The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act — commonly known as USERRA — is a federal law that:
- Provides you, as a service member or former service member, protection related to the civilian jobs you held before being called up for active duty
- Encourages non-career military service by minimizing civilian employment problems resulting from your service
- Prohibits employment reprisal and discrimination due to your military service
Overview
Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, an employer — including any government or private entity, regardless of size — may not deny a person initial employment, promotion or any benefit of employment because the person performed, or is obliged to perform, service in a uniformed service. This law:
- Applies to all United States public and private employers, as well as any foreign company with a physical branch or location in the United States
- Applies to all public employers including all federal and state government offices and political subdivisions
- Protects you when reintegrating into civilian employment
For more information, read, "Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Protections."
To learn more about your additional rights under the act, read, "Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Additional Rights and Benefits."
To see if you're eligible, read, "Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Eligibility Requirements."
Please note: This article provides general information only. It reflects the law at the time of publication. To find out how the law applies to your situation, or how to provide notice in the appropriate way, contact your legal assistance office or the Employment Support of Guard and Reserve.