VETERANS’ 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 certain spouses of 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."

If you are a veteran pursuant to MN law then you may claim Veterans’ Preference points. To qualify for Veterans’ Preference, the following criteria must be met:

• 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:

a)    Served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more; OR

b)    been discharged by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty; OR

c)    met the minimum active duty requirement as defined by Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 3.12a; OR

d)    have had 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 Veterans’ Preference points you must supply the information listed below:

1. 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.

 2. 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.

3. Spouse of 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.

4. Spouse of 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.

Veterans' 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.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Information:

• Find out if you qualify to receive your GI Bill benefits while learning a trade or skill via on-the-job training.