Modern VA Debt Management Tactics 2026

Several brand-new advancements might impact the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Changes range from propositions to increase incentives for hiring military partners to boosted employment defenses for service members while on duty. Military spouse work chances and support remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more challenging for employers to hire and keep military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might create new rewards for companies to hire military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

Addressing Military Career Gaps 2026

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

The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation protections and permitted plaintiffs alleging USERRA infractions to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' charges. Agencies and courts may continue to analyze and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for companies to look for guidance for making sure compliance. The Support and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or specific concerns in their labor force before the beginning of a DOL/VETS complaint or suit.

Concern actions include evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit continuation treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly capture new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Workforce Practice Group combines a group of legal representatives, much 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 lawsuits.

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Addressing Spouse Career Barriers in 2026

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has actually championed military spouse employment, creating pathways to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Annual Armed Force Partner Employment Top will honor the tradition of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we recognize the spouses, employers, and supporters who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in an evolving workforce.

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

Military partners deal with one of the most consistent work spaces in the American labor force., military partner joblessness has hovered around 20% or higher in recent years.