In May 2018, veteran unemployment is down slightly at 3.4 percent, according to data published by the U.S. Department of Labor. This compares to the national unemployment rate of 3.8 in May 2018 published by the National Conference of State Legislatures. This is more than a 20 percent decrease since 2016 and almost almost a 10 percent decrease since 2017.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a part of the U.S. Department of Labor, issues a comprehensive report on the employment of veterans every year. The report stated that unemployment for veterans is at 3.7 percent based on data collected in 2017. This is compared to 4.3 percent unemployment using the same data from 2016.
How is this Determined?
Data was collected using the Current Population Survey, or CPS. Monthly, the survey is sent to around 60,000 households in the United States to get information about employment and unemployment. This includes veterans and their families.
An additional survey was sent out in August 2017 to collect information from veterans “on topics such as service-connected disability and veterans’ current or past Reserve or National Guard membership.”
Understanding BLS Unemployment Statistics https://t.co/UqFR54oYCZ #JobsReport #BLSdata
— BLS-Labor Statistics (@BLS_gov) June 1, 2018
What Does this Mean?
While still a point that veteran groups are working on, current initiatives to train and hire veterans seem to be making progress.
Corporate programs to recruit and hire veterans can be thanked for contributing to the decrease in veteran unemployment. Companies such as Starbucks and Amazon, as well as many local businesses, have started initiatives to get veterans into their workforce.
Other programs, such as Transition Support Services, have helped those retiring or separating from military service prepare for civilian life and employment. With seminars on resume writing, job interview skills, and how to successfully navigate a job search, the program helps military members at all levels make the transition to the workforce.
Operation Transition @WilsonHCG provides career services to military veterans entering the civilian workforce. Please reach out if you need or know of someone that needs assistance. #operationtransition pic.twitter.com/RjsoIebevH
— Operation Transition (@OpTransition) May 2, 2018
The post-9/11 GI bill is another big contributor. Qualifying military members get tuition and a living stipend to attend college after serving a minimum period in the military. This helps prepare them for employment with additional skills and education.
The decrease in unemployed veterans is also a reflection of the overall state of the economy and job market. National unemployment rates have been decreasing over the last ten years, with a high of 10.2 percent in October 2009.
Veterans in Need
Even with numerous successful programs and unemployment numbers decreasing, there remain veterans in need.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that just over 40,000 veterans are homeless, although accurate data is hard to collect based on “the transient nature of homeless populations.”
Veteran homelessness remains a top priority of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, who attended the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans annual conference this month.
“We’re not happy about it, but we recognize what is going on,” he told the Military Times when speaking about the increase in homeless veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs works to support veterans, including those in need of stable housing with healthcare, financial support, and other skill-building initiatives. Nonprofit organizations serving their local communities have also been very effective in combating veteran homelessness.
“The more effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, ‘veterans helping veterans’ groups,” reports the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Veteran homelessness decreases 18% in Los Angeles: 2018 PIT count reveals 18% decline in Veteran homelessness for LA County https://t.co/RPrCC1nmsF via @LosAngelesVA
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) June 1, 2018
Some data on veteran homelessness shows decreases, such as statistics released by the Department of Veterans Affairs on the L.A. community. Organizations dedicated to helping homeless veterans find affordable, permanent housing celebrated these numbers as a sign of things to come.
