Would there be any reason why a veteran can't draw un-employment insurance after being honorably discharged?

I've just got home after serving 8 years in the military. I went to apply for un-employment insurance and was told that because I'm prior military, my branch of service would have to approve my un-employment insurance.

No worries. Since you were honorably discharged they will grant it. The amount you get paid and the length of time depends on the state that you apply in. If you sold back any leave you will be unable to receive unemployment until it has been that many days past your eas.

They should approve it....I haven't ever heard of anyone NOT getting it.

I didn't apply for it. I was home on terminal leave for 60 days and found a job prior to my actual discharge date. I was getting paid from the Navy and my new employer...it was pretty sweet.

They can turn you down for unemployment benefits if the military wants you to re-enlist. They tried to deny a friend of mine unemployment benefits on these grounds but he won because his discharge papers said that the Navy didn't recommend him for re-enlistment.

Generally speaking, you need approval from your former employer in order to get unemployment insurance. If you pissed anyone off in your previous job - especially someone at the top of your chain of command - then you'll have to make amends with that person (or persons). If you were a good military man and got along with everybody, then you'll probably have to contact DOD to find out what's going on. Perhaps, there's something in your DD214 that disqualifies you from unemployment insurance.

I was able to the benefits after my terminal leave. I think I was able to get them for a couple of months til I found a job. So they might be checking that you are not on a terminal leave or got a bar to reenlist.

If you separated from "Federal Service," which means active service (not including active reserve status unless for a continuous period of 90 days or more) in the armed forces , the wages you earned may be used to qualify for benefits if:

A. You were discharged or released under honorable conditions after completing your first full term of active service, or
B. You were discharged or released before completing your active service for any of the following reasons:
1. For the convenience of the Government under an early release program.
2. Because of medical disqualification, pregnancy, parenthood, or any service-incurred injury or disability.
3. Because of hardship.
4. Because of personality disorders or in aptitude. If you were discharged for this reason, you must have served for 365 continuous days or more.

The state where you first file a claim after separation from "Federal Service" determines eligibility and administers payment of benefits under the unemployment insurance laws of that state. Your pay grade at the time of separation is used to determine the amount of your benefits.

* This program is provided by federal law. *

Just like any other employer.............

From what I understand, the military can't say no. I don't think they even have to "approve" anything.

You finished a contract employment and your local unemployment office should know better than that. Contact your local Representative and explain the situation to him.her. I can almost guarantee that you will have a check in your hot little hand within a week or two.

That depends on what type of discharge you received and the reason for it. For example, when I retired from the service, I did so voluntarily. Meaning, at the time, the TOPCAT or high year of tenure for my pay grade was 24 years. Had I stayed in until that time, and was forced out of the service, then I would be eligible. What I did though, was to retire at 22 and a half years. Since I voluntarily retired, then I wasn't eligible for unemployment benefits. So, if you just left the service after fulfilling your commitment, and was eligible to re-enlist, then you won't be eligible for UC. If, on the other hand, your were discharged, because you couldn't stay in your career field, then you would be eligible.