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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Such an employee remains subject to time-in-grade restrictions. However, a current career conditional employee is not restricted from applying to this type of announcements when there is a demographic area of consideration.
Yes. On the Feds Hire Vets website, OPM posts employment data that shows Federal agency hiring of veterans. The report Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch of Government, shows data for veterans being hired in the Federal Government.
No. Veterans' preference points do not apply to merit promotion announcements using VEOA. VEOA allows certain veterans to apply to vacancy announcements that are open under merit promotions procedures outside of the agency's workforce.
The certifying officer block on the SF-15 is signed by the agency representative. You do not need to have this signed when submitting with your application.
Yes. There is no limit to the number of times you can use veterans' preference.
No. VEOA eligibles are not restricted to demographic restrictions. Any individual eligible under VEOA, regardless of where they are located, may compete for a vacancy whenever the hiring agency will accept applications from outside its own workforce.
On the USAJOBS website, OPM posts employment openings showing Federal agency hiring opportunities of veterans. The website can be found at:
www.usajobs.gov Additionally, individual agency websites will list employment information.
Yes. Such an employee remains subject to time-in-grade restrictions.
You may file a compliant with the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service. This agency is in charge with investigation violations of veterans' preference in Federal employment. Information on how to file a complaint may be found at:
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/1010.htm.
No. While OPM provides governmentwide leadership on Federal programs and policies, OPM does not investigate individual complaints alleging prohibited personnel practices. Complaints alleging prohibited personnel practices and retaliation should be directed to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). OSC receives, investigates, and prosecutes allegations of prohibited personnel practices and can be visited at
www.osc.gov.
No. When the veteran is able to use his or her entitilement to veterans' preference in Federal employment, the spouse may not use that entitlement at the same time. However, further details on the specific criteria that must be met to derived veterans' preference as a spouse can be found on
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/familypref/index.aspx
Maybe. Mothers and spouses of a severely disabled veteran are able to claim entitlement to derived veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it due to his or her service connected disability. Further details on the specific criteria that must be met can be found at:
http
://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/familypref/index.aspx
Maybe. Not all veterans are considered veterans for the purpose of Federal civilian employment under title 5 United States Code section 2108 and not all active duty service qualifies for veterans' preference. Veterans' preference is based on dates of active duty service, receipt of campaign badges or purple heart, or having a service-connected disability.
Maybe. Not all veterans are considered veterans for the purpose of Federal civilian employment under title 5 United States Code section 2108 and not all active duty service qualifies for veterans' preference. Veterans' preference is based on dates of active duty service, receipt of campaign badges or Purple Heart, or having a service-connected disability. Visit
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx for additional information on veterans’ preference.
Maybe. If you are applying under merit promotion procedures, time-in-grade is required. However, if your appointment is based on a selection from an open competitive examination of eligibles or under a direct hire authority then the answer may be no. Check with the agency HR office you are applying to find out how this will apply in your case.
No. There is no limit on how many times you can apply and claim an entitlement to veterans' preference. However, it is important to remember that veterans' preference does not apply when the agency is using merit promotion procedures to fill a position.
Speak with your agency HR office and they will be able to provide you the necessary information.
You are a 5 point preference eligible if your active duty service meets any of the following:
- 180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001 and ending on a future date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law as the last date of Operation Iraqi Freedom, OR
- Between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 1992, OR
- 180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before October 15, 1976, OR
- In a war, campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955.
You are a 10 point preference eligible if you served at any time, and you:
- have a service connected disability, OR
- received a Purple Heart.
If you are still unsure on your ability to calim veterans' preference eligibility, you may also visit the Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm.
The SF-15 is used by Federal agencies and OPM examining offices to adjudicate individuals' claims for veterans' preference in accordance with the Veterans' Preference Act of 1994.
The VEPO is responsible for promoting veterans' recruitment, employment, training and development, and retention within respective agencies. Veterans are encouraged to contact these individuals for specific information on employment opportunities in those agencies.
You will find the most current information regarding special hiring authorities on the Feds Hire Vets website at:
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx
Also, if you have questions about the applicability and use of veterans' preference and these authorities, please contact the agency posting the announcement or where you are interested in working.
The SF-15 and any other requested documentation is submitted to the agency where you are applying for employment.
The Federal agency you are applying to for employment will request a copy of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other acceptable documentation to support and adjudicate your claim for veterans' preference.
If you have a question about a particular job opportunity announcement, you will need to contact the Federal agency representative who posted the announcement. The point of contact information is generally listed at the bottom of the announcement.
Looking for information regarding pay, leave, employment, retirement benefits, or something else?
Please take a look at the Office of Personnel Management's Frequently Asked Questions.