Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Additional points on state employment entrance exams for honorably discharged veterans.
State BenefitIllinoisEmployment
Verified September 30, 2026 against careers.illinois.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Employment — Illinois
- Who it's for
- Veterans, National Guard, Reservists, Spouses, Survivors
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- Illinois
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Veterans' Preference in State Employment is a Illinois employment benefit for veterans, national guard, reservists, spouses, survivors. Additional points on state employment entrance exams for honorably discharged veterans.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- National Guard
- Reservists
- Spouses
- Survivors
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- Illinois residency
Who is eligible
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 302.30): 3 points added to the entrance examination grade 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 apply for Veterans' Preference in State Employment
How to claim
Indicate veteran status on your state application and submit supporting documentation to the CMS Veterans Outreach Program.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- careers.illinois.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 Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Who qualifies for Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Veterans' Preference in State Employment is for Veterans, National Guard, Reservists, Spouses, Survivors; available to any veteran; illinois residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How do I apply for 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 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.