There are several ways for individuals to be hired into the Federal Government. These avenues are called hiring authorities. One avenue available for people with disabilities is the Schedule A hiring authority, or Schedule A for short.
The Schedule A hiring authority allows people with disabilities to be hired for federal positions without competing with the general public if they meet the eligibility requirements for Schedule A and are qualified for the position they are seeking or being considered for.
To be eligible under Schedule A, candidates must provide the required supporting documentation—commonly, the Schedule A letter—when it is requested by the federal agency to which they are applying. The Schedule A letter must indicate that the candidate has an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability. The letter should be presented on official letterhead and signed by a:
- licensed medical professional, such as a primary care physician, family physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, audiologist, or other specialist;
- certified rehabilitation professional; or
- federal or state agency or entity that issues or provides disability benefits, such as the Social Security Administration or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Schedule A letter does not need to include the candidate’s individual diagnosis, medical history, or need for an accommodation.
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) requires applicants to confirm that they are people with disabilities eligible to use the Schedule A hiring authority. Students and recent graduates must verify program eligibility by providing a Schedule A letter when applying to the WRP.
View and download an example of a Schedule A letter. Learn more about the steps to obtain a Schedule A letter.
For more information about the Schedule A hiring authority, please refer to the following websites: U.S. Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and USAJobs.