SF 15 Form: A complete guide to claiming 10-point veterans’ preference

The SF 15 (Standard Form 15) is a U.S. government form used to claim 10-point veterans’ preference in federal hiring. Applicants complete the form, attach supporting proof such as a DD-214 and a VA disability letter, and submit everything through their USAJOBS profile or directly to the hiring agency’s HR office by the job announcement’s closing date. Federal agencies and OPM examining offices then use the SF-15 and its attachments to verify eligibility and add preference points to the applicant’s score.

TL;DR

• The SF 15 Form is only required for 10-point veterans’ preference claims; 5-point (TP) preference only needs a DD-214.
• Ten-point preference has several categories (CP, CPS, XP, TP, SSP), each tied to a different disability rating or family relationship.
• You’ll typically need a DD-214, a VA disability letter, and the signed SF-15 to support your claim.
• The form must be submitted with your job application before the announcement closes — there’s no separate government-wide deadline.
• pdfFiller lets you fill out the SF 15 PDF online, save it securely, and download or print it when you’re ready to submit

The SF 15 Form, also called the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, trips up a surprising number of applicants every year. Some submit it when they don’t need to. Others skip it and lose preference points they’re entitled to. Many file it with the wrong office, attach the wrong documents, or forget to sign it.

The confusion is understandable. Veterans’ preference isn’t a single benefit — it’s a system with multiple tiers, each with its own eligibility rules, point values, and paperwork. The SF-15 sits at the center of the 10-point tier, but it only applies to certain veterans and family members, not to everyone who served. This guide breaks down exactly who needs the form, what it does, and how to complete it correctly the first time.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

What is the SF 15 Form?

The SF 15, or Standard Form 15, is an official U.S. government form issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Its full title is Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference.

Federal agencies use the SF 15 to verify that a job applicant qualifies for 10-point veterans’ preference under the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, as amended. The form asks for identifying information, military service details, the type of preference being claimed, and a signature certifying that everything stated is true.

Unlike a resume or job application, the SF-15 is not a stand-alone document. It works together with supporting evidence — most often a DD-214 and a VA disability letter — that agencies use to confirm eligibility before adding preference points to an applicant’s score. Without a properly completed SF 15—and the right supporting documents—OPM examining offices have no basis to grant the additional preference points. You can download the SF 15 PDF directly from the OPM website or get its current version in pdfFiller’s form library and complete it online in the platform’s editor.

Who needs to file an SF 15?

Not every veteran needs to file this form. The form is specifically required for 10-point veterans’ preference claims. If you’re only claiming a five-point preference, you don’t need it—your DD-214 form alone is typically sufficient.

The people most likely to need this form include:

• Veterans with a service connected disability rating from the VA, at any percentage.
• Purple Heart recipients, who qualify for 10-point preference regardless of disability rating.
• Spouses of veterans who cannot work in federal jobs because of a service-connected disability.
• Widows, widowers, or surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected condition.
• Mothers who meet the derived-preference conditions tied to a veteran son or daughter.
• Transitioning service members who expect an honorable discharge within 120 days and are using an acceptable certification in place of a DD-214.

If any of these situations apply to you, the SF-15 is a required part of your application status documentation for federal hiring.

5-point vs. 10-point veterans’ preference: What’s the difference?

Veterans’ preference comes in two main tiers, and knowing which one applies to you determines whether you need this form at all.

What is a 5-point veterans preference?

Five-point preference (designated “TP” on the SF 15) applies to veterans who served on active duty and were separated under honorable conditions. To qualify, the veteran must have served:

• During a war declared by Congress
• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized
• For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976
• Between August 2, 1990, and January 2, 1992
• For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after September 11, 2001

Five points are added to the passing examination score. No SF 15 is needed—just claim the preference on your USAJOBS application and attach a DD-214.

What is a 10-point veterans preference?

Ten-point preference applies to veterans with service-connected disabilities and certain family members. Ten points are added to the passing score, and in some cases, applicants are placed at the top of the certificate above other preference eligibles.

