Optimizing VA Entitlement Claims in 2026

Numerous new developments might affect the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Changes vary from proposals to increase rewards for working with military partners to improved employment protections for service members while on responsibility. Military partner employment opportunities and assistance stay a focus for pending legislation.

On November 20, 2025, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) presented an upgraded version of the Improve and Boost the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to military partners. The WOTC supplies federal tax credits to employers that employ particular "American job applicants who have consistently faced barriers to work." That proposed legislation resembles the Military Partner Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced previously in 2025.

apfsc.org

Regular Movings Frequent movings continue to strain military households and can make it more challenging for employers to work with and keep military partners. Broadening the WOTC might create new rewards for companies to work with military partners and take advantage of this underutilized talent pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), introduced in November 2025, seeks to limit movings of active-duty servicemembers.

Critical Financial Assistance Programs for Veterans

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

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Advantages Improvement Act (Dole Act), which consisted of provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and remedies. The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation defenses and permitted plaintiffs alleging USERRA infractions to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) introduced a program for employers to seek guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to request technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or specific problems in their workforce before the start of a DOL/VETS complaint or suit.

Concern actions consist of reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension treatments, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly capture new incentives for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Workforce Practice Group unites a team of legal representatives, a lot of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate application, and examinations and litigation.

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

Comparing Top Benefit Paths for Military Families

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax yet? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, hit a snag or require to submit for an extension, we have actually got your back with free filing software application and tax pros all set to help.

For ten years, Hiring Our Heroes has championed military spouse work, developing paths to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Spouse Work Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Management & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and advocates who have actually transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a progressing labor force.

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

Military partners deal with one of the most consistent employment spaces in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.