The Modern Approach on VA Retirement

Several new developments might affect the work of military service members and their families and employers' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase rewards for working with military spouses to improved employment protections for service members while on responsibility. Military partner employment chances and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

On November 20, 2025, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) introduced an upgraded variation of the Improve and Improve 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 supplies federal tax credits to companies that work with certain "American job candidates who have consistently dealt with barriers to employment." That proposed legislation is similar to the Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more difficult for employers to employ and maintain military partners. Broadening the WOTC could create new incentives for companies to work with military spouses and tap into this underutilized talent pool.

Addressing Military Career Gaps

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is eventually enacted, it might lead to reduced PCS relocations that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently provides civilian work leave securities 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 Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), that included provisions impacting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act strengthened anti-retaliation defenses and enabled plaintiffs alleging USERRA violations to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' costs. Agencies and courts might continue to translate and apply 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) launched a program for companies to seek guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or specific concerns in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS problem or suit.

Priority actions include examining USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension treatments, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly capture brand-new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Workforce Practice Group brings together a group of legal representatives, much of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate implementation, and examinations and lawsuits.

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Maximizing VA Benefit Claims

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military partner work, developing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this turning point, the 10th Annual Military Spouse Work Top will honor the tradition of progress while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's summit concentrates on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, companies, and advocates who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to flourish in a progressing workforce.

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

Military partners deal with one of the most persistent work gaps in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has hovered around 20% or greater in current years.