State Benefit·New Hampshire·💼Employment

Veterans' Employment Preference

Tiebreaker preference for veterans (and disabled veterans/spouses) when otherwise equally qualified for state and public employment.

Verified May 12, 2026againstgc.nh.gov

At a glance

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

What is Veterans' Employment Preference?

Veterans' Employment Preference is a New Hampshire employment benefit for veterans, spouses, survivors. Tiebreaker preference for veterans (and disabled veterans/spouses) when otherwise equally qualified for state and public employment.

Who qualifies

VeteransSpousesSurvivors

Available to any veteran
Honorable discharge required
New Hampshire residency

How to apply

Apply through the official New Hampshire agency.

Open application

What Veterans' Employment Preference covers

Overview

Per RSA 283:4 (State Liquor Commission) and RSA 21:50 (veteran/military-spouse definitions): When the state is the employer, preference in hiring is given to a veteran who is one of multiple candidates otherwise equally qualified. RSA 275-G:2 separately authorizes PRIVATE employers to adopt a written veterans preference policy applied uniformly to hiring and promotion. HB 64 (effective Aug 22, 2025) broadened qualifying categories and added procurement preference for disabled veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses.

Important to know

NH does NOT use the federal 5/10-point system; preference is a tiebreaker between equally qualified candidates.

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: gc.nh.gov

Apply at: nh.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.

Frequently asked questions about Veterans' Employment Preference

Who qualifies for Veterans' Employment Preference?▾

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

How do I apply for Veterans' Employment 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' Employment 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.

Other New Hampshire Employment

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Waiver of the CDL skills road test for military service members with qualifying commercial vehicle experience.

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