New Law Mandates Veterans Benefits Notice in Workplaces with 50+ Employees, Kicks In Next Year

The Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act is straightforward: it requires larger employers to post a notice detailing veterans’ benefits specific to their state. Think of it as adding another poster to the breakroom wall—but this one could be a lifeline for veterans and transitioning service members.

The New Poster Rule: Who, What, and When

This bill mandates that every employer with 50 or more employees must prominently display a state-specific veterans benefits notice. The definition of “employer” here is broad, covering private companies, public agencies, and even the Government Accountability Office. If you work for a company that hits that 50-person threshold, expect to see this notice soon. The display requirement doesn’t kick in immediately, though; employers have a full year from the law’s enactment before they must comply.

So, what’s on the poster? The Secretary of Labor, working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is tasked with creating a notice for every state and territory. This notice must be easy to read—designed to fit on a standard 8.5 by 11-inch sheet of paper—and include three key things: the Veterans Crisis Line, clear instructions on how to apply for benefits, and specific information about state-level veterans benefits. This is crucial because state benefits vary wildly, and this poster should cut through that confusion.

Why This Matters for Veterans and Their Families

For veterans, this is a clear win for access. Many veterans are busy juggling a new civilian career, family life, and perhaps school, and they often miss out on benefits simply because they don't know they exist or how to apply. By making this information mandatory and highly visible in the workplace—a place where veterans spend a significant amount of time—the bill directly addresses that information gap. The requirement for the notice to be updated at least twice a year means the information shouldn't go stale, either. If you’re a veteran, this poster is a quick, centralized reference point that could help you access housing, education, or healthcare resources.

The Administrative Lift for the Government and Employers

Implementing this isn't just a matter of printing paper. The Department of Labor (DOL) and the VA have 270 days to develop these notices for all 50 states plus territories. They need to coordinate with each state to gather the specific benefit information, giving states a 45-day window to contribute their data. Once the notices are ready, the DOL and VA must make them publicly available online. Before the display requirement takes effect, the DOL is also required to run a 180-day information campaign to ensure employers know this new rule is coming.

For businesses with 50 or more employees, this is a minor but mandatory compliance task. It’s one more poster to manage, print, and ensure is conspicuously displayed. While the burden is low—the government provides the poster, after all—it is still an administrative requirement. If your company falls just under the 50-employee mark, you’re off the hook for this one, but your veteran employees might miss out on this easy access to information.