Strategic Retirement Planning

Numerous new developments could affect the work of military service members and their households and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for working with military partners to enhanced employment securities for service members while on duty. Military spouse work chances and support 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 updated variation of the Improve and Enhance the Work Chance Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to military spouses. The WOTC offers federal tax credits to employers that work with particular "American job candidates who have actually consistently dealt with barriers to employment." That proposed legislation resembles the Armed force Partner Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced previously in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more tough for employers to work with and keep military spouses. Broadening the WOTC could create brand-new incentives for companies to work with military spouses and tap into this underutilized talent swimming pool.

Overcoming Military Spouse Career Barriers in 2026

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

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), that included provisions impacting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation defenses and enabled plaintiffs declaring USERRA offenses to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' charges. 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) released a program for employers to look for assistance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to demand technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or particular concerns in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS grievance or claim.

Priority actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly record new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Workforce Practice Group brings together a group of legal representatives, a number of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely recommend on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate application, and examinations and lawsuits.

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

Mastering Military Retirement & Pension Planning

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're just getting your papers together, hit a snag or need to apply for an extension, we have actually got your back with free filing software application and tax pros ready to help.

For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has actually championed military partner work, developing pathways to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Annual Military Partner Employment Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's summit focuses on Management & Legacy as we acknowledge the spouses, companies, and supporters who have transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a developing labor force.

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

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