Federal veterans preference: 5-point and 10-point
How to claim the points that help you in federal hiring, and the paperwork that proves them.
What it is
Veterans preference gives eligible veterans an advantage over other applicants when a federal agency hires from outside or through a competitive process. It does not happen automatically. You have to claim it and send proof with your application.
Who qualifies, and what you get
- 5 points: honorable or general discharge and service of more than 180 consecutive days (other than for training) in a listed period, such as 11 September 2001 through 31 August 2010 (Operation Iraqi Freedom) or the Gulf War (2 August 1990 to 2 January 1992), or service in a campaign or expedition for which a medal or badge was authorized.
- 10 points: a service-connected disability, or a Purple Heart. OPM groups these as CPS (30 percent or more), CP (10 to 29 percent) and XP (less than 10 percent).
- 0 points: sole survivors, who rank ahead of non-preference applicants with the same score.
Law: 5 U.S.C. 2108 defines who is a preference eligible and 5 U.S.C. 3309 adds the 5 or 10 points.
Who qualifies, and what you get
What paperwork to send
- 5 points: your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other acceptable proof of service.
- 10 points: the SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference plus the proof listed on it, such as your VA disability rating letter or Purple Heart proof, along with your DD-214.
Send photocopies, because the SF-15 says documents are not returned. Read each job announcement on USAJOBS, since agencies list exactly what to upload.
Traps
- Preference applies to hiring. OPM says it does not apply to internal promotions, transfers or reassignments.
- You need an honorable or general discharge.
- Missing paperwork means missing points. If you have a disability rating, send the SF-15 with the letter, not just the DD-214.
Related, in one line
To be hired without competing at all, see the separate page on non-competitive hiring (VRA and the 30 percent disabled veteran authority).
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- OPM main line: 202-606-1800 (TTY 711). OPM lists no separate veterans number. Source: opm.gov/about-us/contact-us
- VA main information line (MyVA411), 24/7: 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). Source: va.gov/contact-us (for a copy of your disability rating letter)
Official pages
Next step: the application itself
Knowing your preference or hiring authority is one half. The other half is the application. My USAJOBS Guide & Workbook is a 22-page, step-by-step walkthrough of the federal resume and questionnaire. $30, instant PDF download. See the USAJOBS guide.
Written by Richard Schott: seven years in the Marine Corps, thirteen in the Army, retired Sergeant First Class, and two years in the Fort Riley transition office.