Maximizing VA Benefit Utilization 2026

Numerous brand-new advancements might affect the employment of military service members and their families and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase rewards for employing military partners to boosted work securities for service members while on duty. Military partner job opportunity and support stay a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced previously in 2025.

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Frequent Movings Frequent movings continue to strain military families and can make it more challenging for employers to hire and retain military spouses. Expanding the WOTC might produce brand-new incentives for employers to employ military partners and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Advanced Military Retirement and Wealth Planning

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

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation securities and allowed complainants alleging USERRA infractions to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' charges. Agencies and courts may 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 seek guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to demand technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or particular problems in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS grievance or suit.

Concern actions consist of reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to rapidly record new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Workforce Practice Group brings together a team of attorneys, much of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently advise on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate implementation, and examinations and lawsuits.

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

Expert Career Planning Tips

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has promoted military spouse work, producing paths to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this turning point, the 10th Annual Armed Force Spouse Work Top will honor the tradition of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's summit focuses on Management & Legacy as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and supporters who have actually transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a progressing labor force.

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

Military spouses face one of the most consistent employment spaces in the American workforce. According to information from the US Department of Labor, military spouse unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or greater over the last few years. This far exceeds the nationwide average, which usually falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Collaborations & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those obstacles play out in practice and how partners can navigate them better.