Effective VA Debt Management Tactics

Numerous new advancements could impact the work of military service members and their households and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Changes vary from propositions to increase rewards for hiring military spouses to enhanced employment protections for service members while on duty. Military spouse job opportunity and support remain 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) introduced an updated version of the Improve and Boost the Work Chance Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Chance Tax Credit (WOTC) to military partners. The WOTC offers federal tax credits to companies that work with certain "American task candidates who have consistently dealt with barriers to work." That proposed legislation is similar to the Military Partner Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for employers to employ and retain military partners. Broadening the WOTC might create brand-new incentives for companies to employ military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), introduced in November 2025, seeks to restrict movings of active-duty servicemembers.

Accessing Specialized Financial Aid Programs

The U.S. Congress has not yet used up the STAY Act this year, however if it is eventually enacted, it could lead to reduced PCS moves that might impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already supplies civilian work leave securities for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily deployed for military service.

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation protections and enabled complainants alleging USERRA offenses to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. 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' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for companies to seek guidance for making sure compliance. The Support and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related questions or specific problems in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS grievance or suit.

Concern actions consist of examining USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly capture new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Labor force Practice Group brings together a group of legal representatives, a number of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and examinations and litigation.

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

Optimizing 2026 Military Spouse Employment Success

Tax day is. Have you filed with MilTax? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, struck a snag or need to apply for an extension, we have actually got your back with free filing software application and tax pros prepared to assist.

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually promoted military spouse work, creating paths to chance and driving systemic modification. As we celebrate this turning point, the 10th Annual Armed Force Partner Work Top will honor the tradition of development while charting a strong course for the future. This year's summit concentrates on Leadership & Tradition as we acknowledge the spouses, employers, and advocates who have changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to flourish in an evolving labor force.

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

Military spouses face one of the most relentless work spaces in the American labor force. According to information from the United States Department of Labor, military partner unemployment has hovered around 20% or greater in recent years. This far exceeds the national average, which typically falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those challenges play out in practice and how partners can navigate them more effectively.