Unlocking New Veteran Aid Programs

A number of new developments might impact the work of military service members and their households and companies' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications range from proposals to increase rewards for hiring military spouses to boosted employment securities for service members while on duty. Military spouse work chances and assistance stay a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Movings Regular relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more challenging for employers to hire and retain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC could create new incentives for employers to hire military partners and tap into this underutilized talent pool.

Strategic Pension Planning 2026

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is eventually enacted, it might result in minimized 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 defenses 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 Benefits Enhancement Act (Dole Act), which included arrangements impacting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation defenses and enabled complainants declaring USERRA offenses to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. Agencies and courts may continue to interpret and apply 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 seek assistance for making sure compliance. The Support and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to demand technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or particular concerns in their workforce before the start of a DOL/VETS problem or claim.

Top priority actions consist of evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit continuation procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly catch new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Workforce Practice Group combines a group of attorneys, much of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate execution, and investigations and lawsuits.

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How to Access Grants for Veterans

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax yet? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, hit a snag or require to declare an extension, we've got your back with free filing software application and tax pros all set to assist.

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually championed military spouse employment, developing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Spouse Work Summit will honor the tradition of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's top focuses on Management & Legacy as we recognize the spouses, companies, and supporters who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to flourish in a progressing labor force.

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

Military partners face one of the most consistent work gaps in the American labor force., military partner joblessness has hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.