LinkedIn Premium is LinkedIn’s paid subscription service that provides enhanced features beyond the free basic account. Some of the key benefits of LinkedIn Premium include being able to see who has viewed your profile, expanded search filters, unlimited InMail messages, and access to online learning courses.
For military spouses, having a robust LinkedIn presence and utilizing Premium features can be invaluable for networking, finding jobs, and advancing their careers. But does LinkedIn offer free Premium access for military spouses? Let’s take a look at what military spouse benefits are available for LinkedIn Premium.
LinkedIn Programs for Veterans and Military Members
LinkedIn does have some programs aimed at the military community, but they are focused on active duty service members and veterans rather than military spouses specifically. These programs include:
- Free one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription for veterans during their job search after leaving active duty.
- Free LinkedIn Premium for one year for active duty, National Guard and Reserve members.
So while LinkedIn does offer some free Premium access, it is not specifically for military spouses. The eligibility is for veterans who are transitioning out of active duty or for current active duty service members.
Does LinkedIn Offer Any Discounts for Military Spouses?
While LinkedIn does not have a program for free Premium access for military spouses, they do offer a discounted membership rate.
Military spouses can receive 50% off a LinkedIn Premium subscription. This reduced price is $29.99 per month instead of the regular $59.99 monthly fee.
To take advantage of the military spouse discount, you must verify your eligibility through ID.me. This is an online verification system that allows military spouses to confirm their status.
Once verified through ID.me, the discount will automatically apply when purchasing a Premium subscription on LinkedIn. This makes Premium much more affordable for military families, even if it is not completely free.
Other Options for Free or Discounted LinkedIn
Although LinkedIn does not directly offer free Premium to military spouses, there are some other options through military support organizations:
- USO Pathfinder Program – Offers free 6-month LinkedIn Premium subscriptions to eligible military spouses as part of career assistance services.
- Army Emergency Relief – May provide financial assistance for professional fees like LinkedIn Premium based on need.
- Air Force Aid Society – Potentially can help cover fees for LinkedIn Premium subscriptions for Air Force spouses in need through community enhancement programs.
These types of military relief societies and career programs are great resources to check if you need help covering the cost of a Premium LinkedIn membership as a military spouse.
How a Free LinkedIn Premium Subscription Can Help Military Spouses
Having a free Premium LinkedIn subscription gives military spouses some valuable advantages in networking, job searching, and career building. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Expanded profile views – See the full list of who has viewed your profile, which is helpful for seeing who’s noticing your brand as you network and look for jobs.
- Unlimited InMail messages – Reach out directly to connections at your target employers rather than just applying blindly to job posts.
- Advanced search filters – Narrow down your job search with filters like company size, date posted, location, and more.
- Online courses and training – Access over 15,000 expert led courses to build your skills and resume.
Having these Premium features for free makes a significant difference for military spouses who move frequently and need robust tools to build their professional network and keep their career moving forward.
Tips for Military Spouses to Maximize Free LinkedIn Premium
If you are able to access free LinkedIn Premium as a military spouse through one of the programs above, here are some tips to get the most value from it:
- Complete your profile 100% – Fill in all sections fully with keywords to stand out in searches.
- Engage with your network consistently – Comment on posts, share content, and send messages to stay top of mind.
- Join relevant industry groups – Connect with professionals in your field and share insights.
- Follow target companies – Get insider info to prepare for interviews and learn about job opportunities.
- Take online courses – Build skills and add certifications to your profile.
- Send targeted InMail – Contact people at companies you want to work for to inquire about possible openings.
- Browse job posts daily – Apply to new roles that are a good match for your experience.
Making the most of Premium tools for networking, branding, and job search activities helps translate your free access into real career progression.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn does not have a program specifically providing free Premium access to military spouses, there are discounted memberships and other options available through military support organizations. Having a Premium subscription can significantly help military families gain networking contacts, find job opportunities, and advance their careers through constant PCS moves. Maximizing all of the Premium features for proactive relationship building, strategic branding, targeted employer outreach, and skill development can help turn free access into real career success.
