Addressing Spouse Career Barriers 2026

A number of brand-new advancements might impact the employment of military service members and their families and employers' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for hiring military partners to improved work protections for service members while on task. Military partner job opportunity and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

apfsc.org

Regular Relocations Frequent movings continue to strain military households and can make it more challenging for employers to employ and keep military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might create new rewards for companies to hire military partners and tap into this underutilized talent swimming pool.

Analyzing Top Grant Paths for Military Families

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is ultimately enacted, it might result in reduced PCS moves that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already offers civilian employment leave protections for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly deployed for military service.

The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation securities and enabled plaintiffs alleging USERRA offenses to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for companies to look for guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Support and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or specific issues in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS problem or lawsuit.

Concern actions consist of reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension treatments, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly capture brand-new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Labor force Practice Group brings together a team of legal representatives, much of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently advise on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate execution, and examinations and litigation.

All client-users have access to Photos and Updates. Premium customers have access to details, updated design templates, and other resources.

Analyzing Benefit Paths for Families

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, hit a snag or require to declare an extension, we have actually got your back with complimentary filing software application and tax pros ready to assist.

For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military spouse employment, developing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Partner Work Top will honor the tradition of development while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's top focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the spouses, companies, and supporters who have changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in an evolving workforce.

Together, we will develop on a years of service and success to create a future where military partners lead with strength, vision, and function.

Military spouses deal with among the most persistent work gaps in the American labor force. According to data from the United States Department of Labor, military partner joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or higher over the last few years. This far exceeds the nationwide average, which typically falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, highlights how those difficulties play out in practice and how partners can browse them better.