What is SF-15?

Standard Form 15 or SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, is a form that federal agencies and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) use for the verification of an individual’s eligibility for veteran’s benefits, in accordance with the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1994.

Veterans and their relatives may file SF-15. While in general, veterans use the form for employment purposes, they can also use it to claim benefits for service-related disabilities and physical and psychological injuries and diseases, among other things. Congress determines the eligibility for the preferences for a veteran under the United States Code; thus, the applying veterans must indicate the type of preference in the form.

How to fill out SF-15?

SF-15 is a two-page document that requires the information of the person applying for preference and a veteran’s personal information. It also has a section to indicate a veteran’s preference claim.

Page 1

Person Applying for Preference

Item 1 Name

Enter the applicant’s full legal name in the following format: Last, First, Middle.

Item 2 Home address

Enter the applicant’s full residential address, including the street number, city, state, and ZIP code.

Veteran Information

Item 3 Veteran’s name

Enter the veteran’s full legal name as it appears on Service Records in the following format: Last, First, Middle.

Item 4 Periods of service

Enter the veteran’s branch of service, the date he or she entered active duty, and if applicable, the date he or she was separated or released from active duty.

Type of 10-Point Veteran’s Preference Claimed

This section contains checkboxes to indicate a veteran’s preference claim. Some boxes have additional Yes or No questions that require answers. Every veterans’ preference has required documentation, for a more detailed relevant to documentation, you may refer to the second page of SF-15. The following are the items under this section:

Item 5

Veterans’ preference based on non-compensable service-connected disability; award of the Purple Heart; or receipt of disability pension under public laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Item 6

Veterans’ preference based on a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more as determined by the DVA or disability retirement from a Military Service Department.

Item 7

Veterans’ preference for a living veteran’s spouse based on the fact that the veteran, because of a service-connected disability, has been unable to qualify for a Federal Government job, or any other position.

a. Are you currently married to the veteran? If No, you are not eligible for preference.

Item 8

Veterans’ preference for a veteran’s widow or widower.

a. Were you married to the veteran at the time of death? If No, you are eligible for preference.

b. Have you ever remarried? (Do not count annulments) If Yes, you are not eligible for preference.

Item 9

Veterans’ preference for a mother of a veteran who has a service-connected disability that is permanent and totally disabling, or who is deceased provided you are or were married to the veteran’s father and:

your husband is totally and permanently disabled;
you are widowed, divorced, or separated from the veteran’s father and have not remarried; or
you are widowed or divorced from the veteran’s father and have remarried, but are now widowed, divorced, or separated from the husband of your remarriage.

a. Are you married?

b. Are you separated? If Yes, go to question D.

c. Is your husband totally and permanently disabled?

d. Did the veteran die on active duty? If No to C or D, you are not eligible for preference.

Page 2

For items 1 to 7, you need to answer the following questions:

Item 1

Is the veteran currently working? If No, go to Item 3.

Item 2

If currently working, what is the veteran’s present occupation?

Item 3

What was the veteran’s occupation, if any, before military service?

Item 4

What was the veteran’s military occupation at the time of separation?

Item 5

Has the veteran been employed, or is he or she now employed, by the Federal civil service or D.C. Government?

Then provide the following:

Item A

Title and Grade of position most recently, or currently, held

Item B

Name and address of agency

Item C

Dates of employment

Item 6

Has the veteran has resigned from, been disqualified for, or separated from a position in the Federal civil service or D.C. Government along the lines of his or her occupation due to a service-connected disability. If Yes, submit documentation of the resignation, disqualification, or separation.

Item 7

Is the veteran receiving a civil service retirement pension? If Yes, give the Civil Service annuity (CSA) of Federal employee retirement annuity number.

CSA#

Enter the veteran’s Civil Service annuity number.

Frequently Asked Questions About SF-15

What is the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1994?

The Veterans’ Preference Act of 1994 is a United States federal law, requiring the federal government to favor returning war veterans when hiring new employees. The act attempts to recognize the veterans’ service, sacrifice, and skills.

Who is eligible for veterans’ preference?

