Recovery Michigan

Joining the workforce after the death or disability of a loved one can be difficult, but it can also ease financial strain and provide a break from grieving. When seeking employment with the federal government, military spouses, family member caregivers, widows, widowers and surviving mothers may be able to take advantage of special preference programs. These programs do not guarantee a job but provide a qualified candidate entry into the applicant pool.

The spouse, widow, widower or mother of a service member or veteran may be able to claim up to 10 preference points on a federal employment application when eligibility is met.

• Veterans' preference gives eligible veterans preference in being hired over other applicants.
• Derived preference allows the spouse, widow, widower or mother of a veteran to claim the veterans' preference for certain federal positions if the service member or veteran is unable to use it.
• Both the mother and spouse of a service member or veteran may be entitled to claim the preference if they meet the requirements.

Check out Feds Hire Vets — Veterans' Preference and Family Member Preference (Derived Preference) for how veterans' preference works and additional information on eligibility.

Military Spouse Appointing Authority

The Military Spouse Appointing Authority allows federal agencies to appoint certain military spouses to a position without going through the competitive hiring process. The Military Spouse Appointing Authority is not a hiring preference or an entitlement, but caregivers and widows should be aware of it because it allows for noncompetitive entry into the competitive service.

The three categories of spouses considered under this authority are:

• Spouses of service members who have a 100 percent disability rating
• Spouses of service members who died while on active duty
• Military spouses who've recently made a permanent change of station move

As you review vacancy announcements for federal positions, look in the Who May Apply section to see if the job falls under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority. To learn more, read Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses