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Preference Eligible
Practical Law Glossary Item 4-585-9268 (Approx. 3 pages)
Glossary
Preference Eligible
An individual whose veteran status or relationship to a veteran entitles them to preferential hiring or retention during reductions in force in federal government employment. The federal government generally gives preference to:
- Veterans who served on active duty during specific wars or campaigns and who were honorably discharged.
- Disabled veterans who served on active duty, have a service-connected disability, or receive disability-related compensation, retirement benefits, or pension.
- Unmarried widows or widowers of certain veterans.
- Mothers of certain deceased or disabled veterans, under particular circumstances.
Retired members of the armed forces are generally not given preference unless they qualify as disabled veterans or retired below the rank of major or its equivalent (5 U.S.C. § 2108(4)). Other laws may entitle veterans to preferences for federal appointments, including the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA).
For more information, see Practice Notes, Veteran Hiring in the Federal Service and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) Appeals Before the MSPB.