If your spouse or parent died during military service or as a result of a service-connected disability, Kansas law gives you an advantage when applying for state and local government jobs. Under K.S.A. 73-201, eligible surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans receive preference in public employment throughout Kansas. This means your application may be placed ahead of non-preference candidates during the hiring process for city, county, and state positions.

Who qualifies for veteran survivor employment preference in Kansas?

Kansas veteran survivor employment preference applies to specific family members of deceased service members. You may qualify if you are:

  • The surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition
  • The surviving spouse of a veteran with a total service-connected disability who has since passed away
  • A dependent child in some cases, depending on the hiring authority and how the preference is applied

The deceased veteran must have been a Kansas resident at the time of death, or the applicant must currently reside in Kansas. Eligibility also requires that the veteran received an honorable discharge or died before discharge under honorable conditions.

Not sure if your situation qualifies? The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office can verify eligibility and help you gather the right documentation.

How does the preference actually work when you apply for a job?

Kansas uses different preference structures depending on the employer and position type. Here's how it generally works:

For classified state government jobs

Kansas civil service rules allow eligible candidates to receive added points on qualifying exams. Survivor preference candidates typically receive five additional points added to their passing score. If you score a 75 on a civil service exam, for example, your adjusted score becomes 80 which can push you well ahead of other applicants on the eligibility list.

For cities, counties, and other public employers

Many Kansas municipalities voluntarily adopt veteran and survivor preference policies. The structure varies by employer. Some add points to application scores, while others give preference candidates priority during the interview selection stage. Check with each city or county's human resources department to understand their specific policy.

When preference applies to tied scores

Even in cases where a public employer doesn't use point adjustments, Kansas law often requires that if two candidates score equally, the preference-eligible candidate receives priority. This tie-breaking rule can make a real difference when competition is tight.

What documents do you need to prove your eligibility?

You'll need to provide documentation when claiming survivor employment preference. Gather these items before you apply:

  • DD Form 214 or equivalent discharge documentation for the deceased veteran
  • Death certificate showing cause of death (especially if service-connected)
  • Marriage certificate or proof of dependent relationship
  • VA determination letter if the death was related to a service-connected disability
  • A completed veteran preference claim form, which varies by employer

Keep certified copies of these documents rather than originals. Some employers require notarized copies, so verify the specific requirements ahead of time to avoid delays.

What types of jobs does this preference cover?

The preference applies to public sector positions meaning jobs with the State of Kansas, state agencies, public school districts, cities, counties, and other governmental bodies. It does not apply to private employers, federal positions (which have their own separate preference system under federal law), or jobs with private contractors working for the government.

Common Kansas public employers where survivor preference applies include:

  • Kansas state agencies and departments
  • University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and other state universities
  • Unified school districts
  • City and county governments
  • Kansas public safety departments

If you're also navigating other family support needs during a transition, military family transitional housing programs by state can provide stability while you search for employment.

Can you use survivor preference more than once?

Yes. Survivor employment preference in Kansas is not a one-time benefit. You can claim it for every eligible public job application you submit. Each application is treated independently, so you can use the preference repeatedly until you are hired or no longer meet the eligibility criteria (such as remarriage in some interpretations, though Kansas law on this point varies by employer policy).

What common mistakes do applicants make?

People lose out on this benefit more often than you'd think. Here are the most frequent errors:

  1. Not claiming the preference at all. Many applicants don't know the benefit exists or assume it only applies to the veteran not to surviving family members. Always indicate your preference status on the application.
  2. Incomplete documentation. Submitting an application without the required proof means the preference won't be applied. Double-check that every required form is included.
  3. Assuming it applies to all jobs. Survivor preference covers public employment only. Applying it to a private-sector job listing won't help and can confuse hiring managers.
  4. Not following up. If an employer doesn't seem to recognize your preference claim, follow up with their HR department. Administrative errors happen, and you have a right to have your claim reviewed.
  5. Confusing federal and state preference systems. Federal veteran preference (under Title 5 USC) and Kansas state preference (under K.S.A. 73-201) are separate systems with different rules. A VA-rated disability letter from the federal VA is helpful but may need to be supplemented with state-specific documentation.

How does Kansas compare to neighboring states?

Kansas offers a fairly standard public employment preference for veteran survivors, but the details differ from nearby states. Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado each have their own statutes governing veteran and survivor hiring preference, with varying point values, eligibility windows, and documentation requirements.

If you live near the Kansas-Nebraska border, for instance, you might also qualify for Nebraska veteran family crisis resources that can help with broader support beyond employment.

What if you're also dealing with other challenges?

Employment is often one piece of a larger puzzle for veteran survivors. You may be managing grief, raising children alone, or dealing with financial stress. Several Kansas and national programs can help alongside your job search:

Where do you start if you think you qualify?

Start by confirming your eligibility, then take these concrete steps:

  1. Contact the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office at 785-296-3976 or visit kdva.ks.gov to verify your eligibility status.
  2. Order certified copies of the veteran's DD-214, your marriage certificate, and the death certificate if you don't already have them.
  3. Search for open positions on the Kansas state jobs portal at Kansas state government careers and on individual city/county websites.
  4. Indicate your preference status clearly on every application. Don't assume the system will flag it automatically.
  5. Follow up with each employer's HR department after submitting your application to confirm your preference documentation was received and applied correctly.

As you work through these steps, remember that some survivors also need help with other transitions. If aging dependents are part of your situation, assistive living placement resources for veteran dependents can help you find the right care options while you focus on building your career.

Quick checklist before you apply

  • ✅ Verify that the deceased veteran was a Kansas resident or that you currently live in Kansas
  • ✅ Confirm the veteran's discharge status was honorable (or equivalent)
  • ✅ Gather certified copies of DD-214, death certificate, and proof of relationship
  • ✅ Check each employer's specific preference policy and required forms
  • ✅ Mark the veteran preference section on every application don't skip it
  • ✅ Call HR after applying to make sure your preference claim was processed
  • ✅ Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records