Veterans Preference in federal hiring remains a powerful tool for qualifying veterans in 2026, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) continues to protect the civilian employment rights of service members . Veterans Preference adds 5 or 10 points to the qualifying scores of eligible veterans applying for federal jobs , and USERRA prohibits discrimination based on military service while guaranteeing reemployment rights for returning service members . Meanwhile, the Department of Labor has expanded employment programs for veterans, including a $23 million Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program grant and enhanced Transition Assistance Program resources .
What Is Veterans Preference and How Does It Work in 2026?
Veterans Preference is a hiring advantage for veterans seeking federal employment . It provides that qualified veterans receive priority consideration over non-veterans in the federal hiring process . The system adds points to a veteran's passing score on a job application exam .
5-Point and 10-Point Preference Explained
| Preference Type | Eligibility | Points Added |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Point (TP) | Served on active duty during a qualifying war, campaign, or expedition; honorable/general discharge; no service-connected disability | 5 points |
| 10-Point (CP) | Compensable service-connected disability rated 10-29% | 10 points |
| 10-Point (CPS) | Compensable service-connected disability rated 30% or more | 10 points |
| 10-Point (XP) | Service-connected disability rated less than 10%, OR received Purple Heart | 10 points |
Important: Purple Heart recipients qualify for 10-point preference regardless of VA disability rating .
Where Veterans Preference Applies
Veterans Preference applies to federal job announcements open to the public . It does not apply to:
- Merit promotion announcements (internal federal hiring)
- Senior Executive Service (SES) positions
- Many excepted service positions
Critical reminder: Veterans Preference does not guarantee a job. You must still meet all qualification requirements .
How to Claim Veterans Preference
When applying for federal jobs through USAJOBS.gov:
- Select "Veterans" under the "Hiring path" filter
- Upload your DD-214 (certificate of release or discharge) to USAJOBS
- For disability preference, also upload your VA disability rating letter
The VA encourages veterans to "find jobs they qualify for by selecting the 'Veterans' option in the 'Hiring path' filter or by looking for a green shield icon" on job announcements .
USERRA Protections in 2026: Your Employment Rights
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the civilian employment rights of veterans and service members . The law prohibits discrimination based on past military service, current military obligations, or intent to serve .
Key USERRA Protections
Discrimination Prohibited: Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate based on military service .
Military Leave: Employees can take up to five cumulative years of military leave. Employers cannot require employees to use paid time off (though employees may choose to do so) .
Reemployment Rights: Returning service members must be reemployed in the "escalator position" the position they would have attained if continuously employed .
Reemployment Deadlines
| Length of Military Service | When to Report or Request Reemployment |
|---|---|
| 1 to 30 days | Report on next scheduled workday after safe travel time and 8-hour rest |
| 31 to 180 days | Apply for reemployment within 14 days |
| More than 180 days | Apply for reemployment within 90 days |
Protection Against Discharge
Employers cannot terminate reinstated service members "except for cause" during special protection periods :
| Length of Military Service | Special Protection Period |
|---|---|
| 31 to 180 days | 180 days |
| 181 days or more | 1 year |
Health Benefits Continuation
- Up to 30 days: Employer must continue regular health coverage
- Exceeding 30 days: Employee may elect continuation coverage for up to 24 months
Who Is Covered by USERRA
USERRA applies to all employers, regardless of size, and protects :
- Active duty service members (all branches)
- National Guard and Reserve members (when activated)
- FEMA reservists deploying to disaster sites
- Full-time, part-time, temporary, and probationary employees
Note: National Guard service for a state is not protected by USERRA, though state laws may provide similar protections .
Veterans Employment Programs in 2026
Department of Labor VETS Priorities
The Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has two chief priorities for 2026 :
- "High-Paying, Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future" preparing veterans for careers in growing industries
- Expanding the Employment Navigator and Partnership Program ensuring seamless transitions from service to civilian careers
$23 Million Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program
The DOL announced $23 million in grant funding to support homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness . The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) provides:
- Workplace skills training
- Registered Apprenticeship program support
- Employment placement assistance
Each recipient can receive up to $500,000 annually for three years .
