Understanding the SF-15 Form (for Federal Job Seekers)

The following post explores Understanding the SF-15 Form (for Federal Job Seekers).

For veterans and eligible family members navigating the federal hiring process, understanding how to claim veterans’ preference is crucial. The SF-15 form plays a central role in this process.

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Related: Understanding the SF-50 Form (for Federal Job Seekers)

The SF-15 is the official form that verifies eligibility for 10-point veterans’ preference and ensures that your service or a family member’s is recognized in federal hiring.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the SF-15?

The SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) is a document used by the federal government to establish eligibility for additional hiring preference.

Veterans, certain spouses, widows, widowers, and others can rely on this form to demonstrate entitlement to extra points in the federal hiring process. In other words, it’s the official paperwork that ensures your claim to a 10-point preference is recognized and applied by the agency reviewing your application.

What Is the 10-Point Veterans’ Preference?

In the federal hiring process, veterans’ preference is a system designed to give eligible veterans and certain family members an advantage when competing for federal jobs. The preference is expressed in “points” that are added to an applicant’s score during the rating and ranking process.

A 5-point preference is available to many veterans who served during qualifying periods of active duty. The 10-point preference, however, is reserved for those who meet specific additional criteria, such as having a service-connected disability, receiving the Purple Heart, or being related to a qualifying veteran.

The 10-point preference is significant because it can move your application ahead of other candidates with the same qualifications but no preference.

In competitive hiring situations, this extra boost can be the deciding factor in whether you are referred for an interview or selected for a position. The SF-15 form is the tool that federal agencies use to verify your eligibility for this higher level of preference, which is why completing and submitting it properly is so important.

Who Needs the SF-15?

Not every veteran needs to fill out this form. The SF-15 specifically applies to individuals claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, such as those with a service-connected disability, recipients of the Purple Heart, or family members of veterans who meet the eligibility rules.

If you’re only claiming a 5-point veterans’ preference (for individuals who served on active duty during qualifying periods but don’t have a disability) you do not need to submit the SF-15. Knowing whether you fall into the 5-point or 10-point category is the first step in determining if this form is relevant for you.

What Does the SF-15 Require?

Applicants must provide basic personal information, specify the category of preference they are claiming, and attach documentation. Depending on your situation, this could include a DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), a VA disability letter, or other records such as a death certificate.

While it might feel like an exercise in bureaucracy, these documents are what agencies use to legally verify your eligibility for the additional preference points.

Where Do You Use the SF-15?

The SF-15 comes into play when you apply to federal jobs through USAJOBS. During the application process, you’ll have the option to indicate whether you are claiming veterans’ preference.

If you select the 10-point category, you will typically be prompted to upload the SF-15 along with your supporting documents. Once submitted, the hiring agency uses these materials to confirm your eligibility.

In short, the form travels with your job application and becomes part of the official record that hiring managers rely on to determine whether preference points should be awarded.

When Should You Submit the SF-15?

The best practice is to submit the SF-15 at the same time you submit your application. If you wait until later or try to provide it after a referral list has already been created, you risk losing out.

The good news is that once you’ve completed the form and gathered your supporting documents, you can reuse them for future applications. Having these ready to go will save time and help ensure you don’t miss opportunities because of incomplete documentation.

Why Does the SF-15 Matter?

The federal government is legally required to give preference to eligible veterans and their families in hiring decisions, and the SF-15 is the mechanism that makes this preference possible.

Without submitting the SF-15, an agency cannot grant you the 10-point boost you may be entitled to.

For job seekers, this means the SF-15 is not just another piece of paperwork—it’s an essential tool to make sure your service, or the service of your family member, is recognized in the competitive federal hiring process.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article helps with understanding the SF-15 form. For veterans and their families, it’s a key to unlocking the full benefit of preference in federal hiring. Taking the time to complete the SF-15 ensures you’re getting every advantage you’ve earned through service.

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Download the SF-15 Form (PDF)