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Several brand-new developments might impact the employment of military service members and their families and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Changes range from propositions to increase incentives for working with military spouses to boosted work defenses for service members while on responsibility. Military partner employment chances and support remain a focus for pending legislation.
, introduced earlier in 2025.
Frequent Movings Regular relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more difficult for employers to employ and maintain military partners. Broadening the WOTC might develop new rewards for companies to employ military spouses and take advantage of this underutilized skill pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Throughout Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), introduced in November 2025, seeks to restrict movings of active-duty servicemembers.
The U.S. Congress has actually not yet used up the STAY Act this year, however if it is ultimately enacted, it might lead to lowered PCS moves that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently provides civilian work leave protections 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 Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), which consisted of provisions impacting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation defenses and allowed plaintiffs declaring USERRA offenses to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. 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) introduced a program for companies to look for guidance for guaranteeing 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 specific issues in their labor force before the onset of a DOL/VETS complaint or suit.
Priority actions consist of reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly record brand-new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Workforce Practice Group unites a team of lawyers, a number of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently recommend on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate implementation, and investigations and lawsuits.
New Veteran Financial Assistance Programs for 2026All client-users have access to Pictures and Updates. Premium customers have access to details, updated templates, and other resources.
Tax day is. Have you filed with MilTax? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, struck a snag or need to declare an extension, we've got your back with complimentary filing software and tax pros all set to assist.
For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has actually championed military spouse work, producing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Armed Force Spouse Employment Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Management & Tradition as we acknowledge the partners, companies, and advocates who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to flourish in a progressing labor force.
Together, we will build on a decade of service and success to produce a future where military partners lead with strength, vision, and function.
Military partners deal with one of the most consistent work gaps in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military partner joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or higher in the last few years. This far exceeds the national average, which generally falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, highlights how those challenges play out in practice and how partners can browse them more efficiently.
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