Despite decades of support programs, training and education efforts, and other attempts to combat the high rate of military spouse unemployment, a recent survey shows that rate is getting higher.

Nearly 3 in 10 (29.9%) military spouses actively looking for work who took part in the Military Family Advisory Network’s 2025 Military Family 360 Report said they were unemployed, up from 21.8% among the same group two years earlier.

A recent Military Times piece reexamined the issue and highlighted a new approach to attacking the problem: Incentivize businesses to hire military spouses using a tax-break program designed to target groups facing barriers to employment.

While certifications, college degrees, and networking programs have bolstered the employability of many military spouses, these programs have not been able to overcome employer bias that hiring a military spouse costs a business more money, citing the guaranteed need to rehire the position when the spouse needs to relocate. The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act addresses this issue by financially rewarding employers for hiring military spouses, an approach that has worked for veterans and other groups who struggled with significant unemployment barriers.

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

The bipartisan bill would restart WOTC, which expired at the end of 2025, expand benefits to unemployed military spouses, and increase the tax credit incentive. Businesses that employ members of targeted groups would get an average tax credit of $6,000 per new hire under the program if they meet various requirements.

Giving companies a financial incentive to onboard military spouses may encourage some organizations to find solutions to employment obstacles that have plagued military spouses for decades, such as frequent military moves. Also, unlike training or education services, the program doesn’t cost anything unless a spouse finds a job.

“We can and should do better in holding ourselves accountable in measuring progress and changing course if a specific program is falling short,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) told Military Times in the piece. Beyer was an original cosponsor on the House bill, introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.). The Senate bill, introduced by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), has eight initial cosponsors – four Republicans, four Democrats – including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

While the bill has seen little movement in either chamber since its late 2025 introduction, MOAA plans to make it a key part of upcoming advocacy efforts during the summer recess. Visit our advocacy news page in the coming weeks for details.