State Benefit·Massachusetts·💼Employment

Veterans' Civil Service Preference

Absolute preference on civil service eligibility lists for veterans, with disabled veterans receiving top priority.

Verified May 12, 2026againstmass.gov

At a glance

Benefit type: Employment — Massachusetts
Who it's for: Veterans, Spouses, Survivors
VA rating needed: No rating requirement
Where it applies: Massachusetts
Last verified: May 12, 2026

What is Veterans' Civil Service Preference?

Veterans' Civil Service Preference is a Massachusetts employment benefit for veterans, spouses, survivors. Absolute preference on civil service eligibility lists for veterans, with disabled veterans receiving top priority.

Who qualifies

VeteransSpousesSurvivors

Available to any veteran
Massachusetts residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Massachusetts agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

Veteran as defined under MA General Laws Chapter 31. Must pass open competitive civil service exams (standard passing score is 70).

What Veterans' Civil Service Preference covers

Covers

Open competitive exams: absolute preference -- placed at the head of the eligibility list ahead of non-veterans regardless of score (per MGL c.31 §26). Promotional exams: 2 points added to passing score. Non-exam positions: preference over non-veterans. Public works: hiring preference. Priority order: (1) disabled veterans, (2) veterans, (3) spouses/single parents of KIA veterans.

Veterans in unclassified state positions for 3+ years cannot be involuntarily separated for lack of work if similar non-veteran positions exist.

How to apply for Veterans' Civil Service Preference

How to apply

Preference applied automatically when indicating veteran status on civil service applications.

Open application Verify at official source

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: mass.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' Civil Service Preference

Who qualifies for Veterans' Civil Service Preference?▾

Veterans' Civil Service Preference is for Veterans, Spouses, Survivors; available to any veteran; massachusetts residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.

How do I apply for Veterans' Civil Service Preference?▾

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' Civil Service Preference?▾

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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