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Veterans Preference — Absolute, Not Points

Most states add points to a score. This one does not. The Century Code gives a qualifying veteran preference "over all other applicants" for public employment — an absolute preference — and it reaches current Guard and reserve members, not only those already discharged.

Verified August 23, 2026

What this benefit is

Most states add points to a score. This one does not. The Century Code gives a qualifying veteran preference "over all other applicants" for public employment — an absolute preference — and it reaches current Guard and reserve members, not only those already discharged.

What it's worth: Absolute preference over other applicants in recruitment and hiring by governmental agencies

  • The department states three routes in: an honorable discharge, service in or discharge from the National Guard or a reserve unit, and current service where an honorable discharge is expected within 120 days.
  • U.S. citizenship at the time of application is stated as a requirement.
  • A disability cannot itself disqualify you. Disqualification is limited to a disability that prevents proper performance of the job.

Who is entitled to it

  • Your discharge characterisation is within the usual range for state veteran programmes.
  • You are 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

  1. 1Claim the preference on the application. It is not applied because a hiring manager notices your service history; the department publishes documentation requirements precisely because a claim has to be made.
  2. 2Attach the proof with the application, not after an interview. A preference claimed late is the commonest way one is lost.
  3. 3If you are still serving and expect an honorable discharge within 120 days, say so and say when — that window is written into the eligibility, and a candidate who waits until discharge may miss the posting.
  4. 4Guard and reserve service counts here in its own right. Do not assume you need a federal active-duty DD214 before you can claim.
  5. 5If you are refused and believe the preference was not applied, ask the agency in writing which route it considered you under. The department publishes an appeals process, and an appeal needs the agency's reasoning on paper.
  6. 6Ask your county veterans service officer to look at the refusal before you appeal. They see the pattern of these across agencies.
Form
Claimed on the job application itself, with proof of service attached
File with
The hiring governmental agency
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal
Once granted it does not need renewing.
CorrectionThe word to hold on to is "absolute". A points preference improves your position among candidates; an absolute preference is a priority over them. Veterans who have moved here from a points state routinely under-claim because they are looking for a number that does not exist.
Worth knowingCurrent Guard and reserve members are named in the eligibility. That is unusual, and it means a serving member applying for a county or state job can claim the preference now rather than after separation.
Known gapThe department's page distinguishes competitive from non-competitive hiring agencies but does not publish how the preference operates differently in each. Ask the hiring agency which category it falls in before assuming the preference works the same way.
Known gapWhether an un-remarried surviving spouse holds a derived preference is not stated on the department's page. The statute chapter is the place to check that, and it was not read this session.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.