Comparing Top Grant Options for Families

A number of brand-new developments could impact the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Changes range from proposals to increase rewards for working with military partners to improved employment protections for service members while on responsibility. Military partner work opportunities and assistance stay a focus for pending legislation.

On November 20, 2025, Senators Costs Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) presented an updated version of the Improve and Boost the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to military partners. The WOTC offers federal tax credits to employers that hire specific "American task hunters who have actually consistently dealt with barriers to work." That proposed legislation is comparable to the Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

apfsc.org

Regular Movings Frequent movings continue to strain military families and can make it more tough for companies to hire and retain military partners. Broadening the WOTC could create brand-new rewards for employers to work with military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Overcoming Spouse Career Barriers

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is eventually enacted, it might lead to decreased PCS moves that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently offers civilian work leave defenses for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily released for military service.

The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation defenses and allowed complainants declaring USERRA offenses to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts may continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) introduced a program for companies to seek guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or particular problems in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS complaint or lawsuit.

Top priority actions include examining USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit continuation procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly record new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Labor force Practice Group brings together a team of legal representatives, a number of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly recommend on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate application, and investigations and litigation.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Client Website covers new laws and advancements in Military Leave. All client-users have access to Pictures and Updates. Premium subscribers have access to information, upgraded templates, and other resources. To learn more on the Customer Website or a Customer Portal membership, please connect to .

Analyzing Grant Paths for Families

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

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military partner work, creating pathways to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Annual Military Partner Work Top will honor the legacy of development while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top focuses on Management & Tradition as we recognize the spouses, employers, and supporters who have actually transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a developing labor force.

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

Military spouses face one of the most consistent work gaps in the American workforce., military partner joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or higher in current years.