Form SF-15, or the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, is completed by individuals who are eligible for veterans' preference points. These preference points are used during the federal government's hiring process to give veterans an advantage in securing employment.
1. Veterans: Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, received a campaign badge, were discharged or released under honorable conditions, and are applying for a federal job can complete Form SF-15.
2. Disabled Veterans: Disabled veterans, who have a service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more, are also eligible to complete Form SF-15. This form allows them to claim additional points when applying for federal positions.
3. Purple Heart Recipients: Individuals who have received the Purple Heart for wounds received, or those who have been killed, injured, or engaged in active combat against an enemy of the United States can fill out Form SF-15 to claim preference points.
4. Spouse or Parent of a Deceased Veteran: Surviving spouses of deceased veterans who have a total disability rating, or died as a result of service-connected injuries, may be eligible for veterans' preference and should complete Form SF-15.
5. Medal of Honor Recipients: Medal of Honor recipients, the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. government, automatically receive the maximum preference points when applying for federal jobs. However, they may still need to complete a Form SF-15 as part of the application process.
6. Non-Veteran Who Claims Derived Preference: Individuals who are non-veterans but wish to claim derived preference - which is based on the service of a veteran spouse, parent, or child - need to complete Form SF-15 to establish eligibility for this preference.
It is important to note that completing Form SF-15 does not guarantee employment, but it provides eligible applicants with a higher chance of being considered for federal positions and may give them an advantage in the selection process.