Veteran Employer Programs
Comprehensive guide to hiring veterans including federal programs, tax benefits, compliance requirements, and best practices for recruiting and retaining military talent.
Are you an employer looking to tap into the exceptional talent pool of military veterans? Understanding veteran employer programs, hiring incentives, and support resources helps you successfully recruit, hire, and retain qualified veteran candidates. This comprehensive guide covers federal programs, tax benefits, and best practices for companies hiring veterans.
Why Hire Veterans?
Military veterans possess highly desirable qualities that benefit any organization
Leadership & Teamwork
Veterans are trained to lead, follow, and work collaboratively toward common objectives with demonstrated initiative.
Technical Skills
Modern military provides advanced training in IT, healthcare, logistics, mechanics, engineering, and communications.
Adaptability
Veterans excel at learning quickly, adapting to change, and performing effectively under pressure.
Work Ethic
Military culture instills discipline, punctuality, reliability, and commitment to mission accomplishment.
Additional Value Veterans Bring
Diversity
The military represents one of America's most diverse institutions, helping employers build inclusive workforces
Security Clearances
Many veterans hold active security clearances valuable for defense contractors and government agencies
Cross-Functional Skills
Veterans excel at collaboration across departments and adapting to new environments
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides significant hiring incentives when employers hire qualified veterans
Unemployed Veterans
Up to $2,400
Veterans unemployed for at least 4 weeks during the year before hiring
Veterans with Service-Connected Disability
Up to $4,800
Veterans with service-connected disability unemployed for at least 6 months
Long-Term Unemployed Veterans
Up to $9,600
Veterans unemployed for at least 6 months in the year before hiring
Veterans with Disability & Long-Term Unemployment
Up to $9,600
Maximum credit for veterans with service-connected disability and long-term unemployment
WOTC Certification Process
- 1Screen potential hires for WOTC eligibility before or on hire date
- 2Complete IRS Form 8850 within 28 days of hire date
- 3Submit Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061/9062 to state workforce agency
- 4Receive certification of eligibility
- 5Claim credit on federal tax return (Form 5884)
WOTC Requirements
- • Employee must work minimum 120 hours (partial credit) or 400 hours (full credit)
- • Credit claimed against federal income tax liability
- • Reduces wage deductions by credit amount
- • Cannot combine with other credits for same employee
Federal Contractor Hiring Requirements
Companies with federal contracts have specific obligations regarding veteran employment
VEVRAA Compliance
The Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) requires federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans.
Covered Contractors Must:
- List job openings with state employment services
- Establish annual veteran hiring benchmark goals
- Collect and maintain veteran employment data
- Conduct annual self-assessments
- Document outreach and recruitment efforts
- Provide Equal Opportunity clauses
Protected Veterans Include:
- Disabled veterans
- Veterans who served during wartime
- Veterans with campaign badges
- Veterans with 180+ consecutive days active duty
- Armed Forces Service Medal veterans
OFCCP Reporting
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) enforces VEVRAA compliance. Contractors must:
- • File annual VETS-4212 reports documenting veteran hiring
- • Make good faith efforts to achieve veteran hiring benchmarks
- • Maintain documentation of outreach and recruitment activities
- • Provide EEO-1 reports including veteran data
Non-compliance can result in contract cancellation, debarment, and other penalties.
