Q&A Session – Veterans Preference on SF50

Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.

Q:

On an SF50, which veterans can check yes on box #26 (Veterans Preference)?

A:

Box #26 on a SF-50 may only be checked off as “yes” generally if a civilian employee is both retired from the military (your question states that you are not) and satisfies at least one of the three following conditions:

1. The retirement was caused by an injury or disease endured directly from armed conflict or war;
2. The employee has less than 20 years of full-time active duty service, excluding periods of active duty for training; or
3. The employee has been continuously employed in one of the following since November 30, 1964 and without a break in service of more than 30 days: the executive branch of the federal government; in the competitive service position in another branch of the federal government; or in another position designated with RIFs coverage.

Those who retired at the rank of major or above (or equivalent) may only be considered a preference eligible with special RIF rights (and Box #26 can be checked of as “yes”) if they are a disabled veteran and either: (1) meet one of the three conditions above; or (2) are at least 60 years old and are eligible for certain retirement pay.

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