Individuals with disabilities
Eligibility
The federal government hires each person using a hiring authority (the term comes from the federal regulation that describes it). Federal agencies can use the Schedule A Hiring Authority to hire an individual with a disability.
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Schedule A refers to a special hiring authority that gives federal agencies an optional, and potentially quicker, way to hire individuals with disabilities. Applying under Schedule A offers an exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. You can apply for jobs using Schedule A, if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability or a psychiatric disability.
To be eligible for Schedule A, you must provide a proof of a disability letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability. You can get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist or any federal, state or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
Applying using Schedule A can be a great way to get a federal job, but it is one of many options that may be available and you still have to compete with other eligible applicants. Federal agencies hire people using many options, so applying under Schedule A does not guarantee you a job.
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- Mention your eligibility and that you want to be considered for Schedule A on your resume (and in your cover letter, if you use one).
- If you're eligible for Schedule A, go to your profile and select the Individuals with disabilities hiring path and make your resume searchable. If your resume is searchable, agencies who are looking for people eligible under Schedule A, can find you.
Learn more about eligibility for Schedule A External link. Opens in a new window.
How do I know a job is open to individuals with a disability?
In the job announcement look for the This job is open to section. When a job is open to Individuals with a disability you’ll see this icon: There may be other groups listed that can also apply.
You can also select the Individuals with disabilities filter in search. Your results will display all jobs open to individuals with disabilities.
Selective Placement Program Coordinator
Selective placement program coordinators (SPPC) help agencies recruit, hire and accommodate people with disabilities. The SPPC can guide you through the application process and answer questions. Most federal agencies, but not all, have an SPPC or equivalent role, such as a special emphasis program manager.
If you are a person with a disability and interested in a job opportunity, contact the agency SPPC using the selective placement program coordinator directoryExternal link. Opens in a new window.
Accommodating individuals with a disability
Federal agencies are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so will result in undue hardship to the agency. The accommodations make it easier for an employee with a disability to successfully perform the duties of the position. For example, an agency may offer:
- Interpreters, readers or other personal assistance
- Modified position duties
- Flexible work schedules or work sites
- Accessible technology or other workplace adaptive equipment
You can request reasonable accommodations any time during the hiring process or at any time while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
To request a reasonable accommodation:
- Look at the job posting for instructions on requesting a reasonable accommodation.
- Work directly with the person arranging the interviews.
- Contact the agency SPPC.
- Request a reasonable accommodation verbally or in writing; no special language is needed.
Documents you may need
A disability letter from you doctor or a licensed medical professional that proves your eligibility for Schedule A appointment
Upload and submit through USAJOBS
You can upload and save documents to your USAJOBS account. Once uploaded, you can submit these forms with your job application as needed. Sign into USAJOBS or learn how to upload documents.
Search Jobs
Individuals with disabilities
Look for these options under the Hiring Path filter when searching.
Additional Resources
- ABCs of Schedule A (EEOC) External link. Opens in a new window.
- Disability employment (OPM) External link. Opens in a new window.
- Hiring options for veterans with disabilities External link. Opens in a new window.
- Reasonable accommodations (OPM) External link. Opens in a new window.
- Sample Schedule A letters (OPM) External link. Opens in a new window.
- Selective placement program coordinator directory (OPM) External link. Opens in a new window.
- Workforce recruitment program External link. Opens in a new window.