---
title: What is Veteran and Disability Preference?
description: Understand how to apply veterans’ and disability hiring preferences under MCA 39-29 and 39-30 to ensure fair, lawful municipal hiring in Montana.
---

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January 12, 2026

# What is Veteran and Disability Preference?

## Applying Hiring Preferences: Veterans and Persons with Disabilities in Montana Municipal Employment

Applicants must claim preference and provide supporting documentation at the time they apply for the job to be offered such preference, MCA 39-29 and MCA 39-30. Preference is given for an applicant’s initial hire into the municipality only. Internal applicants may not claim preference. Applicants must first meet minimum qualifications prior to any preference   
points being offered, unless the employer is offering a training position that does not require minimum requirements to be met. If using a selection procedure other than a scored procedure for Veteran's Preferences or Disability (non-veteran) Preference, the employer shall give preference in this order, to a disabled veteran, a person with a disability, a veteran,   
an eligible relative and an eligible spouse as defined in the MCA 39-30-103.  
Veteran’s Preferences  
If using a scored applicant selection procedure, an applicant must receive the following percentage points: 5 percentage points if the applicant is a veteran OR 10 percentage points if the applicant is a disabled veteran or an eligible relative. An applicant only receives one of the above percentage points, not both. For more information on veteran’s preferences, seek guidance from the city attorney or MMIA.  
Disability (Non-veteran) Preference  
If a job applicant claims disability preference or eligible spouse preference, they must be hired over any other applicant with substantially equal qualification who is not a preference-eligible applicant. Preference is typically applied at both the application screening step and the interview step.  
Example of preference using the scored method:  
Name Current CDL=1 pt. Over 2 years   
PW=1pt  
Total Points Preference   
Status  
With Preference  
Bill Smith 0 1 1 Disabled vet 1.10  
Stephanie K 1 1 2 None 2.0  
Kelly Hill 1 1 2 Vet 2.1

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Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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