Analyzing Top Benefit Options for Families

Numerous new advancements might impact the work of military service members and their families and employers' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for working with military spouses to improved employment defenses for service members while on duty. Military partner employment chances and support remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Regular Movings Frequent relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more challenging for companies to employ and maintain military partners. Broadening the WOTC might develop brand-new rewards for employers to employ military spouses and use this underutilized skill swimming pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, looks for to limit relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

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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 relocations that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently provides civilian work leave protections 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 Health Care and Advantages Improvement Act (Dole Act), which included provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act strengthened anti-retaliation protections and permitted complainants declaring USERRA infractions to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' charges. Agencies and courts might continue to analyze and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Employer 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 guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or particular concerns in their workforce before the start of a DOL/VETS complaint or claim.

Priority actions consist of evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit continuation procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to rapidly catch new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Labor force Practice Group combines a group of lawyers, a lot of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate application, and investigations and litigation.

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

The Updated Outlook on Military Debt

Tax day is. Have you filed with MilTax yet? Whether you're simply getting your papers together, struck a snag or need to file for an extension, we've got your back with complimentary filing software application and tax pros prepared to assist.

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually championed military partner work, producing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Partner Work Top 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 spouses, employers, and supporters who have transformed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a progressing labor force.

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

Military partners face among the most consistent employment gaps in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military spouse unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or higher over the last few years. This far goes beyond the nationwide average, which typically falls below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Collaborations & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, highlights how those difficulties play out in practice and how partners can navigate them better.