To be eligible for veterans’ preference, an individual must meet specific qualifications. The purpose of the SF-15 is the confirmation of this eligibility. An individual may be eligible for a 10-point preference if he or she has a present service-connected disability rated at 10% or more; is receiving disability compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension; received a Purple Heart; and is a spouse or mother of a veteran who died in service or is unfit or incapable to work due to a service-connected disability.

A 5-point preference may be eligible for a veteran who served on active duty during a war, armed conflicts declared by Congress as war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized.

In addition, when applying for federal jobs, not all veterans are deemed preference eligible for the purpose of federal civilian employment, according to Section 2108, of Title 5 of the U.S. Code.

As a guideline, for a veteran to be qualified, he or she has served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or received an honorable or general discharge from military service, or expects to be discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after applying for a position. If he or she is a retired veteran, with a rank higher than 0-4, he or she is not qualified for preference, unless he or she is disabled or a reservist who will not begin drawing military retired pay until age 60. In addition, unless the veteran is disabled, active duty for training for National Guard or Reserve soldiers does not qualify as “active duty” for preference.

What are the documents needed to file Form SF-15?

The documents that must be attached to Standard Form 15 depend on the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed.

Below are the documents needed according to the instructions on SF-15.

If the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed is based on non-compensable service-connected disability, award of the Purple Heart, or receipt of disability pension under public laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), submit the following documents:

Documentation of Service and Separation
Documentation of Non-Compensable Service-Connected Disability (less than 10%); Purple Heart, and Nonservice-Connected Disability Pension

If the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed is based on a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more as determined by the DVA or disability retirement from a Military Service Department, submit the following documents:

Documentation of Service and Separation
Documentation of Compensable Service-Connected Disability (10% or more)

For spouses and mothers of disabled veterans, who checked item 7 or 9, submit the following:

An official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying the present existence of the veterans service-connected disability, the percentage and nature of the service-connected disability or disabilities (including the combined percentage), and a notation as to whether or not the service-connected disability is rated as permanent and total.

If the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed for a living is based on the fact that the veteran, because of a service-connected disability, has been unable to qualify for a Federal Government job, or any other position, submit the following:

Documentation of Compensable Service-Connected Disability (10% or more)

For spouses and mothers of disabled veterans, who checked item 7 or 9, submit the following:

An official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying the present existence of the veteran's service-connected disability, the percentage and nature of the service-connected disability or disabilities (including the combined percentage), and a notation as to whether or not the service-connected disability is rated as permanent and total.
Documentation of Veteran's Inability to Work Because of a Service-Connected Disability.

If the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed is for a veteran's widow or widower, submit the following:

Documentation of Service and Separation
Documentation of Veteran's Death
Documentation of Service or Death During a War, in a Campaign or Expedition for which a Campaign Badge is Authorized, or During the Period Authorized, or During the Period of April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955
Documentation of Annulment of Remarriage by Widow or Widower of Veteran.

If the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed is for a mother of a veteran who has a service-connected disability that is permanent and totally disabling, submit the following:

Documentation of Compensable Service-Connected Disability (10% or more)
Documentation of Service or Death During a War, in a Campaign or Expedition for which a Campaign Badge is Authorized, or During the Period Authorized, or During the Period of April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955
Documentation of Deceased or Disabled Veteran's Mother's Claim for Preference because of Her Husband's Total and Permanent Disability

Submit the following if the type of 10-point veterans' preference claimed is for a mother of a veteran who is deceased provided you are or were married to the veteran's father and your husband is totally and permanently disabled, you are widowed, divorced, or separated from the veteran's father and have not remarried, or you are widowed or divorced from the veteran's father and have remarried, but are now widowed, divorced, or separated from the husband of your remarriage:

Documentation of Service and Separation
Documentation of Veteran's Death
Documentation of Service or Death During a War, in a Campaign or Expedition for which a Campaign Badge is Authorized, or During the Period Authorized, or During the Period of April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955
Documentation of Deceased or Disabled Veteran's Mother's Claim for Preference because of Her Husband's Total and Permanent Disability

How to apply for a 10-point veterans preference?

