Unemployment after the military, by state
By a Navy veteran. Updated November 2026.
Short answer: Yes. Veterans who leave with an honorable discharge can file for unemployment, called UCX, in the state where they live. In 2026 the weekly maximum runs from about $235 in Mississippi to about $1,208 in Washington. Military retired pay reduces it, often dollar for dollar.
Retiring with a pension? Most retirees get little or no unemployment once retired pay starts. Some states reduce it less, so ask before you count on it.
Look up your state
2026 maximums
| State | Weekly maximum (about) | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $275 | 14 |
| Alaska | $370 | 26 |
| Arizona | $320 | 24 |
| Arkansas | $451 | 12 |
| California | $450 | 26 |
| Colorado | $804 | 26 |
| Connecticut | $721 | 26 |
| Delaware | $450 | 26 |
| District of Columbia | $444 | 26 |
| Florida | $275 | 12 |
| Georgia | $365 | 14 |
| Hawaii | $868 | 26 |
| Idaho | $624 | 20 |
| Illinois | $628 | 26 |
| Indiana | $390 | 26 |
| Iowa | $644 | 16 |
| Kansas | $663 | 16 |
| Kentucky | $746 | 16 |
| Louisiana | $282 | 12 |
| Maine | $649 | 26 |
| Maryland | $430 | 26 |
| Massachusetts | $1,154 | 30 |
| Michigan | $530 | 26 |
| Minnesota | $611 | 26 |
| Mississippi | $235 | 26 |
| Missouri | $320 | 20 |
| Montana | $805 | 24 |
| Nebraska | $582 | 26 |
| Nevada | $657 | 26 |
| New Hampshire | $427 | 26 |
| New Jersey | $905 | 26 |
| New Mexico | $624 | 26 |
| New York | $869 | 26 |
| North Carolina | $350 | 12 |
| North Dakota | $800 | 26 |
| Ohio | $624 | 26 |
| Oklahoma | $649 | 16 |
| Oregon | $902 | 26 |
| Pennsylvania | $605 | 26 |
| Rhode Island | $777 | 26 |
| South Carolina | $350 | 20 |
| South Dakota | $575 | 26 |
| Tennessee | $325 | 12 |
| Texas | $605 | 26 |
| Utah | $806 | 26 |
| Vermont | $751 | 26 |
| Virginia | $478 | 26 |
| Washington | $1,208 | 26 |
| West Virginia | $662 | 26 |
| Wisconsin | $370 | 26 |
| Wyoming | $671 | 26 |
2026 figures. They can change during the year, and some states add an amount for dependents.
Questions
Can veterans get unemployment after leaving the military?
Yes. Veterans who leave with an honorable discharge can file for unemployment, called UCX, in the state where they live. In 2026 the weekly maximum runs from about $235 in Mississippi to about $1,208 in Washington. Military retired pay reduces it, often dollar for dollar.
Does military retired pay reduce unemployment?
Usually yes. Most states subtract your weekly retired pay from your weekly benefit, often dollar for dollar, so many retirees get little or none.
Does VA disability pay reduce unemployment?
No. VA disability pay does not reduce unemployment benefits.
See the months between paychecks
The free planner puts your retired pay, VA pay, unemployment and state tax on one 24-month timeline.
Open the plannerSource and method
The rules come from the Congressional Research Service summary of UCX. To file or confirm, find your state unemployment office through Military OneSource.