Priority of Service at American Job Centers
Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority over non-veterans for all services at DC American Job Centers.
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Employment — Washington D.C.
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Spouses
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- Washington D.C.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Priority of Service at American Job Centers?
Priority of Service at American Job Centers is a Washington D.C. employment benefit for veterans, spouses. Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority over non-veterans for all services at DC American Job Centers.
Who qualifies
- Available to any veteran
- Washington D.C. residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Veterans and eligible spouses who meet the eligibility criteria in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and federally mandated programs. For priority of service, DOES uses the federal definition of "veteran" in 38 U.S.C. 101(2) (a person who served at least one day in active military, naval, or air service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable). "Eligible spouse" is defined under the Jobs for Veterans Act (38 U.S.C. 4215[a]).
What Priority of Service at American Job Centers covers
Coverage
Priority over non-covered persons (those not eligible for priority of service) earlier in time for the full array of services at DC American Job Centers, operated by the Department of Employment Services (DOES). Covered services include registration at an American Job Center, one-on-one case management services, assessment of individual interests, skills, and abilities along with counseling, follow-up services, and assistance in securing medical services or counseling. The Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program is available to eligible veterans.
Important to know
DOES is located at 4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20019; general phone (202) 724-7000; email does@dc.gov.
How to apply for Priority of Service at American Job Centers
How to apply
Visit any American Job Center, or contact the Veterans Program Coordinator at (202) 698-5819.
Verified information & sources
Last verified: May 12, 2026
Official source: does.dc.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 Priority of Service at American Job Centers
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