Hilton Honors™ Military Program
Brad Baker
Navigating the transition from military to civilian life can be a complex and challenging journey. Fortunately, the Hilton Honors™ Military Program, in partnership with NASWA (National Association of State Workforce Agencies), offers a significant resource to ease this transition. Designed specifically for service members, veterans, and eligible personnel, this program provides up to 100,000 hotel points to assist with various career-related activities.
The Hilton Honors™ Military Program aims to support those who are making the shift from military service to civilian employment by covering essential travel and training expenses. Eligible activities for which points can be used include traveling for verifiable job interviews, attending training sessions necessary to acquire or maintain a job or certification, and undergoing pre-employment testing such as physicals, drug tests, and aptitude or agility assessments. These uses are intended to facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce by reducing the financial burden associated with these critical steps. The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by veterans and active-duty members, particularly during times of financial uncertainty, such as delayed military pay during shutdown scenarios. By alleviating some of the costs tied to job readiness and career advancement, Hilton Honors™ seeks to empower individuals to focus on their professional growth without undue financial stress. This initiative underscores a commitment to supporting service members as they navigate their post-military journey.
However, it’s important to note the limitations of the program. Points cannot be used for activities unrelated to employment, such as attending conferences or career fairs, job searching, relocating or house hunting, visiting family, going on vacations, or retirement-related activities. The program is specifically tailored to support job acquisition and training efforts, rather than broader relocation or personal needs.
Eligibility for the Hilton Honors™ Military Program is subject to certain conditions. Active-duty personnel are not eligible for points unless they are in the process of transitioning out of the military. Additionally, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are not covered under this program. Some states may provide points to active-duty spouses, but this varies by location, so it’s advisable to contact NASWA for detailed information.
Individuals can receive a maximum of 100,000 points over their lifetime, and the points are allocated based on residency in or relocation to one of the 33 participating states. These states 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, and Wyoming. Each state may have its own additional eligibility and residency requirements, so it’s crucial to verify these details based on your specific situation.
To apply for the program, interested individuals should contact their nearest American Job Center and request to speak with a veterans representative. Alternatively, they can email [email protected] with their request, including the reason for applying, their current state of residence, and, if applicable, the state to which they plan to relocate.
The Hilton Honors™ Military Program represents a valuable initiative aimed at supporting military personnel during one of the most pivotal moments of their careers. By providing points for essential job-related activities, the program helps ease the transition from military to civilian life, allowing veterans and service members to focus on securing meaningful employment and advancing their professional goals.