Just in time for Veterans Day, Congress has made it easier for families of returning soldiers to care for them.
The help comes in the form of a significant expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act. The military caregiver provisions of the FMLA already allow relatives to take 26 weeks of leave -- instead of the usual 12 weeks -- to care for a member of the military, National Guard or Reserve who is recovering from a serious injury or illness that was incurred in the line of duty. Now the right to take extended leave will be available for up to five years after a veteran leaves the service if he or she develops a service related injury or illness. This expansion, which was contained in the 2010 defense authorization bill signed by President Obama on Oct. 28, was deemed necessary because some problems, such as traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, may not manifest themselves until after a service member has left the military. The provision will not be effective until the secretary of labor issues guidance.
“Exigency leave” is also expanded by the law to include all active duty members deployed to a foreign country, not just those in the Guard and Reserve. This provision allows the spouse, child or parent of a person about to be deployed to take up to 12 weeks of leave to manage family or personal affairs while the service member is away. The Department of Labor defines an exigency to include things such as preparing for a short-notice deployment, arranging for child care, making or updating financial or legal arrangements, attending counseling and resting and recuperating. This provision is effective immediately.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The federal government is also moving to ensure that returning veterans don’t get shortchanged at work. The Justice Department is beefing up its enforcement of USERRA, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The law requires employers to give National Guard and reservists their old jobs back, or comparable ones, when they return from active duty. Justice has filed 19 lawsuits so far this year. Employers that violate USERRA may be required to pay lost wages, the service member’s litigation costs and damages if the violation was willful.
For weekly updates on topics to improve your business decisionmaking, click here (opens in new tab).
-
Kiplinger's Retail Outlook: Consumers Are Still ResilientEconomic Forecasts Kiplinger's Retail Outlook: Sales this year are likely to be mostly stable, even as the economy slows.
-
Kiplinger's Inflation Outlook: Inflation Eases a Bit, but Price Pressures Lurk
Economic Forecasts Kiplinger's Inflation Outlook: Inflation Eases a Bit, but Price Pressures Lurk
-
Kiplinger's Trade Outlook: Imports Will Boost Q1 GDP
Economic Forecasts Kiplinger's Trade Outlook: Imports Will Boost Q1 GDP
-
Kiplinger Jobs Outlook: Finally, Signs of a Slowdown
Economic Forecasts The February jobs report signals a change in direction, but it may take time to arrive.
-
Kiplinger’s Interest Rates Outlook: Rates Likely to Rise Again After Banking Crisis is Over
Economic Forecasts Kiplinger’s Interest Rates Outlook: Rates Likely to Rise Again After Banking Crisis is Over
-
Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023
Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
-
Kiplinger Housing Outlook: Housing Starts Continue to Fall
Economic Forecasts Kiplinger Housing Outlook: Weakness lies ahead for the housing market as high prices, mortgage rates ding affordability.
-
Make the Most of the New Workplace
Employee Benefits In the wake of the pandemic, employers are willing to be more flexible and inclusive.
