Veterans Preference in Public Employment (Minnesota) — Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Who qualifies for Veterans Preference in Public Employment in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

10 preference points for non-disabled veterans, 15 for disabled veterans on public employment hiring. It is available to any honorably discharged veteran regardless of disability rating. You must be a Minnesota resident to qualify.

Question 2

How do I apply for Veterans Preference in Public Employment?

Accepted Answer

Apply through the official Minnesota agency at mn.gov (linked from this page). Required documentation typically includes: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Minnesota residency. For free help with the application, contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

Question 3

Does Veterans Preference in Public Employment stack with federal VA benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Veterans Preference in Public Employment is a Minnesota state benefit administered separately from federal VA benefits. Minnesota veterans can receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Minnesota state programs they qualify for simultaneously. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal benefits first; check the eligibility section above.

Question 4

Does Veterans Preference in Public Employment cover spouses or surviving family members?

Accepted Answer

Veterans Preference in Public Employment as listed is the veteran-directed program. Minnesota administers several parallel programs for spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children — including dependent tuition waivers, survivor benefits, and (in many states) cemetery interment rights. Eligibility for those is determined separately by family relationship and the veteran's service record. See the related-benefits section below.

Question 5

Is Veterans Preference in Public Employment a federal or state benefit?

Accepted Answer

Veterans Preference in Public Employment is a Minnesota state-level benefit, administered by Minnesota's state Department of Veterans Affairs (or partner state agency depending on benefit type). It is funded by Minnesota state taxpayers and is in addition to — not instead of — any federal VA benefits a veteran qualifies for. Eligibility requires Minnesota residency.

Veterans Preference in Public Employment

Who qualifies

How to apply

Details

Eligibility

Non-disabled veterans

Other Minnesota Employment

Recently Separated Veteran Interview Guarantee

Disabled Veteran Direct Appointment to State Jobs

See every benefit you qualify for in Minnesota