Optimizing VA Entitlement Utilization for 2026

Numerous new developments might affect the work of military service members and their households and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications range from proposals to increase rewards for employing military partners to improved employment securities for service members while on duty. Military partner job opportunity and assistance stay 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 Enhance 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 offers federal tax credits to companies that work with particular "American job seekers who have actually consistently faced barriers to work." That proposed legislation resembles the Military Partner Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

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Regular Movings Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more tough for employers to employ and keep military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might create brand-new rewards for companies to employ military partners and take advantage of this underutilized skill swimming pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Throughout Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), introduced in November 2025, looks for to restrict movings of active-duty servicemembers.

Optimizing Spouse Career Success

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is ultimately enacted, it could lead to reduced PCS relocations that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already provides civilian work leave securities 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 Benefits Enhancement Act (Dole Act), which included arrangements impacting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation protections and permitted complainants declaring USERRA offenses to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to analyze and apply 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) launched a program for companies to seek assistance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or specific concerns in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS complaint or lawsuit.

Priority actions consist of examining USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly catch new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Workforce Practice Group brings together a group of attorneys, much of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and examinations and lawsuits.

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Specialized Financial Relief Programs for Veterans

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For ten years, Employing Our Heroes has actually championed military partner work, developing paths to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Annual Armed Force Spouse Work Summit will honor the legacy of progress 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 thrive in an evolving labor force.

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

Military spouses face among the most consistent employment gaps in the American workforce. According to information from the US Department of Labor, military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater over the last few years. This far surpasses the national average, which usually falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Collaborations & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military spouse herself, shows how those challenges play out in practice and how partners can browse them more successfully.