(This article originally appeared in the August 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine.)

Military spouse unemployment remains one of the most persistent challenges facing military families. While servicemembers answer the nation’s call, their spouses often face hiring barriers created by frequent moves, licensing challenges, and employer concerns about relocations.

Meanwhile, Congress is debating the future of a federal program with a proven record of improving employment outcomes: the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

For decades, WOTC has encouraged employers to hire individuals who face barriers to employment, including veterans.

Lawmakers are considering whether to reauthorize the program through the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (H.R. 6231/S. 3265) and whether to add military spouses as an eligible group.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act]

A Proven Employment Tool

WOTC provides employers with a tax credit for hiring individuals from designated populations that have historically faced challenges in the labor market. The program has been particularly effective for veterans.

Following expansions between 2009 and 2011, post-9/11 veteran unemployment dropped from roughly 15% to levels comparable with the civilian workforce.

[RELATED: More Lawmakers Join Fight to Restore Employment Support for Veterans, Expand It to Military Spouses]

Military Spouses Belong

Military spouses face many of the same barriers WOTC was designed to address.

MOAA has heard firsthand how employment challenges affect military families. Alicia, a nurse practitioner, applied for a position at the same facility where she completed her clinical rotations. She was told the employer could not take a chance on someone expected to relocate in a few years.

Sarah, a Navy spouse married to an E-5, has struggled to find stable employment through multiple moves. Her husband now plans to leave military service because they can no longer afford to stay.

These stories are not isolated. Spouse employment affects family financial stability, military readiness, and retention.

[MORE MOAA ADVOCACY: MOAA.org/SummerAiA]

A Critical Opportunity

WOTC expired at the end of 2025 and now awaits congressional action. Its impact on veteran employment is well established. Extending the credit to military spouses would help address a long-standing challenge and is equally compelling.

As Congress considers the program’s future, lawmakers need to hear directly from servicemembers, veterans, military spouses, and employers about the impact spouse employment has on military readiness and retention. Reach out to your representatives today.