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State Benefit·Illinois·💼Employment

Veterans' Preference in State Employment

Additional points on state employment entrance exams for honorably discharged veterans.

Verified May 12, 2026againstcareers.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
May 12, 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

VeteransNational GuardReservistsSpousesSurvivors
  • Available to any veteran
  • Honorable discharge required
  • Illinois residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Illinois agency.

Open application

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 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 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.

Open applicationVerify at official source

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 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.

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Frequently 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.

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