Federal Employment Preference
5-10 point hiring preference for federal jobs.
About this benefit
Eligibility
Honorably discharged veterans who served in qualifying war/campaign/expedition periods or other defined service periods receive 5-point preference.
10-point preference: Veterans with a COMPENSABLE service-connected disability rating (10% or higher) OR who are receiving compensation, disability retirement, or pension from the VA or military, OR Purple Heart recipients. A 0% non-compensable rating alone does NOT qualify for 10-point preference.
30%+ disability: Veterans rated 30% or higher qualify for non-competitive appointment authority and special placement on competitive certificates.
How it works
Points are added to your passing score on competitive federal job exams. You may also be placed ahead of non-preference candidates on hiring lists.
Applies to
Most competitive service positions in the federal government.
How to claim
Indicate veteran status on your USAJOBS application and provide DD-214. For 10-point preference, also submit Standard Form SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) with supporting documentation such as your VA disability letter.
Verified against official source
Last checked 2026-04-30 against www.opm.gov. Always confirm current rates and rules with the VA before applying — eligibility rules and dollar amounts change with each fiscal year.
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