Veteran's Preference
Students with veteran's preference are given a priority hiring status over equally qualified students who do not have veteran's preference. Preference provides a uniform method by which special consideration is given to qualified veterans seeking Federal employment. To be eligible for preference, a veteran must meet the eligibility requirements in section 2108 of title 5, United States Code. This means that:
- An honorable or general discharge is necessary;
- Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible for preference unless they are disabled veterans;
- Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for preference;
When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should indicate on their resume that they are claiming veterans preference. Applicants claiming 5-point preference should supply a copy of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility upon receipt of a job offer. Applicants claiming 10-point preference will be required to complete form SF-15 upon receipt of a job offer.
Application
for 10-Point Veteran Preference (PDF). [PDF
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5-Point Preference
Five points are added to the passing examination score of a veteran who served on active duty:
- During the period December 7, 1941, to July 1, 1955; or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or
- During a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized.
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992. The law grants preference to persons otherwise eligible and who served on active duty during this period, regardless of where the person served or for how long. The law also authorizes the Secretary of each military department to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Bosnia during the period of November 20, 1995, to a date to be determined.
10-Point Preference
Ten points are added to the passing examination score of:
- A veteran who served at any time and who (1) has a present service-connected disability or (2) is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals who received a Purple Heart qualify as disabled veterans.
- An unmarried spouse of certain deceased veterans, a spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service-connected disability, and
- A mother of a veteran who died in service or who is permanently and totally disabled.