By Matt Scherer 

        As someone who has worked within the military transition circles, I have been well aware of what is called UCX.    

I didn’t really understand its impact for transitioning military members until, retired Air Force CMSgt. Jason David posted an article on LinkedIn .  

“Every paycheck you pay FICA taxes… but did you know that pays into unemployment compensation?” wrote David in a recent post. 

“Did you know there’s a special category of unemployment compensation SPECIFICALLY for separating and retiring* Servicemembers???” he added. 

“Thank you 🙏 I made the mistake of not knowing about this and took any job I could when I got out – making way less just because I didn’t know,” noted Daylen K. Adams, a Harlingen, Texas veteran. 

Adams’ response made me find more local Texas info. 

I called the Texas Workforce Commission at 800-939-6631 to learn what veterans should do to get this benefit if they are unemployed after completing military service. 

My call took 45 minutes to talk to an online representative, so it is best to find a time during normal business hours to find something like the New York Times crossword puzzle or work on a model airplane while waiting to speak to someone like Allie Rodriguez. 

Ms. Rodriguez assured me that her team will help veterans set up an online account to get the benefit.  However, she said veterans will get a letter that states they are not qualified because her organization must contact a federal organization such as the  DFAS (Defense Finance Accounting Service) to verify that a person was discharged under honorable conditions. 

Rodriguez said veterans should ignore the form letter, but that they should send TWC a copy of their DD Form 214. 

Veterans cannot begin this claims process until their military service is complete.   Most payments can take up to four weeks. 

Every state has its own policies for paying veterans this benefit.  However, veterans should refer to this website URL on the Federal Register to learn more.