Veterans' Preference in Federal Hiring
5-point preference for most veterans; 10-point for disabled veterans. Added to your score on federal job exams and rankings.
Who qualifies: Veterans, Veterans with a service-connected disability.
Veterans' Preference gives eligible veterans an edge in the federal hiring process:
• 5-point preference: most veterans with honorable or general discharge
• 10-point preference: veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability (or those receiving compensation, pension, or DIC)
• 10-point preference: Purple Heart recipients, disabled veterans, and certain spouses/survivors
Points are added to passing examination scores. Additionally, disabled veterans get hiring authority advantages (Schedule A, 30% or more disabled veteran hiring authority).
Some federal agencies have additional veteran hiring programs (VRA – Veterans Recruitment Appointment, VEOA – Veterans Employment Opportunities Act).