Employment Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

ESGR has a national network of over 900 volunteer ombudsmen who help resolve issues between employers and their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. These volunteers serve as informal mediators between the employer and employee and inform and educate the employer and employee on what the law requires and assist in finding a mutually agreeable solution. ESGR Ombudsmen have successfully mediated over 95 percent of cases in the past year. 

For more information please call (651) 268-8203 or visit www.esgr.org/

Military service members have federal protections to limit the impact of military service on their civilian employment thanks to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.  If you had a civilian job prior to your military service that is no longer available after your separation, you should contact ESGR to learn what your options are.

Time limits for returning to work depend on the duration of the orders. The rules are:

Service of 1 to 30 days: the beginning of the next regularly scheduled work period on the first full day following completion of service and expiration of an 8-hour rest period following safe transportation home.

Service of 31 to 180 days: application for reinstatement must be submitted not later than 14 days after completion of military duty.

Service of 181 or more days: application for reinstatement must be submitted not later than 90 days after completion of military duty.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Transition Assistance Program was established to meet the needs of separating Service members during their period of transition into civilian life. TAP does this by offering job-search assistance and related services to enhance the separating Service member’s ability to compete for jobs in the civilian job market.  TAP consists of comprehensive three-day workshops at selected military installations nationwide. Professionally- trained workshop facilitators from the State Employment Services, military family support services, Department of Labor contractors, or VETS staff present the workshops. Workshop attendees learn to conduct job searches, career decision- making, current occupational and labor market conditions, and resume and cover letter preparation. Participants also are provided with an evaluation of their employability relative to the job market and receive information on the most current veterans' benefits. Service members leaving the military with a service-connected disability are offered the Disabled Transition Assistance Program.  

TAP is FREE of Charge.  Veterans and their Spouses are also encouraged to attend. 

Classes are scheduled in regional centers in Minnesota.  Further information can be obtained at the 30 day Reintegration Events or on line at http://www.deed.state.mn.us/veterans/register.htm .

Register by contacting Dean Eichelberger, Senior Veterans Employment Representative,
320-231-5174 ext 7520, 1-888-GET-JOBS, or by email: dean.eichelberger@state.mn.us

Veterans Employment Service

The Veterans Employment Service staff assist veterans to access all services at the Minnesota Workforce Centers.  Dedicated staff members work one on one with veterans and their spouse to address employment issues and obtain employment.

Your Veterans Employment representative can be reached at 1-888-GET JOBS or at www.deed.state.mn.us/veterans on the Internet.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

UI provides a temporary partial wage replacement to those Minnesota workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own.

To file a claim by phone, call 651-296-3644 or visit www.uimn.org to file via Internet.