What Are the Best Employment Options for Veterans?

A number of brand-new developments could affect the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase rewards for working with military spouses to enhanced work defenses for service members while on duty. Military partner employment chances and support 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 Improve 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 supplies federal tax credits to companies that work with particular "American task hunters who have regularly faced barriers to work." That proposed legislation resembles the Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033/S.1027), presented previously in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Regular movings continue to strain military households and can make it more challenging for employers to hire and retain military partners. Broadening the WOTC might produce brand-new rewards for companies to work with military partners and tap into this underutilized talent swimming pool.

Proactive Pension Planning for 2026

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

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation protections and permitted complainants declaring USERRA infractions to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and apply the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) released a program for companies to look for guidance for making sure compliance. The Support and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to request technical assistance on USERRA-related concerns or specific issues in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS problem or suit.

Priority actions consist of evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to quickly record brand-new rewards for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Workforce Practice Group unites a group of attorneys, much of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate implementation, and investigations and lawsuits.

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What Are the Financial Options for Spouses ?

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For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has promoted military spouse work, producing pathways to chance and driving systemic modification. As we commemorate this turning point, the 10th Yearly Armed Force Partner Work Summit will honor the tradition of development while charting a bold course for the future. This year's summit focuses on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the spouses, employers, and supporters who have transformed the work landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a progressing labor force.

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

Military spouses deal with one of the most persistent work gaps in the American workforce., military spouse unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or higher in current years.