Illinois Veterans Preference Points for State Employment

Illinois adds preference points to a passing score in the state employment process, in three tiers. Three points for at least six months of service with an honorable discharge. Five points for service during a period of hostilities, at least six months, with an honorable discharge. Ten points for a veteran with a service-connected disability rating or a Purple Heart, and for the spouse or parent of a veteran who died of or is disabled by a service-connected condition. The ten-point tier is the one to read carefully, for two reasons. First, it does not name a minimum rating percentage: it turns on having a service-connected disability rating, which reaches a veteran rated at 10 percent. Second, it extends to a spouse or parent, which is unusual. A surviving spouse or the parent of a severely disabled veteran competes with the same ten points the veteran would have had. Points are added to a passing score, so the preference improves position on a list rather than converting a failing result into a passing one. Eligibility has to be verified by the Central Management Services Veterans Outreach Program before the points are applied. Proof of military service should be submitted at the time of examination. Documentation submitted afterwards is accepted and the preference is awarded on verification, but that creates delay at exactly the wrong moment in a hiring process. Contact CMS Veterans Outreach at 800-643-8138. Illinois also runs a Veterans Business Program giving certified veteran-owned businesses a preference in state contracting, for a business at least 51 percent veteran-owned with gross sales under $150 million.