John Stevens ⋅ Middletown, MD ⋅ 20 years experience

Matthew,
The National Guard has programs to find Soldiers civilian employment. Each state varies in its approach and level of service. It's worth looking into. Also, the county level Workforce Exchange has veteran counselors specially trained and chartered to work with veterans.

Dave Milner ⋅ Franklin, TN U.S. Air Force ⋅ 26 years experience

Matt, Another thought while you are in transition....if you are eligible for post 911 GI Bill, you may consider going to school. Couple benefits: 1. Education to your next career 2. Potential employers will see this as a plus 3. Depending on course load, you may be eligible for a housing stipend equal to I believe E-5 pay for your local area. Item 3 can help with the bills, should not affect unemployment benefits and if I recall the stipend is not taxed. A lot of the above depends on what GI Bill benefits you have accrued. Also, don't forget about the Yellow Ribbon Program which some colleges will match GI Bill to a point. Dave

Dave Milner ⋅ Franklin, TN U.S. Air Force ⋅ 26 years experience

With the post 911 GI Bill depending on the course load you may be eligible for BAH at the E5 level.

"For those attending classes at the greater than ½ time rate, a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. For those enrolled solely in distance learning the housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents ($673.44 for the 2011 academic year & $684.00 for the 2012 academic year). For those attending foreign schools (schools without a main campus in the U.S.) the MHA rate is fixed at $1,346.88 for the 2011 academic year & $1,368.00 for the 2012 academic year. The academic year begins on August 1. (Active duty students & their spouses cannot receive the MHA.)"

In other words, there is funding available for housing for you to "help with the bills" It may take a bit to catch up but once the school notifies VA you are attending you will receive an email from VA that the school confirmed you are attending and the VA will start the processing for MHA/BAH.
http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/index.html

Matthew Grochowski ⋅ Webster, MA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Dave- I currently am eligible for 3 years benifits 100% and i am going to school in october. The school im attending has the yellow ribbon program. What were you talking about item 3 can help with bills? Can you give me more info on what that is? Thank you for answering my question i really appreciate it!

Matthew Grochowski ⋅ Webster, MA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

John- Thank you for helping me out i really appreciate it. Been a lil rough tranitioning into civilian work again. Been alot of time wondering why i didnt just re up when i was active haha but ima do my best i promise thanks for everything!

John Stevens ⋅ Middletown, MD ⋅ 20 years experience

Matthew - each state has it's own rules about who is eligible for these programs. I'd start by contacting the Massachusetts National Guard's Education Office at (888) 301-3103
extension 6753 or 7624. Also, check out Massachusetts' Labor and Workforce Development http://www.mass.gov/lwd/. They give priority and special programs to veterans.

Matthew Grochowski ⋅ Webster, MA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Hi thanks john. I like to know more bout that. Im currently in the reserves though does that matter? Who in the state would i have to contact if i were to get more info?