Optimizing VA Entitlement Claims for 2026

Numerous brand-new advancements might impact the work of military service members and their families and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for hiring military spouses to enhanced work protections for service members while on task. Military spouse job opportunity and support stay a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

apfsc.org

Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more tough for companies to hire and maintain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might produce brand-new rewards for companies to hire military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill swimming pool.

The Modern Approach on Military Retirement

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it might result in minimized PCS relocations that might affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already supplies civilian work leave defenses 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 Health Care and Benefits Enhancement Act (Dole Act), which included provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and remedies. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation securities and allowed complainants declaring USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to translate and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Employer 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 assistance for ensuring compliance. The Support and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or particular concerns in their workforce before the start of a DOL/VETS complaint or lawsuit.

Top priority actions consist of examining USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly catch brand-new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Labor force Practice Group unites a team of lawyers, many of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and investigations and lawsuits.

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

Top Career Planning Tips for 2026

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

For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military spouse employment, developing pathways to chance and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Annual Military Spouse Employment Top will honor the tradition of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top focuses on Leadership & Tradition as we acknowledge the partners, companies, and advocates who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a progressing labor force.

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

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