How many RallyPoint members are unemployed but not drawing unemployment insurance?

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 09 May 2015 15:44:48 -0400

I was terminated from my position after 20 years of employment based on an Affordable Care Act review in the summer of 2013 as businesses were grappling with how to meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. I do not fault my previous company for this. My service-connected and other disabilities made it generally unsafe for me to drive to and from work and impacted my ability to work.
[My original question exceeded the 140 character limit]
Original question was trying to get information about how many of us were unemployed, not collecting unemployment insurance and not part of unemployment statistics?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 9 at 2015 3:45 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 09 May 2015 15:45:56 -0400

I have been unemployed since August 31, 2013 and have never drawn unemployment insurance. I am drawing VA disability.

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made May 9 at 2015 3:56 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Sat, 09 May 2015 15:56:42 -0400

I am unemployed due to R.A. (Rheumatoid Arthritis) stage 3-4. No income- no SSI yet- and getting the run around from DAV about getting medical help. I went out of work June 2014 due to chronic pain and I did not want to put my company (Advance Auto Parts) at risk to be sued to negligence on my part. Hands are gnarled and bone loss in my feet, legs, shoulder and hands left me not being able to due what I enjoy the most...Mechanical work. So the old phrase: "Go for broke!" I am. lol Broke. I worked many years in automotive (Hot Rods) and Mohawk Ind. carpet plant doing what I enjoyed maintenance.

Have a Blessed Day!

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 9 at 2015 4:04 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 09 May 2015 16:04:53 -0400

Unemployed since 2009, if it wasn't for my VA disability I wouldn't be able to survive.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made May 9 at 2015 4:07 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 09 May 2015 16:07:13 -0400

I don't believe that drawing unemployment is the factor that determines if you are categorized as unemployed for Department of Labor purposes. What actually matters is if you are actively trying to get a job. It just so happens that those collecting unemployment fall under the category of trying to find a job, but you can be looking for work and not collecting unemployment as well. It may be tougher to track, but I'm pretty sure that is still the criteria.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 9 at 2015 4:06 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Sat, 09 May 2015 16:06:33 -0400

I'm 100% service connected disabled veteran, so financially I'm ok now, but I didn't have any income for almost a year, so I feel you

Response by SSG John Erny made May 9 at 2015 4:55 PM

SSG John Erny — Sat, 09 May 2015 16:55:10 -0400

Statistics are a tool for both the honest and dishonest; to be included in the stats one must be drawing unemployment; so if your time has lapsed you are no longer on the role and counted. For the dishonest stats can be used for rose colored glasses to paint a better picture. If all were included it would not look quite so rosey.

The other thing that is not measured is Quantitative jobs Vs. Qualitative jobs! So we add 500,000 new jobs to the work force and they are minimum wage jobs for the most part, it does nothing to improve out life style as Americans.

Well whose fault is it. It is our fault both as labor and as employers; employees who unionize and demand management wages to for a given amount of work. Employers collectively cut each other’s throats by out sourcing work to places like China. With the majority of the work force unemployed or underemployed Americans cannot afford to buy goods and services as much. Reduced buying power of American’s slows the growth of the economy so businesses suffer and do not hire.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made May 9 at 2015 5:01 PM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Sat, 09 May 2015 17:01:26 -0400

Unemployed and underemployed versus Participation Rate: http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS11300000

Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

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Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 5:58 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 17:58:48 -0400

A few points of fact , i think. In America we have reached a point now , that has not actually been true for 25 or 30 years. * That point is that more business/companies went under or out of business than were started. That's per year , i think last years or the year prior. the figure is something like 400 thousand new business entities and could be 420 thousand went down the tubs. Also they keep mentioning on TV that ( hay the job market/out look is OK ) because 230 thousand jobs , they claim were created. But they have stopped informing the public that 250 thousand new claims for U.I. payments were received. I feel the info. is being presented in such a way to confuse Society how really poor the job market really is. After all if , as is true , and it's a fact. I looked it up. That each week every week past 6 & a half years during the current federal Administration. Close to or just over 250 thousand , per week new U.I. claims have been received. That would mean , in plain English that a million people a month past 6 years are being placed in the poor house. And our President never met his own jobs Council. Why because he became President , ran for office knowing he had no true concept or idea how to create a good business environment. And that makes him more an Actor than a good President.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 6:09 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 18:09:55 -0400

