The Updated Outlook on VA Retirement

A number of brand-new developments might impact the employment of military service members and their families and employers' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Modifications range from propositions to increase rewards for hiring military spouses to enhanced work defenses for service members while on duty. Military partner job opportunity and support remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Relocations Regular relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more challenging for employers to hire and maintain military spouses. Expanding the WOTC could create new rewards for companies to hire 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, looks for to limit relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

Accessing New Veteran Relief Programs

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

The Dole Act strengthened anti-retaliation defenses and enabled complainants declaring USERRA infractions to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. Agencies and courts may continue to translate and use 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) launched a program for employers to look for assistance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or specific issues in their labor force before the start of a DOL/VETS complaint or lawsuit.

Top priority actions consist of evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit continuation procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to rapidly capture new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Workforce Practice Group unites a group of attorneys, much of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely recommend on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate application, and investigations and lawsuits.

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

Optimizing Spouse Employment Growth

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military spouse work, developing pathways to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Annual Military Partner Employment Top will honor the tradition of progress while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's summit focuses on Management & Tradition as we acknowledge the spouses, companies, and advocates who have actually transformed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a progressing workforce.

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

Military spouses deal with one of the most relentless work spaces in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has hovered around 20% or higher in current years.