Maximizing VA Entitlement Utilization

Several brand-new developments could impact the work of military service members and their families and employers' compliance commitments in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase incentives for employing military partners to enhanced work protections for service members while on duty. Military spouse job opportunity and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced earlier in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for employers to employ and maintain military partners. Broadening the WOTC could develop brand-new incentives for companies to work with military spouses and take advantage of this underutilized talent 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.

How to Access Financial Grants for Veterans

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it could result in reduced PCS moves that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already provides civilian work leave securities for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly released for military service.

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health Care and Advantages Improvement Act (Dole Act), which consisted of arrangements impacting USERRA enforcement and treatments. The Dole Act boosted anti-retaliation securities and permitted plaintiffs declaring USERRA offenses to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. 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' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for employers to seek guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Support and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or specific concerns in their labor force before the beginning of a DOL/VETS grievance or suit.

Top priority actions include evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit continuation procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly record new incentives for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Workforce Practice Group combines a team of legal representatives, a number of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate implementation, and investigations and lawsuits.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Client Portal covers new laws and advancements in Military Leave. All client-users have access to Pictures and Updates. Premium subscribers have access to information, upgraded templates, and other resources. For more info on the Client Portal or a Client Portal membership, please connect to .

Navigating 2026 Spouse Employment Strategies

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For ten years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually championed military spouse work, producing pathways to opportunity and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Armed Force Spouse Employment Top will honor the tradition of development while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Management & Tradition as we recognize the partners, companies, and supporters who have actually transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in an evolving workforce.

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

Military partners deal with one of the most persistent employment gaps in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or higher in current years.