VETS provides assistance to those experiencing service-connected problems with their civilian employment and provides information about USERRA to employers. VETS also assists veterans who have questions regarding Veterans' Preference.
For more information and to determine whether your USERRA rights have been violated, please visit the USERRA Advisor.
FEMA Reservists Afforded Full USERRA Protections and Coverage
On September 29, 2022, President Biden signed S. 2293 the “Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021” or the “CREW Act,” into law. The “CREW Act” extends employment protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reservists who deploy to major disaster sites. For questions or technical assistance with respect to the “CREW Act,” the U.S. Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and VETS staff are available to assist.
Memorandum of Understanding
USERRA tips for service members
Know your rights
Familiarize yourself with the USERRA website to stay up to date with the most current information.
Keep track of everything
Keep track of everything you're doing and of all important documents. Annotate the days that you're on military orders and the days that you're not. Keep copies of all your military orders, DD 214s, civilian pay stubs, and any correspondence from your employer.
Seek help
There are DOL VETS' representatives in every state (as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) who can help with USERRA issues.
Help educate your employers
Employers should know the rules on USERRA but help educate them if they don't.
Success stories
Loss of seniority and back wages
Slater filed a USERRA claim concerning her loss of seniority. She was offered back her original job, with her seniority restored and more than $20,000 in back wages.
Military duty and back pay
An Army reservist first missed taking promotional exams for sergeant and lieutenant at the Brockton, Mass., police force due to active military duty. VETS eventually referred the case to the Department of Justice, which reached a settlement with the City of Brockton that included more than $32,000 in back pay.
Missed seniority, status and pay due to military service
USERRA mandates that returning service members must be promptly re-employed in the same position that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay. Harrison's company settled the claim after a review. He has been promoted and paid $96,000 in lost wages.
Read more USERRA success stories
USERRA facts
Annual Reports
The USERRA annual report to Congress is released each year and includes updates and program information from the preceding fiscal year.
