Veterans Preference in Federal Hiring: 5 Points, 10 Points and the Documents You Need

Veterans Preference in Federal Hiring

When a federal job announcement says "veterans preference applies", it means something concrete. A qualifying veteran gets points added to the score, or priority in a layoff. The Veterans Preference Points Checker helps you find your category and the documents to attach.

The two levels

5 points (TP). For veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions and served on active duty during a war, in a campaign or expedition with a campaign badge, or during certain periods in the law. The Global War on Terrorism period is included.

10 points. For veterans with a service-connected disability (a rating of 10 percent or more), veterans who received a Purple Heart, and certain family members: the spouse of a disabled veteran who cannot work, the widow or widower of a veteran who died in service or of a service-connected condition, and the mother of a deceased or permanently disabled veteran in some cases. Veterans with a rating of 30 percent or more are in the compensable category and have extra advantages, such as access to special appointments.

Discharge type

The discharge must be honorable or general under honorable conditions. Other discharges generally do not qualify a veteran, although the family rules have their own conditions.

How the tool decides

Answer five questions: the period of service, the discharge, the disability rating, whether you have a Purple Heart and whether you are a family member. The result shows the points, the category code and the reason in plain words, then the documents to bring. If your answers fit more than one rule, the highest category wins.

Documents

For 5 points attach the DD-214, member 4 copy, showing service dates and character of discharge. For 10 points attach the SF-15 application, plus a VA letter that shows the rating or proof of the Purple Heart. Family members add proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate, and proof of the veteran's status. Upload clear scans: a missing page is a common reason that preference is not applied.

A worked example

A veteran served during the Global War on Terrorism and was discharged honorably: 5 points, DD-214. A year later the VA grants a 40 percent rating: the category becomes 10 points, and the documents are the DD-214, the SF-15 and the VA letter. A veteran who has a general discharge under other-than-honorable conditions would have no preference, but his wife, if he cannot work because of a service-connected disability, could qualify for 10 points.

How preference works in the score

In many hiring systems the points are added to the numerical score after the applicant has passed the assessment, so the veteran must still qualify. For some jobs the agency lists eligible candidates in categories with veterans first. Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service and some other positions.

Limits of this checker

The law has details by date, by service branch and by program. The hiring agency checks documents and makes the decision. Use the tool as a screening aid and read the announcement.

Quick questions

When do I attach the documents? At the time you apply on USAJOBS; claiming preference in the questionnaire without the document often leads to it being ignored.

Do I need to update my SF-15 if my rating changes? Yes. A new VA letter shows your new percentage and may move you from a 10-point category to the compensable one.

Is preference used in internal promotions? Usually not. It applies to initial hiring from outside and to reductions in force; check the announcement's "who may apply" section.

Does a spouse qualify without the veteran applying? Yes, if the rules for the family category are met; the spouse submits the documents.