Can I collect unemployment while i'm in the National Guard and going to college?

Question

I will seperate from active duty in September and wondering if I can collect unemployment while I am serving the National Guard part time and attending college at the same time. I was also wondering what state would I be filing it for since I will be leaving my current duty station in Utah and moving to Washington State??? I have never worked in Washington State first of all and before Utah I was stationed overseas for 4 years. Any help will be appreciated.

Answer 1

You file unemployment in the state your in.

As to whether you can collect unemployment while attending college will depend on the state.

When I separated and moved to Tennessee, I started collecting unemployment before school started.

After I moved to the university, the unemployment office told me,

1. I didn't have to look for a job anymore.

2. That I would only be allowed to collect the base benefits of 13 weeks.But I was allowed to collect unemployment while a full time student.

Since my home of record was Tennessee, I don't know if your unemployment benefits will be based on your home of record, or from Washington State.

Where you were stationed, makes no difference.

It doesn't matter what State you live in to collect unemployment benefits, you collect the benefits from the State where you earned them.

IE: you earned unemployment benefits from Florida and then move to Tennessee, you get paid based on what Florida pays people for unemployment, not what Tennessee pays people. Even though you are registering for unemployment in Tennessee.

Being prior military, might make a difference, im just not sure.

The best way to find out, is to contact the Washington State unemployment office.

Being in the national guard, might effect the size of your unemployment check. Since it is income, but it shouldn't prevent you from collecting unemployment.

Answer 2

Yes and no. If your state is anything like Pennsylvania you'll be asked certification classes, e.g., are you able to work? Did you work? If you're getting a paycheck from the Guard you must claim it. Your unemployment benefits will reflect what the State gives you MINUS your Guard wages. The one thing that may get you is that the fact that, as a college student, you may not be able to work a full-time job. More specifically, you're unable to work. As a result, you're ineligible to receive benefits. FYI, the Guard probably has a SWEET deal that will pay for college or a very large percentage of it. Thoroughly research this BEFORE you sign on the dotted line. Also, take a look at your new MOS or AFSC and determine if there's a lengthy tech school. If there is you may be required to take a leave of absence from the school. This, in and of itself, is not a big deal. What is, however, is that your student loans will be deferred. If they are because of military technical school you'll be required to begin repaying them immediately after graduation versus getting six months grace.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

It depends on the state and the type of duty you are performing. Drill weekend is typically exempt in most states. Also has to do with your states rules on the terms "available to work" and "part time work" If you work less than 40 hr week with the Guard it may be exempt - again state by state. ALSO KEY - do not rely on the unemployment office to have the correct answer google the statutes for your state and read them.

Answer 4

No, you cannot collect unemployment because you are still employed by the National Guard. Find another part-time job if you require more money. Most colleges are more than happy to hire students because of the work study program.

Answer 5

You will really need to contact the Unemployment Department, in the state you are moving to , to ask this question.
My oldest son was in the military for 10 years and never qualified for unemployment.............

Answer 6

No, when you quit your job you are not entitled to unemployment.