Comparing Top Grant Options for Military Families

Numerous brand-new advancements might impact the work of military service members and their households and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase incentives for employing military partners to boosted work defenses for service members while on task. Military spouse employment chances and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented previously in 2025.

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Regular Movings Regular relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more difficult for companies to employ and retain military spouses. Expanding the WOTC could develop new rewards for employers to work with military spouses and take advantage of this underutilized talent pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Throughout Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, looks for to limit movings of active-duty servicemembers.

Maximizing VA Entitlement Claims 2026

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

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation defenses and permitted complainants declaring USERRA infractions to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. Agencies and courts may continue to interpret 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) introduced a program for companies to seek guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance 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 particular concerns in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS grievance or claim.

Concern actions include evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension treatments, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly record new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Labor force Practice Group combines a group of legal representatives, a number of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate application, and examinations and litigation.

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Addressing Spouse Career Gaps in 2026

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military spouse work, producing paths to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Armed Force Partner Work Top will honor the tradition of development while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's top focuses on Management & Tradition as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and supporters who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a progressing labor force.

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

Military spouses deal with one of the most persistent employment gaps in the American labor force. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military partner joblessness 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 Partnerships & Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual and a military spouse herself, highlights how those difficulties play out in practice and how spouses can browse them better.