Maximizing VA Entitlement Claims for 2026

Several new advancements could affect the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Changes vary from propositions to increase incentives for hiring military partners to improved work defenses for service members while on duty. Military partner employment opportunities 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 Opportunity Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Chance Tax Credit (WOTC) to military partners. The WOTC provides federal tax credits to companies that employ specific "American task hunters who have actually consistently dealt with barriers to work." That proposed legislation resembles the Armed force Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

apfsc.org

Frequent Relocations Frequent movings continue to strain military families and can make it more challenging for companies to work with and maintain military spouses. Expanding the WOTC could develop brand-new incentives for companies to employ military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill swimming pool.

Critical Financial Relief Programs for Veterans

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it might lead to decreased PCS moves that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently supplies civilian employment leave securities 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 arrangements affecting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation protections and permitted complainants alleging USERRA infractions to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and apply 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) released a program for companies to seek assistance for guaranteeing compliance. The Support and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance 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 suit.

Top priority actions include evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly catch brand-new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Labor force Practice Group brings together a group of legal representatives, a lot of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and examinations and litigation.

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

The Modern Approach on Military Debt

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, struck a snag or require to declare an extension, we've got your back with complimentary filing software application and tax pros all set to help.

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has championed military partner employment, creating pathways to chance and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Annual Armed Force Spouse Work Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we recognize the partners, employers, and supporters who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a progressing workforce.

Together, we will construct on a years of service and success to develop a future where military spouses lead with strength, vision, and function.

Military spouses deal with one of the most persistent employment spaces in the American workforce., military spouse joblessness has hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.