To apply for the 10-point veterans' preference an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, must be submitted with the required documentation.

Who is a veteran?

A veteran is someone who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

What is considered active service?

Active service means full-time duty in the armed forces, including Full-Time National Guard Duty performed by National Guard personnel on orders of their governor or state adjutant general, and active duty for training performed under the authority of a military Reserve or National Guard unit.

What is considered wartime service?

Wartime service is considered an active full-time duty in the armed forces during a war or national emergency declared by Congress or the President.

Do you have to serve in wartime to be a veteran?

No, you do not have to serve in wartime to be a veteran.

You have to serve in the active military, naval, or air service to be a veteran. Serving during wartime is not mandatory.

You or your family may also file Standard Form 15 to claim veterans' preference. This form is commonly referred to as SF-15.

How to claim a 10-point veterans preference?

Once you have filed your SF-15 with the required documentation and meet the requirements, your agency will submit Standard Form (SF) 15 to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to verify your eligibility.

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter notifying you that your preference has been verified, and your name is placed on the appropriate register to be considered for hiring.

What is the veterans' preference for SF-15?

When you claim preference on the SF-15, you are claiming that your military service meets the requirements for 10-point veterans' preference.

How do I know if my Form SF-15 has been accepted?

The agency submits Standard Form 15 to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). If it verifies your eligibility for 10-point veterans' preference, OPM will provide the agency with a Standard Form 15, which it will use to include you on the appropriate hiring register.

If your SF-15 is accepted, OPM also confirms that you are eligible for veterans' preference and provides an information copy of the determination. It is not an approval letter.

How many veterans' preference points will I receive if I file SF-15?

If you file Standard Form 15, you will receive ten points if you are eligible.

The number of preference points you receive depends on the basis of your eligibility. If you are eligible because of your active duty service in the armed forces, you will receive five preference points.

If you are eligible because of a service-connected disability, you will receive ten preference points.

What is a 5-point veterans' preference?

If you claim preference on the basis of active duty service in the armed forces, you will receive five reference points.

The five reference points will be added to the numerical score from a rating of your application from the examining office.

Do I need to file SF-15 to claim a 5-point veterans' preference in the examination process?

No, you do not need to file Standard Form 15 when applying for a competitive appointment. You can simply claim your 5-point preference when you complete and submit DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and other required documentation to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

What is a 10-point veterans' preference on SF-15?

If you claim preference on the basis of a service-connected disability, you will receive ten reference points.

The ten reference points will be added to the numerical score from a rating of your application from the examining office.

Will the preference points of SF-15 be added to my numerical score?

Yes, the preference points received on your completed Standard Form 15 will be combined with any applicable numerical score from a rating of your application from the examining office. This total, rounded to the nearest whole number, determines if you are placed above other candidates on an agency's list of eligibles.

Does filing Standard Form 15 give you an advantage?

Yes, filing Standard Form 15 immediately places you on an agency's list of eligibles. Because agencies are required to consider preference eligibles before considering non-preference eligibles, filing Standard Form 15 can give you a great advantage over other applicants for the same position.

Filing your SF-15 is how you claim your preference. Many veterans are eligible for preference but do not know it or are not aware of their rating percentage from the rating office.

You may claim your veterans' preference by filing SF-15. However, the preference is not determined by the SF-15 alone.

What happens after I file SF-15?

Your agency must review your form for completeness and verify that you meet the requirements for preference.

Your agency then submits your SF-15 to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which evaluates it for accuracy and verifies your eligibility.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, OPM provides the agency with a Standard Form 15 showing your preference status. The agency uses this form when placing applicants on an eligibility list.

How long will it take for my SF-15 to be processed?

It may take several months for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to process your Standard Form 15 and return it to the agency.

You will receive notification from OPM about the status of your SF-15, but remember that preference is not determined by the SF-15 alone. It is the combined result of your SF-15 and your rating from the examining office.

What if I have changed my name since I last filed SF-15?

