Maximizing VA Benefit Claims 2026

A number of brand-new developments might affect the employment of military service members and their families and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications range from propositions to increase rewards for employing military spouses to enhanced work defenses for service members while on task. Military partner job opportunity 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) introduced an upgraded 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 spouses. The WOTC provides federal tax credits to companies that employ specific "American task seekers who have actually consistently dealt with barriers to employment." That proposed legislation is comparable to the Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), presented previously in 2025.

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Frequent Movings Frequent movings continue to strain military families and can make it more challenging for companies to employ and retain military partners. Broadening the WOTC might produce new rewards for companies to work with military partners and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Accessing New Veteran Aid Resources

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

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Advantages Enhancement Act (Dole Act), that included provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act strengthened anti-retaliation protections and allowed complainants alleging USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. Agencies and courts may continue to analyze and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for employers to look for guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related questions or particular issues in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS problem or claim.

Top priority actions consist of examining USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit continuation treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to rapidly record new incentives for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Workforce Practice Group brings together a team of attorneys, many of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely recommend on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and investigations and lawsuits.

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Specialized Financial Relief Programs for Veterans

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're just getting your papers together, struck a snag or need to apply for an extension, we've got your back with free filing software and tax pros prepared to help.

For ten years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military partner work, developing paths to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this turning point, the 10th Yearly Military Spouse Employment Summit will honor the tradition of development while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Leadership & Legacy as we recognize the partners, companies, and advocates who have transformed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a progressing 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 partners deal with one of the most persistent work spaces in the American workforce., military partner unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or higher in recent years.