SF 15 Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference
Standard Form 15 is how veterans, and certain spouses, widows, widowers, and mothers of veterans, claim 10-point preference in federal hiring. It is submitted with the job application, along with proof.
This is the genuine OPM PDF, unmodified. Source: OPM official page.
What is SF 15?
SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, is the OPM form used to claim 10-point preference in competitive federal hiring. Ten-point preference is available to veterans with a service-connected disability or Purple Heart, and in defined circumstances to spouses, widows or widowers, and mothers of veterans, categories often called derived preference.
The form itself does not grant preference; it organizes the claim and tells you exactly which documents prove it, such as the DD 214 showing character of service and an official letter from the VA or a service department documenting the disability rating. Hiring agencies adjudicate the claim using the SF 15 and its attachments for each job you apply to.
Who files SF 15?
- Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability or a Purple Heart claiming 10-point preference
- Spouses of veterans who are unable to work because of a service-connected disability, where derived preference rules apply
- Widows or widowers of certain deceased veterans who have not remarried
- Mothers of veterans who died in service or are permanently and totally disabled, in the circumstances the form describes
How to fill out SF 15
- Read the reverse of the form first; it explains each preference category and the exact documentation required for it.
- Fill in your identifying information and the veteran's service information, and check the preference category you are claiming.
- Gather the required proof, typically the DD 214 and a current official letter from the VA or your service branch documenting the service-connected disability.
- Sign and date the form.
- Submit the SF 15 and supporting documents with each federal job application where you claim 10-point preference, following the vacancy announcement's instructions. It goes to the hiring agency, not to OPM.
Quick fill SF 15 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open SF 15 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an SF 15 for 5-point preference?
No. Five-point preference is claimed with your DD 214 alone. The SF 15 is specifically for 10-point preference claims, which require additional documentation such as proof of a service-connected disability.
How recent does my VA letter need to be?
Agencies want a letter that reflects your current status, and many vacancy announcements ask for a recent one. If your letter is old, request an updated benefit summary letter from the VA before applying.
Can family members really claim veteran preference?
Yes, in limited situations known as derived preference. Certain spouses, unremarried widows or widowers, and mothers of deceased or fully disabled veterans can claim 10-point preference. The categories are specific, so read the conditions on the form carefully.