How to Secure Financial Grants for Veterans

Several new advancements might affect the employment of military service members and their households and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for working with military spouses to improved work securities for service members while on duty. Military spouse employment chances and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Movings Regular relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for employers to employ and maintain military partners. Expanding the WOTC could develop brand-new rewards for employers to work with military spouses and tap into this underutilized talent pool.

What Are the Best Employment Paths for Spouses ?

The U.S. Congress has not yet used up the STAY Act this year, however if it is eventually enacted, it might result in lowered PCS relocations that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already supplies civilian employment leave protections for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly deployed for military service.

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), which consisted of provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and remedies. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation defenses and permitted complainants declaring USERRA offenses to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' charges. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) released a program for companies to seek assistance for ensuring compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or particular problems in their labor force before the start of a DOL/VETS grievance or lawsuit.

Concern actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit continuation procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly capture brand-new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Workforce Practice Group unites a team of lawyers, much of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate application, and investigations and lawsuits.

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

Comparing Top Benefit Options for Families

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For ten years, Employing Our Heroes has actually promoted military spouse employment, developing pathways to chance and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this turning point, the 10th Annual Armed Force Partner Work Top will honor the legacy of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's summit concentrates on Management & Legacy as we recognize the partners, companies, and advocates who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a developing labor force.

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

Military spouses face one of the most relentless employment spaces in the American workforce., military spouse unemployment has hovered around 20% or greater in current years.