Optimizing VA Entitlement Utilization 2026

Several brand-new developments might affect the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance commitments in 2026. Changes range from proposals to increase rewards for working with military spouses to enhanced employment protections for service members while on task. Military partner work chances and assistance remain 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 updated version of the Improve and Boost the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (S. 3265/H. R. 6231) that would extend the Work Chance Tax Credit (WOTC) to military partners. The WOTC offers federal tax credits to employers that hire specific "American job applicants who have regularly dealt with barriers to employment." That proposed legislation resembles the Military Partner Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), presented previously in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more tough for employers to hire and retain military partners. Expanding the WOTC might produce new incentives for employers to hire military partners and tap into this underutilized talent pool.

Optimizing Spouse Employment Success

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is ultimately enacted, it might lead to reduced PCS moves that might affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently offers civilian work leave securities for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily deployed for military service.

The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation protections and permitted complainants declaring USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' charges. Agencies and courts may continue to interpret 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) released a program for companies to seek guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is a chance for employers to request technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or specific problems in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS problem or lawsuit.

Top priority actions consist of evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, validating health-benefit extension procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly record brand-new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Workforce Practice Group unites a group of attorneys, numerous of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate implementation, and examinations and litigation.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Customer Portal covers brand-new laws and advancements in Military Leave. All client-users have access to Snapshots and Updates. Premium customers have access to information, updated design templates, and other resources. To learn more on the Client Portal or a Customer Website membership, please reach out to .

Advanced Military Retirement & Wealth Planning

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're just getting your papers together, hit a snag or require to file for an extension, we've got your back with complimentary filing software application and tax pros ready to assist.

For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has actually championed military partner employment, producing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we celebrate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Military Partner Work Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a strong course for the future. This year's summit focuses on Management & Tradition as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and advocates who have actually changed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a progressing labor force.

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

Military spouses face one of the most persistent work gaps in the American workforce., military partner unemployment has hovered around 20% or greater in current years.