Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment
5 preference points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on state and local government employment ratings.
State BenefitIdahoEmployment
Verified September 30, 2026 against labor.idaho.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Employment — Idaho
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Spouses, Survivors
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- Idaho
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment is a Idaho employment benefit for veterans, spouses, survivors. 5 preference points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on state and local government employment ratings.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Spouses
- Survivors
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- Idaho residency
What Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment covers
Overview
Eligibility (per Idaho Code 65-504 and 65-503): Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 preference points. Veterans with a current 10%+ service-connected disability receive 10 preference points. Widows/widowers of veterans (while unmarried) and spouses of service-connected disabled veterans (where the veteran cannot work due to the disability) also qualify.
Covers
Points added to the earned rating on competitive examinations for state, county, city, and other local public employer positions. Veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability who meet all qualifications for the position must be granted an interview. Points apply only to initial appointment, not to promotions, transfers, or reassignments.
Limitations
Does not apply to internal promotions/transfers, second positions with the same employer, or temporary/casual positions.
How to apply for Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment
How to apply
Claimed during the application process for covered public positions.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- labor.idaho.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Who qualifies for Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment is for Veterans, Spouses, Survivors; available to any veteran; idaho residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How do I apply for Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Idaho Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.