To claim a 10-point preference, you must file the SF 15 form with supporting documents. The categories are:

• CP—Compensable disability of 10–29%
• CPS—Compensable disability of 30% or more
• XP—Non-compensable disability, Purple Heart, or other qualifying status
• TP—Note: TP is the five-point category, listed on the form for comparison
• SSP—Sole Survivorship Preference (see below)

The key difference in practice: five-point preference can be self-certified, but ten-point preference requires official documentation and a completed SF 15 form.

The 10-point preference categories explained: CP, CPS, XP, TP, and SSP

Once you know you fall into the 10-point tier, OPM further sorts eligibility into shorthand categories used on certificates of eligibility and in category-rating systems. Understanding these categories helps you select the right one on your SF-15 and USAJOBS profile.

If you also need to apply for veterans’ disability compensations, read our dedicated article on how to prepare VA Form 21-526EZ. 

What are the SF 15 supporting documents?

The SF-15 rarely stands alone. Federal agencies also expect specific supporting documents that verify your service, discharge, and disability status. Missing or mismatched paperwork is one of the most common reasons preference claims get delayed or rejected.

For most 10-point claims, you’ll need:

1. DD-214, Member Copy 4—shows your character of service in block 24, which agencies use to confirm an honorable or general discharge. Other copies may not include this information and can cause delays.
2. VA disability letter—your most recent decision letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs, showing your current service-connected disability rating. In some cases, a VA letter showing your dates of service, discharge status, and disability rating may be accepted in place of the SF-15—but check the job announcement first.
3. Completed and signed SF-15—required for all 10-point preference claims, including those made by eligible family members.
4. Award documentation, such as a Purple Heart citation, if you’re claiming CP preference on that basis rather than a disability rating.
5. Proof of relationship, for spouses, widows, widowers, or mothers claiming derived preference—this may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate, along with documentation of the veteran’s disability or death.
6. Certification of expected discharge, for transitioning service members applying within 120 days of an anticipated honorable or general discharge, used when a DD-214 doesn’t yet exist.
7. SF-50, optional but helpful if you’ve previously held a federal position, as it confirms your status in the federal personnel system.

Gathering these SF 15 supporting documents ahead of time puts you in a much stronger position when an application window is short. Many veterans also keep digital, searchable copies of each document so they can attach them quickly to any USAJOBS application, without hunting through old paperwork each time.

How to fill out the SF 15 step by step

Completing the SF-15 accurately doesn’t take long once you know what each section is asking for. Here’s the process from start to finish.

1. Get the form. Download a blank SF-15 directly from OPM’s forms page. You can also find the SF 15 fillable PDF in pdfFiller’s form library and open it directly in the editor.
2. Enter your identifying information. This includes your full name, current address, and other basic identifying details requested at the top of the form.
3. Select your preference category. Indicate whether you’re claiming preference as CP, CPS, XP, TP, or SSP, based on your disability rating or family relationship, as outlined above.
4. Provide military service details. Fill in your branch of service, dates of active duty, and type of discharge. If you’re a family member claiming derived preference, you’ll also provide the veteran’s service information here.
5. Describe your disability or basis for preference. Reference your VA rating percentage, or the qualifying condition (such as a Purple Heart or sole survivorship discharge) that supports your claim.
6. Attach your supporting documents. Include your DD-214, VA letter, and any award documentation or proof of relationship required for your category.
7. Submit with your job application. Upload the completed SF-15 and its attachments to your USAJOBS profile, or send them directly to the hiring agency’s HR office if the job announcement specifies a different submission method.

The current SF-15, revised October 2013, does not require a signature. OPM also states that older editions are not accepted, so confirm that “Revised October 2013” appears at the bottom of the form.

Fill out the standard SF 15 form online in pdfFiller to avoid handwriting and possible errors.

