Federal Employment Preference Points

Navigating Derived Veterans' Preference: A Guide for Survivors

Derived veterans' preference is a benefit in the federal hiring process that aids certain survivors of deceased veterans by providing them with a 10-point preference. This preference is available to un-remarried widows or widowers of veterans and mothers of deceased veterans, helping them secure federal employment more easily.

Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for the 10-point derived preference, survivors must complete the Office of Personnel Management’s Form SF15, titled “Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference.” You can download the form directly from https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf.

Required Documentation

Documentation requirements vary based on the survivor's relationship to the deceased veteran:

For Un-remarried Widows/Widowers:

• A copy of the marriage license or certificate.
• The veteran’s DD Form 214, which shows proof of military service and discharge status.
• The veteran’s death certificate or, if death occurred during active duty, Form DD1300 (documentation of death on active duty).

For Mothers of Deceased Veterans:

• A birth certificate proving the veteran was your child.
• Documentation proving your marriage to the veteran’s father, or evidence of remarriage.
• Evidence of your husband’s total and permanent disability or death.
• The veteran’s DD Form 214 indicating discharge for a service-connected disability.
• The veteran’s death certificate or, if death occurred during active duty, Form DD1300.

For comprehensive details on how to apply and further information about derived veterans' preference, please visit Federal Hiring Veterans' Family Preference.
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific criteria must be met for a disability to be considered "total and permanent" for the purposes of qualifying a mother of a deceased veteran? 
   The article mentions that mothers need to provide proof of their husband’s total/permanent disability or death, but it doesn't specify what qualifies as "total and permanent" disability under these rules.
2. Are there any exceptions or special circumstances that allow remarried widows or widowers to still claim the 10-point preference?
   The article specifies that the preference is for un-remarried widows or widowers, but it does not address whether any exceptions apply, such as if the subsequent marriage ended.
3. How is the derived preference applied during the federal hiring process?
   While the article explains how to apply for the preference, it does not detail how this preference actually impacts the hiring process, such as how it affects scoring or ranking on eligible lists.