Optimizing VA Benefit Claims 2026

Numerous brand-new advancements might impact the work of military service members and their households and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Changes range from proposals to increase incentives for working with military spouses to boosted employment protections for service members while on task. Military spouse work chances and assistance stay a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more difficult for companies to work with and keep military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might create brand-new rewards for companies to work with military partners and use this underutilized skill swimming pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), introduced in November 2025, seeks to limit relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

Addressing Military Spouse Career Gaps

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it could lead to minimized PCS relocations that might impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. 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 Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), which included provisions impacting USERRA enforcement and remedies. The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation protections and allowed plaintiffs declaring USERRA violations to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' charges. Agencies and courts may continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

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 assistance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance 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 problems in their labor force before the onset of a DOL/VETS complaint or claim.

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 quickly capture brand-new rewards for military spouses. 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 routinely advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and investigations and lawsuits.

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

Effective Debt Relief Tactics in 2026

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For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military partner work, creating pathways to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Annual Armed Force Spouse Employment Summit will honor the legacy of development while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top focuses on Management & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, companies, and supporters who have transformed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a developing labor force.

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

Military partners face one of the most consistent work gaps in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater recently. This far exceeds the nationwide average, which normally falls below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Collaborations & Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those challenges play out in practice and how spouses can navigate them more efficiently.