How pdfFiller can help you prepare your SF 15

With pdfFiller, you can open the SF 15 in your browser, fill out every field digitally, and review your entries before downloading or printing. Type directly into form fields, using Text and Check tools—no handwriting required. Once you complete the form, you can download it as a PDF, print it for submission directly from the platform, or save it to your pdfFiller account for future reference.

pdfFiller is a secure online solution that complies with GDPR, SOC 2, and other security standards, which means your personal information—including disability ratings and military service records—is handled with enterprise-grade security. Every document stored in your account is encrypted and stored in a cloud-based vault. Check how to fill out government forms online using pdfFiller in our dedicated article.

Where and when to submit the SF 15

Submit SF 15 to the federal agency handling the job application, not to OPM as a general benefits claim. In USAJOBS, upload the SF 15 and supporting documents, then attach and submit them with the specific job application as directed.

There is no separate, government-wide deadline for the SF-15 outside of the job announcement itself — your preference claim and its documentation must be submitted by the same closing date as your application. Submitting after the announcement closes, even by a day, generally means the agency has nothing to adjudicate, and your preference points won’t be applied to that particular opportunity.

Because USAJOBS lets you save documents to your profile in advance, the most efficient approach is to complete your SF-15 and gather your DD-214 and VA letter before you start actively applying.

Common mistakes that cost veterans their preference points

Even well-prepared applicants make errors on the SF 15. Here are the most frequent issues to avoid:

• Not claiming preference at all. Some veterans skip the preference question in USAJOBS entirely, assuming their resume speaks for itself. Preference must be actively claimed and documented — it isn’t applied automatically.
• Uploading the wrong DD-214 copy. Member Copy 1 doesn’t show character of service; agencies need Member Copy 4 to verify your discharge status.
• Submitting an unsigned SF-15. A missing signature is grounds for the agency to reject the claim, even if all other details are correct.
• Using an outdated VA letter. If your disability rating has changed since your last letter, an old document can misrepresent your current eligibility category.
• Confusing 5-point and 10-point requirements. Trying to claim a 10-point preference without submitting the SF-15, or assuming a VA letter alone always suffices, can delay or invalidate a claim.
• Missing the application deadline. Preference documentation submitted after a job announcement closes generally can’t be applied retroactively.
• Assuming preference guarantees a job. Preference affects your ranking and, in some categories, pass-over protection — it doesn’t override the requirement to meet the position’s qualifications.

Most of these errors come down to disorganized paperwork or last-minute submissions rather than ineligibility. Keeping accurate, up-to-date digital copies of every required document is the simplest way to avoid them.

Final thoughts

The SF-15 ensures veterans and eligible family members receive the preference they’ve earned—but only if the paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Knowing whether you qualify for the five-point or 10-point tier, which category letter applies, and which supporting documents you need puts you in control of the process.

If you’re preparing an SF-15 for an upcoming federal application, pdfFiller can help you fill it out accurately, sign it electronically, and keep it ready to attach to every application you submit.

Start your free trial of pdfFiller today and take the guesswork out of your veterans’ preference paperwork.

Glossary

• Veterans’ preference: A federal hiring policy that adds points to the competitive examination scores of eligible veterans and certain family members, improving their standing in the hiring process.
• Standard Form 15 (SF 15): The official OPM form used to apply for 10-point veterans’ preference in federal employment. It must be submitted with supporting documents.
• Service-connected disability: A physical or mental condition that the Department of Veterans Affairs has determined was caused or aggravated by military service, often verified through a VA disability letter.
• DD-214: The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued to veterans upon separation. It is the primary document used to verify military service and discharge character.
• Derived preference: Veterans’ preference claimed by a family member (spouse, surviving spouse, or mother) based on the qualifying service or disability of a veteran who cannot themselves claim the preference.

Trusted sources

1. U.S. Office of Personnel Management — Vet Guide for HR Professionals
2. U.S. Office of Personnel Management—SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference
3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—VA Disability Compensation
4. USAJOBS — Veterans hiring path and documents
5. National Archives — Military Service Records