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Veterans’ Preference

Idaho Law provides veterans’ preference for individuals who have been in active service, other than active duty for training, of the United States as defined by Idaho Code, Title 65, Chapter 5, Section 502. Veterans’ preference is also provided for individuals who have served on active duty in the armed services, have been discharged honorably, and who have a present service-connected disability of 10% or more, or are a Purple Heart recipient. Veterans’ preference points, where applicable, are added to the final score and may improve a veteran’s position on a list of qualified candidates. The preference points added are used only for initial appointment and not for promotions, transfers, or reassignments. Veterans’ preference requires public employers to provide additional consideration for eligible veterans, but it does not guarantee the veteran a job.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for veterans’ preference points, you must have been discharged under honorable conditions and served:

  • At any time and have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or are a Purple Heart recipient; or
  • During a war; or
  • During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or
  • During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992; or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom;  or
  • In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.

Additionally, if you are the spouse of a disabled veteran who is physically unable to qualify for any public employment because of a service-connected disability or are the widow(er) of a preference eligible veteran or disabled veteran who remains unmarried, you are eligible to receive veterans’ preference points. *For a complete list of wars, campaigns, and expeditions of the Armed Forces which qualify for veterans’ preference, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/.

Claiming Veterans’ Preference

Veterans’ preference is limited to Ada County initial hire only. To claim veterans’ preference, please complete the Veterans’ Preference form found at the link below. Claim forms must be received by the closing date of the position you are applying for.  If you receive a conditional job offer, a copy of your DD214 (showing an honorable discharge) will be required at that time.

Questions?
Email Candi Presley at [email protected].