If you have changed your name since being discharged or released from active duty, be sure to inform the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) when filing Standard Form 15. If you are eligible, you will receive preference based on the name shown on your Standard Form 15.

Do not use a maiden or former name unless you were using that name when you entered military service.

If you make any changes to your Standard Form 15, such as changing from one branch of the service to another, inform OPM about those changes as soon as possible because they will affect your preference rating.

How many times can I file Standard Form 15 if I am entitled to veterans' preference?

You may file Standard Form 15 every time you apply for Federal employment, but do not submit more than one form for the same or substantially similar positions.

If you submit more than one form for the same or substantially similar positions, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will return all forms to your agency, and it may result in negative consequences.

What is a service-connected disability?

The term service-connected means that your entrance into the armed forces was under a program that conditioned entry on either (a) a determination of medical or psychological unfitness for military service or (b) in time of war or national emergency.

If you are claiming eligibility because of receipt of a Purple Heart, you must provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) evidence that there is a service-connected disability.

To be service-connected on the basis of an individual's own medical condition, the condition must have been diagnosed and documented by a physician before entering into active duty or during active duty, and it must be directly related to an injury or disease received in the line of duty while on active duty.

Medical records from a private physician are not acceptable.

Can you use a veterans' preference more than once?

No, veterans' preference is not cumulative. If you file an SF-15 and receive five points but are not placed on the certificate for the position, you cannot later claim 10 points if your eligibility changes or when another vacancy occurs.

An agency can consider you only once for veterans' preference in its evaluation of any one candidate.

You must show that you meet the requirements at the time of filing for any particular vacancy.

Can a veteran file SF-15 even if he or she was discharged from service due to a crime involving moral turpitude?

No, a veteran cannot file SF-15 or claim preference if he or she was convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude that was not successfully appealed. It means that the court-martial or appellate review board either found you guilty, dismissed your case because it had been improperly tried, or sentenced you to serve time in jail or prison.

If siding with you in your appeal, the appellate review board may have changed the terms of your dismissal to "honorable" or "general," but it cannot eliminate the finding that your crime was one involving moral turpitude.

Can you file SF-15 if you were dishonorably discharged?

No, you cannot file SF-15 or claim preference unless you have a discharge of honorable character.

If the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) receives SF-15 from a veteran who was discharged dishonorably, they will return the form to the agency and recommend that hiring officials decline to consider the veteran for employment at their agencies.

Are you considered a veteran if you were medically discharged?

Yes, even if your medical discharge was not related to service combat injury, you are considered a veteran under law.

You may file an SF-15 and claim preference as described above. However, you must have served at least 90 days of continuous active duty to be eligible for veterans' preference.

How do I obtain the signature for the certifying official on SF-15?

The agency representative signs the certifying officer block on your SF-15. You do not need to obtain his or her signature when you submit your application.

Where do I send the completed SF-15?

You may send the form directly to the agency where you are applying for employment.

What disqualifies you from VA benefits?

You cannot receive veterans' preference benefits if you have been convicted of a felony by any court.

You also cannot receive benefits if you have been separated from the armed forces under conditions other than honorable.

Under these circumstances, your character of service or separation is considered to be "other than honorable."

If you were discharged because of a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT), and it was not reversed on appeal, you are not considered to have had an honorable character of service.

Is SF-15 required?

Your agency may not be able to process your claim for veterans' preference unless you file SF-15. It is the only form that allows claims for 10-point preference and 5-point non preference in one application.

In some cases, where a veteran has been denied entitlement to veterans' preference, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has required the veteran to file an SF-15 in order for them to provide a basis for determining entitlement.

SF-15 is not always necessary when you are a qualified veteran applying for a job. You can simply claim preference on the application form you submit to an agency. However, SF-15 provides a convenient way to certify your entitlement, and it allows an agency to more quickly determine your eligibility for preference and send you appropriate information.

Is SF-15 a job application?

No, it is simply a certification of your preference entitlement. However, you must include a list of your most significant jobs and provide supporting documents with each position. The hiring official will need these documents to make an appointment or rank your application.

Fillable Form SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference)