Mastering Military Retirement and Pension Planning

A number of brand-new advancements could affect the employment of military service members and their families and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications range from proposals to increase rewards for employing military partners to enhanced employment protections for service members while on duty. Military partner work opportunities and assistance 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) presented an updated version of the Improve and Improve 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 supplies federal tax credits to employers that work with specific "American task hunters who have actually consistently dealt with barriers to employment." That proposed legislation resembles the Armed force Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for companies to hire and maintain military partners. Broadening the WOTC might produce new incentives for employers to employ military partners and tap into this underutilized skill 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.

Navigating 2026 Spouse Employment Growth

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

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation securities and permitted complainants alleging USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) introduced a program for employers to look for guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical assistance on USERRA-related questions or particular concerns in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS problem or suit.

Concern actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit continuation procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly capture new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Labor force Practice Group brings together a group of lawyers, much of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely advise on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate execution, and investigations and litigation.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Customer Website covers new laws and developments 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 additional information on the Client Website or a Client Portal membership, please reach out to .

Analyzing Benefit Options for Military Families

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

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually championed military partner work, producing pathways to chance and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Annual Military Partner Employment Summit will honor the tradition of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, companies, and advocates who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a developing workforce.

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

Military spouses face among the most persistent employment gaps in the American workforce. According to information from the United States Department of Labor, military spouse joblessness has hovered around 20% or higher in the last few years. This far goes beyond the national average, which usually falls below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Collaborations & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those challenges play out in practice and how spouses can navigate them better.