Programs Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)

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Priority Services

What is Veterans’ Priority of Service? - Priority of Service is the right of an eligible “Covered Person” to be given priority of service over an eligible non-covered person for the receipt of employment, training and placement services, notwithstanding other provisions of the law. Covered persons take precedence over non-covered persons in obtaining services and shall receive access to services and resources earlier in time than a non-covered person. If services or resources are limited, the covered person receives access instead of or before the non-covered person.

• You are a "Covered Person" and are entitled to Priority of Service if:

  • You served in the military or air service, were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable as specified in 38 U.S.C 101(2);

  • Active service includes full time National Guard or a Reserve component, other than full time duty for training; or

  • You are the spouse of:

    • Any veteran that died of a service connected disability; or

    • Any member of the armed forces service on active duty who, at the time of application for the priority, is listed as one or more of the following categories and has been so listed a total of more than 90 days:

      • Missing In Action,

      • Captured in line of duty by a hostile force,

      • Forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government.

    • Any veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service connected disability, as evaluated by the Veterans Administration,

    • Any veteran who died and a total disability (service connected), as evaluated by the Department of Veteran Affairs, was in existence.

In addition, you can receive assistance from Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staff and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) who are dedicated to providing employment, training services and case management to all veterans.

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Special assistance is available for veterans with disabilities.

Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), veterans may qualify for:

• Tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to completion of secondary school

• Alternative school services

• Mentoring

• Paid and unpaid work experience (such as internships, apprenticeships or job shadowing)

• Occupational skills training

• Leadership development

• Supportive services

• Guidance counseling

• Follow-up services