Hiring Our Heroes Program
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program facilitating connections between employers and military talent
Program Components
Hiring Fairs
Regional employment events connecting employers with military talent
Corporate Fellowship Program
Place transitioning service members in professional fellowships
Military Spouse Network
Support military spouse employment through mentorship and networking
Employer Benefits
- • Access to qualified veteran candidates nationwide
- • Recruitment strategy development support
- • Application process optimization guidance
- • Onboarding best practices resources
- • Retention and advancement strategies
- • Recognition as veteran-friendly employer
- • Employer advisory council participation
- • Educational workshops and toolkits
Join Hiring Our Heroes
Register for hiring fairs, host fellowship opportunities, and access program resources
Visit HiringOurHeroes.orgComplete Benefits of Hiring Veterans
Beyond federal programs, employers gain numerous advantages
Financial Benefits
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit savings (up to $9,600 per veteran)
- Reduced recruitment and advertising costs
- Lower turnover and retention costs
- Training cost reimbursement through OJT programs
- Access to grants for veteran hiring initiatives
Operational Benefits
- Skilled, disciplined workforce
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Technical expertise
- Enhanced safety culture
- Security clearance access
- Problem-solving abilities
Reputation Benefits
- Enhanced corporate social responsibility profile
- Positive brand recognition
- Increased customer loyalty among veterans
- Competitive advantage in federal contracting
- Veteran-friendly employer certifications
- Improved employee morale
Apprenticeship Programs
Registered apprenticeship programs provide structured training combining on-the-job experience with classroom instruction
Benefits for Employers
- Develop skilled workers customized to business needs
- Reduce recruitment and training costs
- Increase employee retention
- Access federal and state tax benefits
- Qualify for DOL apprenticeship grants
Benefits for Veterans
- Paid training in skilled trades
- Industry-recognized credentials
- GI Bill education benefits during apprenticeship
- Structured career pathways
- Job security and advancement opportunities
Establishing Veteran Apprenticeships
- 1. Contact your state apprenticeship agency
- 2. Develop program standards and curriculum
- 3. Register program with DOL or state agency
- 4. Recruit veteran apprentices
- 5. Provide structured training and mentorship
- 6. Award credentials upon completion
The DOL's ApprenticeshipUSA program provides resources for developing veteran-inclusive apprenticeship programs.
Veteran-Friendly Employer Certification
Recognition programs demonstrating commitment to veteran hiring and support
Military Friendly Employers
Annual designation recognizing strong veteran recruitment, retention, and advancement programs
Recognition Includes:
- • National recognition
- • Marketing materials
- • Job seeker visibility
Best for Vets Employers
Media recognition highlighting exceptional veteran employer programs and workplace cultures
Recognition Includes:
- • Media exposure
- • Recruitment advantage
- • Brand enhancement
ESGR Recognition Awards
Recognition for supporting National Guard and Reserve employees
Recognition Includes:
- • Patriot Award
- • Above and Beyond Award
- • Freedom Award
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we required to hire veterans?
No, unless you're a federal contractor subject to VEVRAA affirmative action requirements. However, veteran hiring programs provide significant financial and operational benefits worth considering.
How do we verify veteran status?
Request DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release from Active Duty) showing character of discharge. This document confirms military service and separation status.
How do we claim Work Opportunity Tax Credit?
Complete IRS Form 8850 within 28 days of veteran hire date and submit to your state workforce agency with required documentation. Receive certification before claiming credit on your tax return.
What if a veteran needs disability accommodations?
Engage in interactive process as required by ADA. Work with veteran to identify necessary reasonable accommodations. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consultation on workplace accommodations.
How can we support military spouse employees?
Offer flexible work arrangements, remote work options, professional development opportunities, and understanding for military-related relocations and deployments. Join Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
Start Your Veteran Hiring Program Today
Building a successful veteran hiring program creates competitive advantages while honoring those who served
Steps to Launch Your Program:
- 1. Designate a veteran hiring program champion
- 2. Register for Work Opportunity Tax Credit certification
- 3. Join Hiring Our Heroes employer network
- 4. List positions with state veteran employment services
- 5. Develop veteran-inclusive job descriptions
- 6. Train hiring managers and HR staff
- 7. Attend veteran hiring fairs
- 8. Partner with transition assistance programs
- 9. Establish veteran employee resource group
- 10. Measure and report veteran hiring metrics
VETS Help Line
1-866-487-2365
Employer assistance and guidance
Essential Resources
- • HiringOurHeroes.org
- • dol.gov/agencies/vets
- • doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax
- • esgr.mil
Additional Employment Resources
Comprehensive guides for veterans seeking employment opportunities