Analyzing Benefit Options for Families

Several new advancements could affect the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Changes vary from proposals to increase incentives for working with military spouses to boosted work defenses for service members while on duty. Military partner job opportunity and assistance stay a focus for pending legislation.

, presented earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Movings Frequent relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more tough for companies to hire and retain military spouses. Expanding the WOTC might produce new incentives for employers to employ military spouses and take advantage of this underutilized skill pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, looks for to limit movings of active-duty servicemembers.

Modern VA Debt Management Strategies for 2026

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it might lead to lowered PCS relocations that might affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already provides civilian work leave protections for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily released for military service.

The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation securities and enabled plaintiffs alleging USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' costs. Agencies and courts may continue to analyze and apply the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

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 seek assistance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or specific problems in their workforce before the start of a DOL/VETS grievance or claim.

Priority actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to rapidly record brand-new incentives for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Workforce Practice Group combines a team of attorneys, a lot of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate implementation, and investigations and lawsuits.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Client Website covers new laws and developments in Armed force Leave. All client-users have access to Pictures and Updates. Premium customers have access to details, updated templates, and other resources. For more details on the Client Website or a Customer Portal membership, please reach out to .

Strategic Pension Growth

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For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually promoted military partner work, creating 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 development while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Management & Tradition as we acknowledge the partners, companies, and supporters who have changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in a progressing workforce.

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

Military spouses face one of the most persistent work gaps in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has actually hovered around 20% or greater in recent years.