Somerset County Jobs: Veterans' Preference in the Merit Hire Policy

Somerset County's Merit Hire policy (August 2016) gives applicants entitled to veterans' preference "additional consideration" and, between equally qualified applicants, the job; 51 Pa.C.S. 7104(a) goes further for county posts filled without a civil service examination, requiring preference for any veteran who has the requisite qualifications.

Also called: veterans preference, county jobs, merit hire, hiring, 7104, Title 51, DD-214, Somerset, Berlin, Meyersdale, Windber, Confluence, Rockwood, Central City, Boswell, Salisbury, Jennerstown, Stoystown, Seven Springs.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

Somerset County, PACounty

The county's Merit Hire policy (August 2016): "Applicants entitled to veterans' preference who meet all required employment criteria receive additional consideration in recognition of their military service pursuant to the PA Military Code, 51 PA C.S.A. Sec. 101. In the case that there are more than one equally qualified applicants, and one requests veterans' preference, the veteran shall be offered the position. Veteran status must be confirmed by DD-214 or other military documentation." Against the statute. For a public position not filled by civil service examination, 51 Pa.C.S. 7104(a) says: "Whenever a veteran possesses the requisite qualifications for appointment to a public position that is not subject to civil service appointment examination and the veteran is otherwise eligible for appointment, the appointing authority in making the appointment shall give preference to the veteran." The policy applies preference only as a tie-breaker; the statute does not wait for a tie. A qualified veteran passed over for a county job should cite section 7104(a). Claim the preference on the application and attach the DD-214. The Pennsylvania entry covers the ten examination points and the rest of Chapter 71.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Somerset County Jobs: Veterans' Preference in the Merit Hire Policy
Gate	Rule
A veteran entitled to preference	Preference rests on service and discharge, not a rating; the veteran must meet the job's requirements and claim it with the DD-214.

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-23.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.