What is USERRA and who does it protect?

Quick answer
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that protects military service members and veterans from employment discrimination based on their service and allows them to regain their civilian jobs after a period of uniformed service. It covers veterans and members of the active and Reserve components of the U.S. armed forces, including the National Guard, and other uniformed services like the National Disaster Medical System and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

• Employees performing or returning from a period of uniformed service.
• This article focuses on leave for an employee's own military service, not leave to care for an injured service member or for qualifying exigencies.

Key facts

1. USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for covered service members and veterans.
2. Covered uniformed services include the active and Reserve components of the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard, the National Disaster Medical System, and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.
3. Employers are required to provide covered employees a notice of their rights, benefits, and obligations under USERRA.

What if it doesn't work

• Not applicable — this article is background information, not a procedure.

Limits and exceptions

• Not applicable — see related articles for eligibility criteria and specific protections.

Related questions

• Who qualifies for reemployment under USERRA?
• How does USERRA protect employees who return from military service?
• What are the time limits for returning to work after military leave?
• Does my state have its own military leave law?