Through the Hilton military program you can start your post-military career search with a free hotel stay. Hilton Honors & NASWA offer this unique initiative to ease the transition of U.S. Service members and boost veteran employment. They gift you 100,000 points to support your job search or training if travel is required.

What is the Hilton Military Program?

NASWA (National Association of State Workforce Agencies) partnered with Hilton Honors, Hilton’s free rewards program, to offer up to 100,000 Hilton points. While Hilton does offer great military discounts, this isn’t just a discount. You can get up to five free nights, no strings attached.

Who is Eligible for the Hilton Military Program?

Transitioning servicemembers and veterans that are seeking a new job qualify for points. Because the program is managed by NASWA, individual states choose to participate. Reach out to see if spouses are eligible in your state. So you also must be living in or requesting points for one of the following 33 states:

Eligible 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.

Some states will also give Active Duty spouses their own 100k points for their job search. You are only eligible for the points once in a lifetime. States may have additional requirements or questions.

Allowed Job-Related Activities:

• Travel for job interviews

• Training needed for a job or certification

• Pre-employment testing

• Not allowed: conferences or job fairs

You must request the points for allowable job related activities. Travel for job interviews, training needed to get or keep a job or that lead to a certification all qualify, as well as pre-employment testing.

How to apply for the Hilton Military Program?

Applying for the 100k Hilton points is easy. You can email Hiltonhonors@naswa.org or call your closest American Job Center and ask to speak to a veteran’s representative.

You’ll let them know the reason you’d like the points (Job interview, training or testing), the current state of residence, and where you’ll be traveling to. They’ll also need your Hilton Honors number. If you don’t have a free Hilton Honors membership you can get one here.

Benefits of 100k Hilton Honors Points

Hilton Honors uses a dynamic pricing model to determine how many points each room will cost that depends on many factors like length of stay, current demand, and location. Realistically, you’re looking at one to five free nights. This could save you $400-$1,000+.

Tips to maximize points:

RELATED: My Favorite Military Travel Perks for San Diego

1. Stay at less expensive hotels, like Hampton Inn
2. Travel during off-peak seasons
3. Book carefully: if a hotel costs 25,000 points/night, use points for four nights and get a fifth free

You can maximize your points by staying at less expensive Hilton hotels like the Hampton Inn or if your travel falls during a slow season. If you can find a hotel around 25,000 points per night, you can use your points to book the first four nights and get a fifth night free.

FAQ’s About the Hilton Military Program

Do points expire?

Yes. If you do not use your Hilton Honors account in 24 months, your points will expire. Since you are requesting them for a specific event, you shouldn’t have to worry though.

Can I use the points for a vacation?

Nope. You have to request the points for a qualifying job event. That event could take place at a popular destination but we want this program to last so be sure to use it as intended.

I’ve been out of service for a long time. Do I still qualify for the Hilton Military Program?

There are not any time limits currently listed for veterans for this program.

Should I apply before separating from service?

The Hilton Military Program with NASWA has been around for a while. I would wait until you are starting to apply for jobs or are getting certified. There is no rush on the program.