Veterans in our Nation kill themselves / commit suicide almost one per hour each day every day. They are Veterans both young and old, male & female. Is there a hidden common denominator at work ? ?. I believe there is. And it's called the **'No-Work-List'** . A list i believe i myself have been placed on along with countless numbers of former members of our Nations Armed Forces. The goal of the list / plan is to get the Veteran to submit / comply , by way of financial distress, with a system contaminated with deep seeded institutional corruption.

Being placed on the list causes financial distress for the Veteran and his family. Which in many cases drives the Veteran toward economic death followed by mental distress / spiritual death and actual physical death (SUICIDE). I am at the cusp of my research (SCIENCE) project. I am determined to establish the existence of the **'No-Work-List'** and present my findings to American Society , the public. Along with data on the correlation between Veteran Suicide and the existence and outcomes of the **'No-Work-List'** .

I also plan to explain the who , what , where and why of professionals , groups , officials both elected and appointed. That helped in the project or otherwise.

I am a college trained Human Services professional (A.A.S.). I have practical and work experience in the field. I consider my self to be an excellent researcher / investigator - licensed at times. 30 years private sector , private security experience. Former small business owner for 20 years. Studied Police Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Former Marine (NCO) and current Destroyer - former Victim of the **'No-Work-List'**

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made May 9 at 2015 6:41 PM

PV2 Abbott Shaull — Sat, 09 May 2015 18:41:12 -0400

I am unemployed right now. Mainly trying to figure out my health. Anyway up until this last month my V.A. disability was helping quite a bit, but since they finally cut my rating it hardly enough to pay for medical copays...oh well.

Response by SPC Fred Krauer made May 9 at 2015 7:34 PM

SPC Fred Krauer — Sat, 09 May 2015 19:34:26 -0400

Count me in that uncounted statistic, although I suspect no one is actually counting anymore. They're just making stuff up like Baghdad Bob

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made May 9 at 2015 7:39 PM

MSgt Jamie Lyons — Sat, 09 May 2015 19:39:17 -0400

Up until just recently I was unemployed for nearly a year. As I made too much from my military retirement I did not qualify for unemployment according to NJ. Tough times no doubt. I have stacks, yes I mean stacks of 'Thanx but no thanx' letters from employers who claim to 'Hire Hero's'. IMO, it is all a wash.

Response by SSG John Bacon made May 9 at 2015 8:03 PM

SSG John Bacon — Sat, 09 May 2015 20:03:22 -0400

I am in the Not counted category as well, And Like so many others if it were not for the VA disability I wouldn't make it.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made May 9 at 2015 8:46 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Sat, 09 May 2015 20:46:27 -0400

My PCP and Oncologist wrote strong letter that qualified me for SSDI but I have been fighting the VA for 2 & 1/2 years now. I was drawing EU ( Second phase of UI ) until December 28, 2103 when the Senate passed the Extension Bill I received my last EU check for 1 week on Jan 2, 2014. The bill made it to the House in March (why so long) but to-date, they have done nothing. Now trying to file for EB (Extended Benefits). Other problem is that I was in IT as a Systems Integrator for 31 years and always made almost mid 6 figures per year. My SSDI check is $2,505 per month which disqualifies me for any other government assistance.

Thank goodness we have no bills other than Electric, water, Direct TV and our ISP. I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in April 2004, had the big surgery where they cut out almost 3/4 of my pancreas making me an instant diabetic and 6 months of 24/7 chemo left me with total neuropathy in both hands and feet. Neither my Regional VA rep or my SVC OFC are veterans and that pisses me off. Civilians running the VA! I have had 2 claims denied by the VA and 1 appeal denied.

