Schedule A Hiring Guide | Federal Disability Hiring Program

What is Schedule A Hiring Authority?

Schedule A is a special hiring authority that allows federal agencies to hire people with disabilities without going through the traditional competitive hiring process. This means you can be hired directly by an agency if you meet the qualifications for the position.

Under Schedule A, you can be appointed to any position for which you qualify. After two years of satisfactory performance, you may be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service.

Key Benefits

• Skip the competitive examination process
• Apply directly to agency Selective Placement Coordinators
• Eligible for conversion to permanent status after 2 years
• Access to reasonable accommodations

Who is Eligible?

Schedule A hiring authority applies to individuals with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Disabilities

Mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, chronic health conditions

Psychiatric Disabilities

Depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia

Intellectual Disabilities

Developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders

Required Documentation

Schedule A Letter (Proof of Disability)

You need a letter from one of the following sources confirming your disability and ability to perform job duties:

Licensed medical professional (doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist)
Licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist
Federal agency (VA, SSA) that issues disability benefits
State vocational rehabilitation agency
Employment network or workforce agency

Important: The letter must state that you have a disability and are able to perform the essential functions of the job. It does not need to specify your diagnosis.

How to Apply Using Schedule A

Obtain Your Schedule A Letter

Get documentation from a qualified professional confirming your disability and ability to work.

Prepare Your Federal Resume

Create an OPM-compliant resume that demonstrates your qualifications for your target positions.

Find Selective Placement Coordinators

Each federal agency has a Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) who handles Schedule A hiring.

Contact Agencies Directly

Reach out to SPPCs at agencies where you want to work. Send your resume and Schedule A letter.

Apply Through USAJOBS Too

You can also apply to positions on USAJOBS and indicate your Schedule A eligibility in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schedule A hiring authority?

Schedule A is a hiring authority that allows federal agencies to hire people with disabilities without competing through the traditional USAJOBS process. It provides a non-competitive pathway to federal employment for individuals with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

How do I apply for federal jobs using Schedule A?

To apply using Schedule A: (1) Obtain a Schedule A letter from a licensed medical professional, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or VA; (2) Contact agency Selective Placement Program Coordinators directly; (3) Submit your resume and Schedule A letter; (4) You may be hired non-competitively if qualified for the position.

What documentation do I need for Schedule A eligibility?

You need a Schedule A letter (also called a proof of disability letter) from a licensed medical professional, licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must confirm you have a disability and are able to perform the job duties.

Schedule A Hiring
Authority Guide