Optimizing 2026 Military Spouse Employment Growth

Several new developments could affect the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications range from proposals to increase rewards for working with military spouses to improved employment defenses for service members while on duty. Military spouse 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 Improve the Work Chance Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to military spouses. The WOTC supplies federal tax credits to employers that hire certain "American task applicants who have consistently faced barriers to work." That proposed legislation resembles the Armed force Partner Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), presented earlier in 2025.

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Regular Movings Frequent relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for companies to work with and retain military partners. Expanding the WOTC might develop brand-new incentives for employers to employ military partners and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Unlocking New Financial Aid Programs

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet used up the STAY Act this year, but if it is eventually enacted, it might result in minimized PCS relocations that might impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently offers civilian work leave securities for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily deployed for military service.

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Advantages Enhancement Act (Dole Act), that included arrangements affecting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation protections and enabled plaintiffs alleging USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. Agencies and courts may continue to translate and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Company 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 making sure compliance. The Support and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or particular issues in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS problem or lawsuit.

Top priority actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly catch brand-new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Labor force Practice Group unites a group of lawyers, much of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate implementation, and investigations and lawsuits.

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

Effective VA Debt Relief Tactics in 2026

Tax day is. Have you filed with MilTax yet? Whether you're just getting your documents together, hit a snag or require to apply for an extension, we have actually got your back with complimentary filing software and tax pros ready to help.

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military partner work, developing paths to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this turning point, the 10th Annual Military Spouse Work Top will honor the legacy of development while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top focuses on Management & Legacy as we recognize the spouses, employers, and advocates who have transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a developing workforce.

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

Military partners deal with one of the most relentless employment gaps in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.