Resources for Veterans Navigating Job Loss

Facing unexpected job loss can be stressful and overwhelming. First, take a deep breath. While losing your job likely wasn’t the path you were hoping to travel, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other Government agencies offer resources and assistance to help you navigate the next steps.

For many Americans—and Veterans—a major life event like unexpected unemployment puts their finances at an immediate risk. Here are some resources that can help:

• Unemployment Compensation: If you were a Federal employee who lost your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).
  • Additional Unemployment Benefits
• State unemployment insurance: If you don’t qualify for the above program, you may be eligible for your state’s unemployment insurance program. Use this Unemployment Benefits Finder to learn more.
• National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET): FINVET aims to provide Veterans with financial tools and resources to help pay for basic needs, establish or increase income, and lower their debt.
• VA assistance to help avoid homelessness: If job loss has put you at risk of homelessness, VA Homeless Programs can help. If you need immediate assistance to avoid homelessness, you can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.

Between sorting through job postings, updating your resume, and preparing your applications, finding a new job is a lot of work. Arm yourself with the tools and resources to help you showcase your skills and job hunt with confidence.

• Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP) training and resources: Here you’ll find resources to help you write an effective resume, leverage your military skills, and learn about Veterans’ preference and hiring authorities for Federal positions. You can also sign up for VMSTEP hiring events bulletins to get upcoming opportunities emailed straight to your inbox.
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): If you have a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for the VR&E program, which offers five support-and service tracks to help you find and keep a job.
• CareerOneStop: This benefit for Veterans, Service members, and members of the military community provides one-stop access to unemployment and job resources, financial assistance for laid-off workers, job training, and more.
• GI Bill benefits: If you haven’t yet used your GI Bill education benefits, now could be a good time to pursue education or training to improve your skillset.
• Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPB): If you’re eligible for VA education benefits, you can receive free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources from the PCPB program.