Merit Exam Points — 10 Disabled / 5 Veteran, Entrance Only
The merit system adds up to 10 points to the examination score of a disabled veteran and up to 5 for other veterans — including honorably discharged members with 20 years in the National Guard or an in-state reserve unit. The points apply at original entrance only, never promotion.
Verified August 20, 2026
What this benefit is
The merit system adds up to 10 points to the examination score of a disabled veteran and up to 5 for other veterans — including honorably discharged members with 20 years in the National Guard or an in-state reserve unit. The points apply at original entrance only, never promotion.
What it's worth: Up to 10 exam points with a service-connected disability; up to 5 otherwise
- Points are added only after you meet the job requirements on your own score.
Who is entitled to it
- You served on active duty and were terminated honorably.
- You are applying in this state.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
- 1Claim the preference on the merit application: up to 10 points with a service-connected disability, up to 5 otherwise, added to an examination score that already meets the job requirements.
- 2The second route needs no federal veteran status: an active or honorably discharged member with at least 20 years in the National Guard or a reserve unit located in the state qualifies for the 5 points.
- 3The points apply at ORIGINAL ENTRANCE only — the statute excludes promotion and retention in a reduction in force in terms.
- 4A spouse may claim 5 points in three cases: the unremarried widow or widower of a qualifying veteran, the spouse of a service member missing or detained over 90 days, or the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability.
- Form
- Merit application with preference claim
- File with
- The state human resources office, with the application
- Documents you will need
- dd214 · va benefit summary letter
- No renewal
- Once granted it does not need renewing.
Sources
- authority · statute29 Del. C. §5935 — veterans' and members' preference
Why only one source type: The code section itself states the points, both qualification routes, the entrance-only limitation and the spouse provisions.
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.