Maximizing VA Benefit Utilization for 2026

Several new developments could affect the work of military service members and their households and companies' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase rewards for working with military partners to enhanced employment defenses for service members while on responsibility. Military spouse employment opportunities and support stay a focus for pending legislation.

On November 20, 2025, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) introduced an upgraded version of the Improve and Improve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Chance Tax Credit (WOTC) to military spouses. The WOTC offers federal tax credits to companies that hire certain "American task applicants who have consistently dealt with barriers to work." That proposed legislation is comparable to the Armed force Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), introduced earlier in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more challenging for employers to employ and retain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might create new rewards for employers to employ military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill swimming pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, looks for to restrict relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

Accessing Specialized Financial Relief Resources

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is eventually enacted, it could lead to reduced PCS relocations that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already offers civilian work leave defenses for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly deployed 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 impacting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation protections and permitted plaintiffs alleging USERRA offenses to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. Agencies and courts might 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) released a program for companies to look for assistance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is a chance for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or specific issues in their labor force before the onset of a DOL/VETS problem or lawsuit.

Priority actions include examining USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly capture new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Labor force Practice Group unites a group of lawyers, a number of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate implementation, and examinations and litigation.

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Optimizing VA Entitlement Claims

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

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military spouse employment, developing pathways to chance and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this turning point, the 10th Annual Military Partner Employment Summit will honor the legacy of development while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Management & Legacy as we recognize the partners, companies, and supporters who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a developing labor force.

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

Military spouses face among the most consistent employment gaps in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater over the last few years. This far goes beyond the nationwide average, which usually falls 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 partners can browse them more efficiently.