VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Definition of a Massachusetts Veteran M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43 as amended by the Acts of 2004 Effective August 30, 2004:  To be a "veteran" under Massachusetts law, a person is required to have either 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions OR 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day of which is during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. A chart defining "wartime" service is available on-line.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: 

If you are claiming veterans' preference and if your eligibility for veterans' preference has not been approved before by HRD, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 (Release From Active Duty) in order to receive proper credit. Your notice to appear for the examination will indicate whether or not you are already classified as a veteran. Qualifying service must have been in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States. Please note that active duty exclusively for training in the National Guard or Reserves does NOT qualify you for veterans' preference. National Guard Members or Reservists must have 180 days and have been activated under Title 10 of the U.S. Code - OR- if activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41, must have 90 days, at least one of which was during wartime. The Members' last discharge or release must be under honorable conditions.

Those who otherwise qualify for veterans' preference, but are still in military service may, as of July 1, 1998, claim such credit by supplying proof, on official letterhead with appropriate signature, of their military service to date, including the dates of active duty, current assignment, and estimated time of separation. The individual must provide official documentation of honorable discharge at the time of appointment. [See MGL, Chapter 31, Section 3, Clause (f)].

Minimum Service Exception:

It is not necessary for an applicant to complete the minimum service for wartime or peacetime campaign if he/she served some time in the campaign and was awarded the Purple Heart, or suffered a service-connected disability.

Disabled Veteran Status:

Claims for status as a disabled veteran require written confirmation from the US Veterans Administration of a continuing service-connected disability rated 10% or higher. Applicants wishing to claim status as disabled veterans will get the opportunity to claim such at the test site with instructions to follow.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Information about this examination can be obtained on the Internet at http:// www.mass.gov/hrd or by contacting the Human Resources Division Monday through Friday,

1 Ashburton Place,
Room 301, Boston, MA, 02108,

8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except holidays, at the following numbers:
In the Boston area: (617) 727-3777   Outside the Boston area: (toll free) 1-800-392-6178
TTY Number: (617) 878-9762   FAX Number: (617) 727-0399
Exam Info Hotline: (617) 878-9895

Recorded information regarding this examination and other upcoming open competitive examinations is available at any time by calling (617) 878-9895.