I was supposed to die within a year but I have beat it so far for 11 years. VA says "residuals of pancreatic cancer is not enough for Compensation". Maybe I should just give up and die so my wife can draw my VA comp :-) ! My SVC OFC has yelled at me on the phone and told me my last email was "irrelevant". I have no idea what to do next. I got the pancreatic cancer from the HPIR tracking radar of the Hawk Missile System. As a student, Instructor, 1/44 ADA in S. Korea and 1/7 ADA at Tobin Wells, TX (FT Bliss) there were no dosimeters, no caution signs and no protective shielding at the base of the HPIR. I had tons of "ionizing radiation" pouring into my abdomen as I lie across the base either troubleshooting or installing bugs as an instructor. Our favorite bug was to loosen the screws on the waveguide tubing, allowing radiation to stream out.

Should I elevate my VA claim to the BVA? I know my SVC OFC has done nothing.

Thanks,

Rick

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 9 at 2015 8:53 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Sat, 09 May 2015 20:53:33 -0400

I am unemployed, uncounted, not receiving unemployment benefits and never had a service connected disability. I have 0 income.

I find it a very common occurrence that military members, upon discharge, find it difficult to find work or retain it. Just my experience.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 9 at 2015 9:09 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Sat, 09 May 2015 21:09:11 -0400

If you are eligible for unemployment but aren't collecting because you are too proud or you don't "believe in it" you are wrong. Take everything for which you are entitled. There are a lot of dirt bags out there who live off of unemployment intentionally. You aren't one of them. You have worked and served and you paid the taxes that fund like benefits. If you aren't taking what is your's you are short changing yourself and anyone that might depend on you.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 9 at 2015 10:40 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 09 May 2015 22:40:42 -0400

I"m part time employed, very part time. gi bill and disability and student loans are a life saver.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 1:35 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 01:35:04 -0400

I've been underemployed for most of my adult life. I've even had employers tell me they didn't want to offer me a management position because they're worried about me deploying. While this is a blatant violation of USERRA law, word of mouth is hard to prove. I've also spent a couple of 4 month stints unemployed where I applied for every job I was qualified for. As a college grad I've even done temp work through an agency. Ultimately, I'm fortunate what I receive compensation for from the VA is relatively minor. I wish the best for all of you.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 10 at 2015 1:58 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 10 May 2015 01:58:44 -0400

I am currently employed but there have been a few times in the 3 years I've been retired that I was out of work. Unfortunately due to my pension and VA disability I was always told that I make too much to file for Unemployment Insurance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 7:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 07:41:34 -0400

Sir,

I have been unemployed since November of 2014.

I worked for a manufacturing firm, as a manufacturing supervisor, nearly an hour and 15 minutes one-way.

I've read about some people doing that length of commute for years, however, I bit off a bit more than I could chew with the position.

Around where I live, we have tons of manufacturing firms....and, they are constantly seeking out 'military leadership' because, to be honest, they know they can get bargain basement-level prices for military officers who have had hundreds of thousands of dollars poured into their leadership training. A job is a job, and I know one should be grateful for their job, however, I do get the impression sometimes that military/veterans are beloved for their leadership ability, however, they also tend to get the people management-type roles--ones that, I would argue, that alot of people just don't wont to do.

Before accepting the position, I carefully considered the commute.....by itself, I think I could have tolerated the commute, but, I was the front line supervisor of a very diverse work force of 50+ people. Previous supervisors cared less about the development of their teams. I invested alot into my team, however, it was serious culture shock when they brought me aboard, and I started to actually hold everyone accountable for their performance. I could barely do anything else because I spent almost every moment counseling/administering disciplinary actions/etc.

I was doing upwards of 20-30 disciplinary reports a month....trying to right a ship that had suffered years/decades from laissez faire leadership, and a culture that management claimed 'had to change', but true leaders were few and far between....not to put myself on a pedestal, but you know you practically will be made a job offer when the company starts selling themselves to you, 20 minutes into an interview.

The company knew what they were getting with me, and they knew that I would come in and--even though I didn't make radical changes immediately--I did hold individuals accountable.

