Optimizing VA Entitlement Utilization

A number of brand-new advancements could affect the work of military service members and their households and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Changes range from propositions to increase rewards for employing military spouses to improved work defenses for service members while on duty. Military spouse work opportunities and support stay a focus for pending legislation.

On November 20, 2025, Senators Expense Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) presented an updated variation of the Improve and Enhance the Work Chance Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Chance Tax Credit (WOTC) to military spouses. The WOTC offers federal tax credits to employers that work with specific "American job applicants who have consistently faced barriers to employment." That proposed legislation is comparable to the Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced previously in 2025.

apfsc.org

Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more difficult for employers to work with and maintain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might develop new rewards for companies to work with military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

What Are the Best Financial Paths for Veterans?

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

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Advantages Enhancement Act (Dole Act), which included provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act strengthened anti-retaliation securities and permitted plaintiffs alleging USERRA violations to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' charges. Agencies and courts may 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) launched a program for employers to seek assistance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance for companies to demand technical assistance on USERRA-related questions or specific concerns in their labor force before the start of a DOL/VETS grievance or suit.

Priority actions consist of reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit continuation treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly record brand-new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Labor force Practice Group brings together a team of legal representatives, many of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate execution, and examinations and litigation.

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

Critical Financial Relief Services for Veterans

Tax day is. Have you filed with MilTax yet? Whether you're just getting your papers together, hit a snag or require to declare an extension, we have actually got your back with free filing software and tax pros all set to assist.

For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military spouse work, developing pathways to chance and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Partner Work Top will honor the tradition of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top focuses on Management & Tradition as we acknowledge the spouses, companies, and advocates who have actually transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a progressing workforce.

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

Military spouses face one of the most consistent employment gaps in the American labor force., military partner joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.