Illinois Veterans Employment Preference: Government Job Advantages

Veterans employment preference is governed by 5 U.S.C. § 3301 et seq. and applies to competitive civil service positions in federal, state, and local government. Eligibility requires an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge from active-duty military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard. Service-connected disabled veterans with a disability rating of 10% or higher from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs receive 10-point preference. All other eligible veterans with honorable discharge receive 5-point preference.

Spouses of deceased disabled veterans, former spouses (under certain conditions), and mothers of deceased or disabled veterans may also claim preference, though eligibility is more restrictive. The preference applies only to competitive civil service positions, not to excepted service or Senior Executive Service (SES) positions. Veterans must provide a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) and, if claiming disabled veteran status, a current VA disability rating letter. There are no income or asset limits; preference is based solely on military service and discharge status. The preference adds points to examination scores or can result in automatic placement on hiring lists ahead of non-preference-eligible candidates, depending on the jurisdiction's specific rules.

Illinois honors federal veterans employment preference for all state agency competitive civil service positions under the Illinois Personnel Code (50 Ill. Adm. Code 310). The state applies the same 5-point and 10-point preference system as the federal government. Illinois state agencies must give veterans preference when hiring for competitive positions in state government, including Department of Transportation, Department of Human Services, Illinois State Police, and other executive branch departments.

Illinois also extends veterans preference to local government units, including municipalities, counties, and school districts, through enabling state law. County Veterans Assistance Commissions actively work with employers to promote veterans hiring. Veterans should check with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Office of Personnel for specific details on state hiring. The Illinois Veterans Assistance Commission can direct veterans to county-level resources and employers who are recruiting veterans. Unlike some states, Illinois does not provide additional state-level points beyond the federal preference system—the state simply ensures federal preference is honored in state and local hiring.

The most common reason veterans are denied preference is an incorrect or missing discharge document. A DD Form 214 showing a discharge other than honorable (such as general under other than honorable conditions, bad conduct, or dishonorable) disqualifies a veteran from preference. Always verify that your DD Form 214 clearly states 'Honorable' or 'General (Under Honorable Conditions)' in the discharge block.

Second, veterans claiming 10-point disabled veteran preference often fail to submit a current VA disability rating letter. The VA rating must be 10% or higher and must be dated within the past year or be marked as current by the VA. An expired or missing rating letter results in denial of 10-point preference; the veteran may only receive 5-point preference if otherwise eligible.

Third, application portal errors and incomplete submissions cause denials. Ensure you upload documents in the exact format requested (PDF, JPG, etc.) and that file sizes are within limits. Test your upload before final submission. Fourth, some veterans apply for excepted service or non-competitive positions where veterans preference does not apply. Always confirm the position is 'competitive civil service' before applying. Fifth, not claiming preference during the application process forfeits it. You must actively select your preference category when the application form offers it; the state will not add it retroactively. If denied, request a review from the hiring agency's human resources office and provide additional proof of eligibility if needed.

If you are denied veterans employment preference on a state of Illinois job application, the appeal process depends on whether you are appealing a hiring decision or a preference eligibility determination. For disputes over preference eligibility (whether the state correctly determined your 5-point vs. 10-point status), contact the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Office of Personnel at (217) 782-6000. Provide your application reference number, DD Form 214, and VA rating letter if applicable. CMS will review and issue a written determination within 10 business days.

If you believe you were improperly passed over for a position despite having preference, file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Civil Rights (IDCR) within 180 days of the hiring decision. Contact IDCR at (217) 782-8200 or submit a complaint at www2.illinois.gov/dcr. Complaints alleging discrimination in hiring are investigated at no cost to you. You may also contact your county Veterans Assistance Commission, which can advocate on your behalf and help file a formal complaint.

For federal positions using the same preference system, appeals follow the Federal Claims Court process or the MSPB (Merit Systems Protection Board) appeal lane if you are alleging improper application of veterans preference. The VA's Office of General Counsel can provide guidance. All appeals of preference denials are free; never pay for appeal assistance. Seek help from a free Veterans Service Officer (VSO) at your county commission or the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.