VA Career Opportunities
VA is one of the largest employers of veterans in the nation . VA encourages veterans to "continue serving through a rewarding career at VA" . Veterans can search for VA jobs on USAJOBS.gov using the Veterans hiring path filter .
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
The DOL provides Transition Assistance Program resources to help service members transition to civilian careers . This includes employment workshops and federal hiring guidance.
Employee Benefits Security Administration and USERRA Enforcement
The 2026 President's Budget includes $54.048 million for USERRA enforcement through the Employee Benefits Security Administration , ensuring employers comply with veterans' reemployment rights.
Annual Training Requirements
Supervisors, hiring managers, HR professionals, and Senior Executives must complete annual USERRA and Veterans Employment training by July 31, 2026 . This training covers :
| Course | Who Must Take It | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| USERRA 2026 | Supervisors, hiring managers, Senior Executives, HR professionals, and civilian employees in Reserves/National Guard | USERRA law and reemployment rights |
| Veterans Employment Training 2026 | Hiring managers and HR professionals | Tools and benefits of hiring veterans |
Realistic Veteran Scenario
Michael's Story: Michael is an Army veteran with a 30% VA disability rating. He separated from active duty in 2024 and is applying for a federal job. He creates an account on USAJOBS.gov and uploads his DD-214 and VA disability rating letter. He applies for a position open to the public, selecting the "Veterans" hiring path filter. Because he has a compensable disability, he qualifies for 10-point CPS preference .
During the hiring process, Michael's 10 points are added to his passing score, giving him a significant advantage over non-veteran applicants. He is hired for the position.
Two years later, Michael is called back to active duty for 9 months. His employer must allow him to take military leave. Under USERRA, he does not need to provide advance notice his military orders serve as notice . When he returns, his employer must reemploy him in the "escalator position" he would have attained if he had stayed including any promotions or pay increases he missed during his service .
Actionable Steps
- Claim your Veterans Preference. Upload your DD-214 and VA rating letter to USAJOBS.gov.
- Know your USERRA rights. Understand your reemployment deadlines and protection against discrimination.
- Use the Veterans hiring path filter. On USAJOBS, select the Veterans option under Hiring path or look for the green shield icon .
- Explore VA careers. VA is one of the largest employers of veterans .
- Connect with employment resources. Contact the DOL Veterans' Employment and Training Service or your local VSO for job search assistance.
- Understand your rights on military leave. Employers cannot require you to use PTO for military duty, and you must be reinstated promptly .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Veterans Preference and how do I claim it?
Veterans Preference adds 5 or 10 points to the qualifying scores of eligible veterans applying for federal jobs . To claim it, upload your DD-214 to USAJOBS.gov and select the Veterans hiring path filter .
What is the difference between 5-point and 10-point Veterans Preference?
5-point preference applies to veterans who served during a qualifying period but have no service-connected disability. 10-point preference applies to veterans with a service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, and certain others .
What is USERRA and how does it protect me?
USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating based on military service and guarantees reemployment rights for returning service members . It applies to all employers regardless of size.
What happens if I miss work for military duty?
Employers cannot require you to use paid time off for military duty (though you may choose to). You must be allowed to take the leave and reinstated promptly when you return .
Does Veterans Preference apply to all federal jobs?
No. It applies primarily to job announcements open to the public. It does not apply to merit promotion announcements (internal hiring), SES positions, or many excepted service positions .
What is the "escalator position" under USERRA?
The escalator position is the job you would have attained if you had remained continuously employed including promotions, pay raises, and seniority. Returning service members are entitled to this position .
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or career advice. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a substitute for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Department of Labor. Policies, rules, and laws change frequently. Please verify all details on official .gov websites and consult an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), career counselor, or employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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Use the Free CalculatorMedical and legal disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, forms, and compensation rates change frequently.
Always verify current information on VA.gov before filing a claim. For personalized guidance, contact a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney.
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