Advanced Retirement & Wealth Planning

Numerous new developments might affect the work of military service members and their families and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications range from proposals to increase rewards for hiring military spouses to boosted work securities for service members while on duty. Military spouse job opportunity and support stay a focus for pending legislation.

, presented previously in 2025.

apfsc.org

Frequent Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military families and can make it more tough for employers to work with and keep military spouses. Broadening the WOTC could develop new incentives for employers to employ military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Critical Financial Assistance Programs for Veterans

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is eventually enacted, it might lead to decreased PCS moves that might affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already supplies civilian work leave securities 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 Advantages Enhancement Act (Dole Act), that included provisions impacting USERRA enforcement and remedies. The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation protections and enabled complainants declaring USERRA infractions to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts may continue to translate and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) released a program for companies to seek guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or specific issues in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS complaint or claim.

Top priority actions include examining USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit extension treatments, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly record brand-new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Labor force Practice Group unites a group of legal representatives, a number of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly advise on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate application, and examinations and litigation.

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

Maximizing VA Benefit Claims

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

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has championed military spouse employment, creating paths to chance and driving systemic modification. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Spouse Employment Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's summit focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and supporters who have actually changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in an evolving labor force.

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

Military partners face one of the most relentless employment spaces in the American workforce., military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.