial was based on state law, individuals must file the appeal according to the instructions provided by the state on the determination notice. 
 
If you feel an error or injustice occurred regarding your reason or character of discharge, submit your appeals to the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB).  The NDRB is the designated authority to review and determine whether a member’s discharge was properly granted, fair and equitable in consideration of the regulations in effect at the time of discharge.  You can view specific guidance on this process, to include the scope of their authority, via their website (https://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/CORB/pages/ndrb/default.aspx).
 
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