Expert Financial Success Insights for Veterans

Several new developments could affect the work of military service members and their households and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Changes range from proposals to increase incentives for working with military partners to boosted employment defenses for service members while on task. Military partner job opportunity and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced previously in 2025.

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Frequent Relocations Regular relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more challenging for employers to work with and keep military spouses. Expanding the WOTC could develop new incentives for companies to hire military partners and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Optimizing VA Benefit Claims

The U.S. Congress has not yet used up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it could lead to lowered PCS moves that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already offers 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 Healthcare and Benefits Enhancement Act (Dole Act), that included provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation defenses and enabled complainants alleging USERRA infractions to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. 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) introduced a program for employers to seek assistance for ensuring compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related questions or specific problems in their labor force before the onset of a DOL/VETS complaint or claim.

Priority actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit continuation treatments, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly capture brand-new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Workforce Practice Group combines a team of lawyers, much of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and investigations and litigation.

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

Comparing Benefit Options for Military Families

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're simply getting your papers together, hit a snag or require to apply for an extension, we have actually got your back with totally free filing software and tax pros all set to assist.

For ten years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military spouse work, producing pathways to chance and driving systemic modification. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Annual Armed Force Spouse Work Summit will honor the tradition of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and supporters who have actually transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to flourish in a developing labor force.

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

Military partners face one of the most relentless work spaces in the American labor force., military spouse unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.