Federal jobs and Schedule A
Schedule A is a faster way into federal jobs for people with disabilities. Here is who qualifies and how to use it.
What Schedule A is
Schedule A is a hiring authority. It lets a federal agency hire a person with a disability without the usual competition. That can make the process much faster.
It is not a separate job list. You apply for regular federal jobs and say you want to be considered under Schedule A. The rule is in federal regulations at 5 CFR 213.3102(u).
Who qualifies
- People with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability.
- You must be able to do the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- You need proof of your disability (your Schedule A letter).
Your Schedule A letter
The letter says you have a disability that qualifies. It does not need to name your diagnosis. It can come from:
- A licensed medical professional, like a doctor
- A licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, like your VR counselor
- Any federal, state, or local agency that gives out disability benefits
Tip: ask your VR counselor for a Schedule A letter. Keep a PDF copy so you can attach it to applications.
How to apply
- Make a free account on USAJOBS and build your federal resume. Federal resumes are longer than most. List your duties, hours a week, and results.
- Search for jobs. Look for the hiring path called Individuals with disabilities.
- Upload your Schedule A letter with your application.
- Contact the agency's Selective Placement Program Coordinator. Every agency has one. They help people with disabilities get hired and can share your resume with hiring managers.
- If you need an accommodation for the interview, ask for it. Federal agencies must provide one.
Veterans
Veterans with a disability rated 30 percent or more by the VA can also be hired without the usual competition. Many veterans get extra points through veterans' preference. See Veterans at work.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision. Report outdated or wrong information.