If you're a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veterans' preference, as well as other veteran specific hiring options.
Veterans' preference
With Veterans' Preference, you may receive preference over non-veteran applicants in the hiring process. Veterans' Preference can be used when applying to permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted service (of the executive branch).
There are three types of veterans' preferences:
- Disabled (10-point preference eligible)
- Non-disabled (5-point preference eligible)
- Sole survivorship (0-point preference eligible)
How do I know a job is open to veterans?
In the job announcement look for the This job is open to section. When a job is open to veterans you'll see this icon: There may be other groups listed that can also apply.
You can also select the veterans filter in search. Your results will display all jobs open to Veterans.
Documents you may need Claiming Veterans' Preference
When claiming Veterans' Preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, certificate of release or discharge from active duty or other acceptable documentation. Applicants claiming 10-point preference will need to submit Form SF-15 or other acceptable documentation.
DD-214 Certificate of release or discharge from active duty
The DD-214 is issued to military members upon separation from active service. It contains information about the veteran's dates of military service and separation. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their form DD-214 Report of Separation and other military and medical records through the National Archives Veterans' Records Service.
SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference
The SF-15 is used by federal agencies and OPM examining offices to adjudicate individuals' claims for Veterans' Preference. Note that a letter from the VA that contains the following may be sufficient instead of a SF-15:
- Dates of service
- Discharge status
- Disability rating
