12 Worst States for Military Retirees: 2019

Where a military retiree chooses to settle down can make a big difference in how hard or easy re-entering civilian life will be. The process is complicated to begin with, as many retirees struggle to establish new careers in the civilian job market, while others have to deal with such issues as disability, post-traumatic stress disorder and homelessness.

Add to that tax policies on military benefits that vary from state to state and job markets that may or may not be welcoming of veterans.

Moreover, the military’s retirement system for new recruits and current personnel who opted in changed last year, going from a defined benefit to a “blended retirement system” that not only awards funds based on years served but also matches contributions to a so-called thrift savings plan.

WalletHub has taken these various factors into consideration in a study that compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on their ability to provide a comfortable military retirement. The worst states for retirees proved wanting in terms of quality of life, economic environment or health care — in several instances, all three.

Researchers focused on these key dimensions, using 29 relevant metrics and grading each one on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for military retirees.

Check out the gallery above for the 12 worst states for military retirees, according to WalletHub.

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