Employment Benefits for Veterans in Pennsylvania

Veterans' Preference in State Employment

Under the Pennsylvania Veterans' Preference Act, eligible veterans receive hiring preference for Commonwealth and other public employment, including a points bonus on civil service exams.

Eligibility: Veteran meeting the definition in the Veterans' Preference Act (51 Pa.C.S. §7101 et seq.), including wartime/qualifying service and honorable discharge; certain spouses and surviving spouses may also qualify. Preference does not apply to promotions.

Estimated value: 10 additional points added to a passing civil service examination score; mandatory consideration/interview for qualifying non-civil-service positions

How to apply: Claim veterans' preference when applying for Commonwealth positions; questions to the State Civil Service Commission or RA-CS-VetPreference@pa.gov.