Are Military Spouses A Protected Class?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It’s important to note that

military spouses are not a federally-protected class

. There is nothing that makes not hiring a military spouse illegal and discriminating against someone because of their marital status is not a requirement in every state.

How do you put military spouse on resume?

1. By

adding an Eligibility Statement or Your Military Spouse Status right at the top, under your name and address

. On federal resumes, for instance, right away this points out that you are eligible to be hired on a non-competitive basis as a Military Spouse under Executive Order 13473.

Do you mention military spouse in cover letter?

If you are applying for a job with a Military Spouse Employment Partnership company or organization,

make sure to identify yourself as a military spouse in your cover letter

. Heading and greeting – Include the date and your contact information and address the letter to a specific person’s name and title.

What is considered a military spouse?

To be eligible for MSP, the spouse must: (1)

be married to an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces

; (2) reside within the commuting area of the military sponsor’s permanent duty station (PDS); (3) meet all pre-employment criteria and be immediately appointable under the applicable recruitment procedures; and (4) …

Can employers discriminate against military spouses?

It is

unlawful

for a federal contractor to discriminate in employment on the basis of veteran status against a qualified individual who the contractor knows to be the spouse of a protected veteran.

What benefits do military spouses get?

  • Being able to stand next to your hero. Yes! …
  • Healthcare is Included. …
  • You Can Get Marriage Counseling and Family Support. …
  • Free education. …
  • Military Discounts All Year Round. …
  • Housing & BAH. …
  • World Travel. …
  • Joining a community.

Am I considered a military spouse if my husband is a veteran?

The federal government has established an appointing authority for military spouses. While spouses will not receive veteran’s preference, they are eligible to be

considered for federal employment

. … As a spouse, you could be eligible for employment if you are: A spouse of an active duty member of the armed forces.

What are good jobs for military spouses?

  • ABA Therapist. …
  • Computer Support Specialist. …
  • Graphic Designer. …
  • Healthcare — Especially for the Elderly. …
  • Marriage and Family Therapist. …
  • Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technicians. …
  • Programmer. …
  • Social Worker With Military Credential.

What is priority placement program for military spouses?


Military spouse preference (MSP)

is a special federal hiring authority that allows spouses to be noncompetitively considered for federal positions. Previously with PPP, military spouses had to go into an office on their new installation to register for MSP. … Spouses can apply for as many jobs as they want using MSP.

Why do most military wives not work?

In a large Rand study, two-thirds of spouses interviewed felt that the military had a negative effect on career.

Frequent moves, absence of the service member, cost of child care vs. wages

, and employer bias were the most frequently cited reasons for this problem.

How do military spouses find work?

Many spouses participate

in preferential hiring programs

, which can help you find a job at your installation, in a company or with the government, and get a leg up over other candidates. Many other military spouses work remotely or launch their own businesses.

Do military spouses get paid?

To answer your question, there is

no stipend

, no monetary benefits for military spouses. Service members can choose to give a monthly allotment to a spouse or whoever, but the money is deducted from their own pay. It does not come from the Department of the Army or Department of Defense.

What percentage of military spouses are unemployed?

A 2019 DoD survey found that one in five military spouses who work in a licensed profession waited 10 months or more to get their credential after a move. All told, military spouses faced a

22% unemployment rate

and a 26% wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts before COVID-19.

Can a spouse use veterans preference?

Veterans Preference does not guarantee a job. Under Derived Preference, certain eligible spouses,

widows/widowers or mothers of a veteran may be able to claim Veterans’ Preference when the veteran is unable

. Agencies may also appoint a military spouse without competition under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.