What determines whether I am eligible to claim 5-point or 10-point preference?

You are a 5 point preference eligible if your active duty service meets any of the following:

• Served during a war
• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized

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 claim veterans' preference eligibility, you may also visit the Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor.

Who determines eligibility for veterans' preference?

Congress determines eligibility for veterans' preference through laws outlined in title 5, United States Code, Section 2108 ( 5 USC 2108). However, the Federal agency to which a veteran applies for employment will adjudicate claims for veterans' preference.  The agency will outline the information it needs in order to adjudicate claims for veterans' preference

Does veterans' preference apply to appointments made under VEOA?

No. veterans' preference does not apply to appointments using VEOA.

Where can I find the Standard Form (SF)-15 to submit as part of my application package?

A fillable SF-15 can be found on OPM's website.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can use my veterans' preference when applying for Federal jobs?

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.

I am currently on active duty and will not get my DD 214 until I am separated or retired. Is there any other official documentation that I can submit with an application package in lieu of the DD 214 to verify that I am eligible for veterans’ preference or one of the special hiring authorities for veterans?

Yes – You can request a Statement of Service through your Military Personnel Office.  The Statement of Service will need to list your dates of military service, character of service, and expected date of separation.  If you have been awarded a service-connected disability rating from your branch of military service, include the disability rating in your Statement of Service.

The job posting that I am applying to indicates that I must submit proof of my service-connected disability rating. What do I send as proof of my service-connected disability?

You can request a letter certifying that you have a service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  To request the letter call VA at 1-800-827-1000. 

Are there any Veteran representatives within Federal agencies that I can contact for job information within their organizations?

Yes – Veteran Employment Program Offices (VEPO) are located at 24 Federal agencies in the Executive Branch of Government. These offices are responsible for promoting Veterans' recruitment, employment, training and development, and retention within their respective agencies. Veterans are encouraged to contact these offices for specific information on employment opportunities in those agencies. A complete listing of Federal agency VEPO's is located on the Feds Hire Vets website.

I am a student veteran. How do I find out about student internships and employment offered within the Federal Government?

Please visit the USAJOBS website for information. Additionally, individual agency websites may list student employment opportunities.