What priority of service means
In any job training program funded by the Department of Labor, a covered person "shall be given priority over a non-covered person" for employment, training and placement services (20 CFR 1010.200). In practice you get served earlier, or you get a limited slot before a non-covered person.
Who is covered
- Veterans
- Spouses of veterans who died of a service-connected disability
- Spouses of veterans with a total service-connected disability rated by VA, or who died while that disability existed
- Spouses of service members listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured, or forcibly detained
Source: 20 CFR 1010.110. In state employment service referrals, special disabled veterans come first, then other veterans in the order the rule sets (20 CFR 1001.120).
How to use it
- Tell the front desk you are a veteran or eligible spouse. Centers must give you the chance to say so at the point of entry (20 CFR 1010.300).
- Proof is not required at the door, only when you enroll in a program. Bring your DD-214.
- Ask about veterans staff. CareerOneStop notes that partner programs such as veterans services are on site at comprehensive centers, not necessarily at affiliates.
Centers that list veterans services
171 offices confirm veterans services in their official listing, for example:
- East County Career Center, El Cajon, CA
- Bridgeport American Job Center, Bridgeport, CT
- Alternative Schools Network (Main Office), Chicago, IL
- JobNet Career Center, Madisonville, KY
- Wilton CareerCenter, Wilton, ME
- Batesville WIN Job Center, Batesville, MS
- Bismarck Workforce Center, Bismarck, ND
- American Job Center — Beatrice, Beatrice, NE
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as a covered person for priority of service?
A veteran or an eligible spouse. Eligible spouses include spouses of veterans who died of a service-connected disability, of veterans with a total service-connected disability, and of service members missing in action, captured or detained for more than 90 days.
Do I need to prove I am a veteran when I walk in?
Not at the front desk. Centers must let you say you are a covered person at the point of entry; proof is needed when you are enrolled in a program.
Sources
20 CFR 1010.110, covered persons and eligible spouses. Checked October 30, 2026.
20 CFR 1010.200, what priority of service means. Checked October 30, 2026.
20 CFR 1010.300, identifying covered persons at the point of entry. Checked October 30, 2026.
20 CFR 1001.120, referral priority for veterans in state employment offices. Checked October 30, 2026.
CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor): American Job Centers. Checked October 30, 2026.