Veteran's Preference

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Hennepin County proudly welcomes and supports veterans, offering Veteran’s Preference to qualified applicants, consistent with the Minnesota Veteran's Preference Act. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien to be a Veteran’s Preference applicant and meet one of these criteria:

  • A veteran (as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447)
  • A disabled veteran (veteran with a compensable service connected disability)
  • The spouse of a deceased veteran
  • The spouse of a disabled veteran
  • The spouse of a deceased disabled veteran

Applying for Veteran's Preference status

Attach a copy of the DD214 (and if needed, other proof clearly stating the length of active service and type of discharge) to your job application.

If your forms are approved, you will not have to attach them again and points will be applied to each posting you apply for. 

By state law, Hennepin County follows a process for granting veteran’s preference to qualified applicants. The law is the Minnesota Veteran's Preference Act. Veteran’s preference applicants must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

What is Veteran’s Preference?

Candidates who are eligible for veteran's preference must submit the required forms (see below).

Hennepin County's application process operates on a 100-point scale, assessing candidates based on their education and experience. Confirmed veterans will receive the following points during the evaluation:

  • Non-disabled veterans receive a credit of ten points
  • Disabled veterans receive a credit of fifteen points

At Hennepin County, confirmed veterans who make it on the eligibility list will be invited to the first round of interviews, and may be considered further selection.

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  • Applying for Veteran's Preference status:

    • Must attach a copy of the DD214 (and if needed, other proof clearly stating the length of active service and type of discharge) to your job application 
    • The form(s) count toward all jobs you apply for at the county

  • Applying for disabled Veteran's Preference status:

    Must attach a copy of: 

    • DD214 or DD215 (if applicable)
    • Summary of Benefits from USDVA
    • Written indication from the USDVA Rating Board of the veteran's injury occurred on or as a result of active duty, what the specific disability is, and the percentage of disability

  • Applying for preference as spouse of disabled veteran:

    Must attach a copy of:

    • DD214 or DD215 (if applicable) 
      • Acceptable forms are the Member 2, Member - 41 or Member 6 Form or other proof clearly stating length of active duty and character of discharge
    • Summary of Benefits from the USDVA
    • Marriage certificate 
    • USDVA Statement of the Case or Military Board decision

  • Applying for preference as a spouse of deceased veteran:

    Must attach a copy of:

    • DD214 or DD215 (if applicable)
      • Acceptable forms are the Member - 2, Member - 4, or Member 6 Form or other proof clearly stating length of active duty and character of discharge
    • Spouse’s death certificate


    Note: spouses are ineligible to receive points if you have remarried or were divorced from the veteran

  • Applying for preference as a spouse of deceased disabled veteran:

    Must attach a copy of: 

    • DD214 or DD215 (if applicable)
      • Acceptable forms are the Member - 2, Member - 4, or Member 6 Form or other proof clearly stating length of active duty and character of discharge
    • Summary of Benefits from the USDVA
    • Spouse’s death certificate


    Note: spouses are ineligible to receive points if you have remarried or were divorced from the veteran

Questions?

Contact the Hennepin County Human Resources Service Center

612-348-7855 or HR.ServiceCenter@hennepin.us