Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a job. One of the hurdles many Veterans and service members face is paying for travel during a job search.
That’s where the Hilton Honors Military Program comes in.
Hilton has partnered with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) to provide up to 100,000 Hilton Honors points to help cover the travel costs tied to your job search.
Whether you’re a Veteran, transitioning service member, or a military spouse, this program could give you the extra boost you need to land that next career opportunity.
Let’s break down how it works and how you can benefit.
Note: Before you separate from service, consider picking up the card_name and take advantage of the exclusive military protections on annual fees under the SCRA/MLA.
This is a great way to supercharge your Hilton points and cover additional travel costs during your job search, interviews, or certifications.
Program Overview
The Hilton Honors Military Program was created with one goal in mind: to support Veterans and transitioning service members during their job search.
Hilton offers up to 100,000 Hilton Honors points to eligible individuals to use for job-related travel. You can use these points for hotel stays when traveling for job interviews, training, or pre-employment testing.
This partnership with NASWA and state workforce agencies provides a practical way to help cover some of the financial burdens of transitioning into civilian life.
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Who Is Eligible for the Hilton Honors Military Program?
The program is open to several groups within the military community. Here’s who can benefit:
Transitioning Service Members
If you’re preparing to leave active duty, you’re likely eligible. This program can help you with travel related to job interviews, attending necessary training, or certifications that you need to enter the civilian workforce.
The program is especially helpful during that critical post-service window.
Veterans
As a Veteran, you know that job searches can often involve traveling for interviews or to take required certifications. The Hilton Honors Military Program is designed to make this process easier by covering the costs of your travel. This support can be a game-changer when you’re transitioning into a new career.
Military Spouses
Military spouses face unique employment challenges, often relocating every few years. If you’re a military spouse and live in a participating state, you may be able to use these points for travel related to job interviews or professional certifications. Since the specific eligibility rules for spouses can vary by state, it’s worth checking the details.
What Can Hilton Honors Points Be Used For?
The points from the Hilton Honors Military Program can be used for specific types of job-related travel. Here’s how you can use them:
Job Interviews
Traveling to job interviews is one of the primary uses of Hilton Honors points under this program. If you need to attend an in-person interview that’s outside your local area, this benefit can help cover your hotel stay. That means you don’t have to worry about the financial strain of traveling long distances to secure a job.
Training and Certifications
In many fields, specific certifications are required before you can start working. If you need to travel to attend a training course or take an exam to get certified, you can use your points to cover those hotel costs. This makes it easier for veterans and transitioning service members to meet industry requirements without dipping into their own pockets.
Pre-Employment Testing
Some jobs require pre-employment testing, such as physicals, drug tests, or other exams. If you need to travel for any required testing, you can use the Hilton Honors points for your lodging.
What You Can’t Use Points For
There are a few restrictions on what the points can be used for. You cannot use the points for:
- Personal vacations
- Family visits
- Conferences, career fairs, or other networking events
- General job searching (e.g., traveling to an area to look for jobs without specific interviews lined up)
If you’re planning a trip for any of these activities, you’ll have to cover the costs out-of-pocket.
How to Apply for the Hilton Honors Military Program
Ready to use the program? Here’s what you need to do:
Check if Your State Participates
Currently, 33 states participate in the Hilton Honors Military Program. It’s essential to confirm that your state is part of the program. If it is, you’re ready to move forward.
States currently participating in the program include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Virginia
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
While we will do our best to keep this list updated, the most up-to-date list of states participating in the Hilton Honors Military Program can be found on NASWA’s website here.
Contact Your Local American Job Center
Once you’ve confirmed that your state participates, reach out to your local American Job Center. Ask to speak with a Veterans representative who can guide you through the process. They’ll help you confirm your eligibility and give you more details about how to apply.
Apply via Email
Alternatively, if you have specific questions or need further assistance, you can email the program directly at [email protected]. They’ll provide all the details you need to get started.
How Many Hilton Honors Points Can You Get?
The maximum number of points you can receive is 100,000. These points are available once during your lifetime, so it’s important to use them wisely. Whether you need them for one long trip or several smaller trips, they’re designed to help you get where you need to go for job-related reasons.
Points Never Expire
One of the great things about this program is that the Hilton Honors points don’t expire. This gives you flexibility, especially if you’re still in the early stages of transitioning or job hunting. You can hold onto the points until you’re ready to use them, without the pressure of an expiration date.
Why Travel Assistance Makes a Difference in Your Job Search
Traveling for job interviews or required certifications can be expensive, and not everyone has the extra cash to cover hotel stays or other travel costs. That’s why the Hilton Honors Military Program can be a game-changer. It removes the financial barrier to travel, allowing you to focus on finding the right job without worrying about how you’ll afford the journey.
By covering travel expenses, the program opens up more opportunities for you to apply for jobs outside of your immediate area. If the perfect position is located in another state, you’ll be able to travel for interviews without draining your bank account.
Maximize Your Points: How to Plan for Efficient Use
Since you have up to 100,000 points available, it’s important to plan how you’ll use them. Consider these tips for getting the most out of your Hilton Honors points:
- Plan Your Interviews: Try to schedule multiple interviews or meetings in the same area during one trip. This will help you conserve points and make your travel more efficient.
- Use for Critical Training or Certifications: If there’s a key certification that will open doors in your field, prioritize using your points for that trip.
- Keep Pre-Employment Testing in Mind: If you need to travel for drug tests or physicals required by your employer, remember that your points can cover the travel costs.
Final Thoughts
The Hilton Honors Military Program is a valuable resource that can ease the financial burden of job-related travel for Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
With up to 100,000 points at your disposal, you have the opportunity to make the most of your job search, certification, or pre-employment testing.
Whether you’re just starting your transition or are in the midst of job hunting, this program can help take some of the financial pressure off as you move toward your next career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the points for relocation?
No, the Hilton Honors Military Program doesn’t cover relocation travel. The points are strictly for job interviews, training, and pre-employment testing.
What if my state isn’t part of the program?
Unfortunately, if your state isn’t participating, you won’t be able to use the program. However, it’s worth checking periodically, as more states may join over time.
Can I use the points for career fairs?
No, career fairs, conferences, and other networking events aren’t covered by the program. The focus is specifically on job interviews and required travel for securing employment.
Is there a deadline to use the points?
No, the points don’t expire. This gives you the flexibility to use them when you’re ready, whether it’s immediately after transitioning or further down the line.
How do I confirm my eligibility?
You can confirm eligibility by contacting your local American Job Center and speaking to a veterans representative. They’ll walk you through the steps and help you apply.
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