Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Additional points on state employment entrance exams for honorably discharged veterans.
Who qualifies
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- Illinois residency
Details
Eligibility
Honorably discharged veteran (or eligible Illinois National Guard / Reserve member) with at least 6 months of qualifying service. Must submit DD-214/215, NGB22, or USDVA proof of service-connected disability.
How it works (per 80 Ill. Adm. Code 420.300): 3 points added to the entrance exam passing score for honorably discharged veterans with 6+ months of service; 5 points for veterans who served during U.S. hostilities or were called to active duty during hostilities; 10 points for veterans currently receiving USDVA service-connected disability compensation OR Purple Heart recipients (also 10 points for one parent of a deceased / disabled veteran). Unremarried surviving spouses receive the same preference the veteran would have received.
How to claim
Indicate veteran status on your state application and submit supporting documentation to the CMS Veterans Outreach Program.
Always confirm current rates and rules with the Illinois state agency before applying.
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