Maximizing VA Entitlement Utilization for 2026

Several new advancements could affect the employment of military service members and their families and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase rewards for employing military spouses to enhanced employment securities for service members while on task. Military spouse employment opportunities and support remain a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced previously in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Frequent movings continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for employers to employ and maintain military spouses. Expanding the WOTC could produce brand-new rewards for companies to employ military partners and tap into this underutilized skill swimming pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Throughout Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, looks for to restrict relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

Optimizing Spouse Employment Success

The U.S. Congress has not yet used up the STAY Act this year, but if it is eventually enacted, it might lead to decreased PCS relocations that might affect 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 boosted anti-retaliation defenses and permitted plaintiffs alleging USERRA violations to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' charges. Agencies and courts might continue to analyze 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) introduced a program for employers to look for guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or specific issues in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS grievance or lawsuit.

Concern actions include examining USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit extension procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly catch new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Labor force Practice Group combines a team of attorneys, a lot of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and examinations and lawsuits.

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Specialized Financial Relief Programs for Veterans

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For ten years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military partner work, developing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Armed Force Partner Work Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we recognize the partners, employers, and advocates who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a developing labor force.

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

Military spouses deal with one of the most persistent employment spaces in the American workforce., military partner unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or higher in recent years.