Va Form St-9: Filing A Request For Veterans Preference

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The Va Form St-9 is a crucial document for veterans who want to take advantage of their preference when applying for federal jobs. Veterans' preference is a provision that gives eligible veterans an advantage in the hiring process for federal positions. In this article, we will guide you through the process of filing a request for veterans' preference using the Va Form St-9.

Understanding Veterans' Preference

Veterans' preference is a law that requires federal agencies to give preference to eligible veterans when hiring for federal positions. The preference applies to most federal jobs, including those in the competitive and excepted services. There are several types of veterans' preference, including:

• 5-point preference: This type of preference is given to veterans who have been discharged or released from active duty with an honorable discharge. It adds 5 points to the veteran's passing score on a civil service exam.
• 10-point preference: This type of preference is given to veterans who have a service-connected disability or were discharged or released from active duty with a disability. It adds 10 points to the veteran's passing score on a civil service exam.

Who is Eligible for Veterans' Preference?

To be eligible for veterans' preference, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• Being a veteran, as defined by 38 U.S.C. § 101
• Having been discharged or released from active duty with an honorable discharge
• Having a service-connected disability or being discharged or released from active duty with a disability
• Being the spouse or unmarried dependent child of a deceased veteran or a veteran who is totally disabled due to a service-connected disability

Filing a Request for Veterans' Preference

To file a request for veterans' preference, you need to complete the Va Form St-9, which is also known as the "Application for Preference in Federal Employment." The form requires you to provide documentation of your military service and disability, if applicable.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Download and complete the Va Form St-9: You can download the form from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or pick one up from a local VA office.
2. Gather required documentation: You will need to provide documentation of your military service, including your DD Form 214, and documentation of your disability, if applicable.
3. Submit the form and documentation: Submit the completed form and documentation to the federal agency where you are applying for a job.

What to Expect After Submitting the Va Form St-9

After submitting the Va Form St-9, the federal agency will review your application and verify your eligibility for veterans' preference. If you are eligible, you will be given preference in the hiring process.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Processing time: It may take several weeks or months for the federal agency to process your application and verify your eligibility.
• Notification: You will be notified in writing if your application is approved or denied.
• Appeals: If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Tips for Filing a Request for Veterans' Preference

Here are some tips to keep in mind when filing a request for veterans' preference:

• Submit your application early: It's a good idea to submit your application as early as possible to ensure that it is processed in time for the job you are applying for.
• Make sure your application is complete: Make sure your application is complete and includes all required documentation.
• Follow up: Follow up with the federal agency to ensure that your application is being processed and to ask about the status of your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when filing a request for veterans' preference:

• Incomplete application: Make sure your application is complete and includes all required documentation.
• Incorrect documentation: Make sure you submit the correct documentation, including your DD Form 214 and documentation of your disability, if applicable.
• Missing deadlines: Make sure you submit your application by the deadline to ensure that it is processed in time for the job you are applying for.

Conclusion

Filing a request for veterans' preference using the Va Form St-9 is an important step in taking advantage of your preference when applying for federal jobs. By following the steps outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your application is processed correctly and that you receive the preference you are eligible for.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of filing a request for veterans' preference. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.