Veteran's Preference

Veteran's Preference in Minnesota public employment

The Minnesota Veterans' Preference Act (VPA) grants most veterans a limited preference over non-veterans in hiring and promotion for most Minnesota public employment positions, as granted in Minnesota Statutes §197.48, §43A.11, and §197.455.

These laws may apply to spouses of certain veterans. The Minnesota VPA laws apply to Minnesota public employment, "civil service laws, charter provisions, ordinances, rules or regulations of a county, city, town, school district, or other municipality or political subdivision of this state."

Veterans pursuant to Minnesota law may claim Veteran's Preference points. To qualify, an individual must:

  • Be a United States citizen or resident alien; and
  • Have been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having either
  • Served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more; OR
  • Been discharged by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty; OR
  • Who has met the minimum active duty requirement as defined by Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 3.12a; OR
  • Who has active military service certified under Section 401, Public Law 95-202. Under this provision, the active military service must be certified by the United States Secretary of Defense as active military service and a discharge under honorable conditions must be issued by the Secretary.

 

To claim Veteran's Preference points, applicants must provide:

Veteran

* A copy of the veteran’s form DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) or other proof clearly stating the length of active service and type of discharge.

Disabled veteran

* A copy of the veteran’s form DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) or other proof clearly stating the length of active service and type of discharge; and
* A copy of the letter from a service retirement board or the United States Veterans Administration.

Spouse of a disabled veteran

* A copy of the veteran’s form DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) or other proof clearly stating the length of active service and type of discharge; and
* A copy of the letter from a service retirement board or the United States Veterans Administration.

Spouse of a deceased veteran

* A copy of the veteran’s form DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) or other proof clearly stating the length of active service and type of discharge; and
* Verification of the marriage at the time of the veteran’s death and that the spouse has not been remarried; and
* FL21-802 or death certificate.

Veteran’s Preference points are included in the score if: 1) the applicant has completed the Veteran’s Preference sections of the employment application; 2) receives a passing score; 3) the supporting documentation is provided; and 4) the claim for preference is approved.