Shortly after I had started, President Obama had mandated the use of the product we created....we were working 7 days a weeks, and, had the drive been isolated to 5 days, I probably could have tolerated it. I started to get a hotel in the area for those grueling Saturdays into Sunday workdays.

Some people had no problem with being held accountable, but, others, didn't respond well to it.

Without going into alot of detail, there was ALOT of fall out from their (finally) being held accountable.

A small handful conformed quite nicely, but, some gave me a very hard time. People liked the way things were--with uninvolved supervisors/management--as those people just loved to stroll in 5/10/15/20 minutes late, and never be held accountable for that.

Not to paint the French with a broad stroke, but this was a U.S. based French company--let's just say, supervisory support, from upper management was extremely lacking.

....its an even longer story, but I do have my 4-year nursing degree....and, my wife and I decided that I would just get back into nursing. So, right now, I am unemployed while I study for my state boards. Upon passing my state boards, I have already contacted some companies and they are begging for nurses badly around where I live. I don't forsee landing a nursing job, around where I live, being overly difficult. I did attempt to get UI, however, I knew it was a long shot because I had 'quit'...and, as far as I understand, you are really only suppose to be able to get UI if you leave "due to no fault of your own". I still gave my 2 week notice, and left of my own accord, so I didn't qualify.

It would be nice to have, but, on the same token, not necessary right now as my wife and I always agreed not to 'live beyond our means'....everything we do/have we cover with one income....it makes 'living' much easier, especially if one of us ever goes unemployed.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made May 11 at 2015 1:58 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 11 May 2015 01:58:00 -0400

Went back to school to get the certifications I need for a job like the one I did in the service that doesn't involve working for DOD. Just went over my second year of willfully under employed with one more to go to ensure a quality 2nd career.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made May 11 at 2015 11:47 AM

Sgt Jay Jones — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:47:23 -0400

I was in a Safety Related career with the a major government contractor that required medical certifications. I developed disqualifying medical conditions due to my exposure to Agent Orange when I was in Vietnam, and was forced to quit my position. If it wasn't for my VA Disability Check I would have serious financial concerns.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made May 11 at 2015 2:15 PM

CPL Brian Clouser — Mon, 11 May 2015 14:15:17 -0400

I haven't work since I came back from Iraq in 08. After years of fighting both the V.A. and Social Security.I finally collecting benefits from both

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 3:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:34:09 -0400

I was unemployed to the point they cut me off, and now they are forcing me to pay back part of it.

Response by Maj Jeff Wyss made Jun 1 at 2015 5:45 PM

Maj Jeff Wyss — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:45:44 -0400

I am retired, on VA disability and unemployed since Nov 14. I was working as a dept mgr for a home improvement chain, but left for family issues. Trying to get back into the game and not on any assistance or stats. I'd love to start a second career...

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 2 at 2015 1:32 AM

SPC David S. — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 01:32:17 -0400

Currently, I am unemployed and no I'm not receiving any unemployment. I'm not worried about it because my retirement pay is enough for me and I currently live with my parents. So I have no bills, save my cellphone. I probably should fill for it sometime but, again, I'm not all that worried about it.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 3:34 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 03:34:40 -0400

I have only been working 6-10 months per year since 2012. The unemployment last for 4 months (and not a very high amount where I live) but it helps reduce what I have to take from my retirement accounts. It could be worse.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 8:29 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 20:29:59 -0400

I was unemployed for 18 months....but because of my retirement was told I should not draw unemployment because my retirement check would be reduced by the amount of my unemployment....so basically would end up with a zero sum gain in the long run but a nightmare in paperwork come take time.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 16 at 2016 11:26 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 11:26:18 -0400

I think this subject has been mentioned recently on RP that post 9/11 vets cannot now draw both unemployment insurance and tuition assistance. However I have noticed on the VA website that a veteran is eligible to apply for and if you meet the criteria, can draw 26 weeks of unemployment insurance. This may not be generally known. Can anyone nearing transition or a vet comment on if this is addressed in separation/transition briefings by anyone. I have come across the VA weblink as well as the link here in TX which addresses this benefit..