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Federal Employment

10-Point Veteran Preference (Form SF-15)

Claim your 10-point federal hiring preference.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

No government fee

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

Evaluated during federal hiring review

Category

Federal Employment

Who qualifies

Disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and qualifying spouses, widows, or mothers of disabled or deceased veterans applying for U.S. federal jobs.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Identify your preference category

    Select whether you are claiming preference as a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or derived beneficiary spouse, widow, or mother.

    Watch out: Selecting the incorrect preference type will delay or cancel your claim.
    Common rejection reason: Choosing a preference tier without meeting qualifying criteria.
  2. 2

    Gather official military and medical records

    Obtain your DD-214 discharge papers and official Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability award letters.

    Watch out: Civilian medical records cannot substitute for VA or military service branch ratings.
    Common rejection reason: Submitting incomplete DD-214 copies that lack discharge status.
  3. 3

    Complete Form SF-15

    Fill out applicant information, veteran details if claiming derived preference, and mark the checkboxes matching your documentation.

    Watch out: Leaving veteran identification fields blank when filing a derived claim.
    Common rejection reason: Missing applicant signature or incomplete claim section.
  4. 4

    Submit with federal job application

    Attach Form SF-15 and all required supporting documentation directly to your USAJOBS application before the vacancy closing date.

    Watch out: Documents must be uploaded prior to the job announcement deadline.
    Common rejection reason: Submitting the form without the mandatory evidentiary attachments.

Documents you'll need

  • Form DD-214 (Member 4 or Service 2 Copy)

    Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty showing character of service.

    Note: Must document an honorable discharge or qualifying separation.

  • VA Disability Rating Letter

    Official letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming service-connected disability rating.

    Note: Must confirm disability percentage or receipt of disability pension.

  • Proof of Relationship (Derived Preference)

    Marriage certificate, death certificate, or birth certificate if claiming through a veteran.

    Note: Required only for spouses, unremarried widows/widowers, or mothers.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

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Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.