Study Finds 43 Percent of Military Spouses Jobless Versus 25 Percent of Civilians

Their study estimates that the underemployment is costing the federal government anywhere between $710 million to $1.07 billion per year–mostly comprised in unemployment, health care benefits and lost income taxes.

Staff Sgt. John Carlin walks off the flightline with his family May 13, 2001, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Sergeant Carlin is assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chris Willis

A Blue Star Families report recently found that 43 percent of military spouses are out of work—compared to the 25 percent of civilian spouses.

They also found that approximately 89 to 93 percent of those spouses are women.

On a national level, 18 percent of women over the age of 20, who are military spouses, are unemployed—versus the national 4.4 percent unemployment rate.

Due to the constant moving of a military family, it’s incredibly difficult to maintain a job. Add in raising a family without your spouse, and it becomes nearly impossible.

The majority of military families stay stationed in one area for four years, before moving to a new city or state.

And although military bases have programs that aim to help spouses, the report shows there just isn’t enough funding.

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