Schedule A Letter for Federal Employment
Get the supporting documentation you need to apply through the Schedule A hiring authority. Documentation delivered within 3 business days.Starting at $600. Schedule a free 15-minute call.
What Is a Schedule A Letter?
A Schedule A letter confirms that you have a qualifying disability for consideration under the Schedule A hiring authority. This federal hiring pathway allows qualified people with disabilities to apply for federal employment through a noncompetitive hiring process rather than compete against the general public.
The letter is issued on official letterhead by a licensed medical professional or other authorized source. It documents eligibility without naming your specific disability, disclosing your medical history, or including treatment details. You must still meet the qualifications for the position, and the letter does not guarantee employment.
Who May Qualify for a Schedule A Letter?
If you live with depression, an anxiety disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, or another mental health condition, you may qualify for a Schedule A letter. Your symptoms, clinical history, and the condition’s effects on daily functioning help determine whether the findings support documenting a psychiatric disability.
If you already have a diagnosis or documented disability, previous psychological evaluations, treatment records, and disability documentation can provide useful background. These records, together with a clinical interview, help determine whether there is enough information to issue a letter or whether additional assessment is needed. An older diagnosis or a gap in treatment does not necessarily rule out eligibility.
If you do not have an established diagnosis, a more comprehensive evaluation may be needed to clarify your symptoms, establish a diagnosis when appropriate, and understand how your condition affects daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. You do not need a new letter for every application, provided the information remains accurate. Follow each job announcement’s instructions, as an agency may request additional documentation.
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Federal agencies are not required to use Schedule A for every vacancy. A letter documents your eligibility, but the agency decides whether to use this hiring authority for a particular position. Check the job announcement or contact the agency’s Selective Placement Program Coordinator to confirm your application options.
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When applying through USAJOBS, upload your letter with the supporting documents requested in the job announcement. If you are applying directly through an agency’s Schedule A process, follow the submission instructions provided by its Selective Placement Program Coordinator.
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Yes. Eligible federal employees may use Schedule A to apply for another position, including certain internal opportunities or promotions. Before accepting a new appointment, speak with human resources about how it could affect your appointment status and any applicable trial or probationary period.
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No. A Schedule A letter documents eligibility for a hiring authority. An accommodation request addresses changes you need during the application process or at work. Your Schedule A letter does not need to describe those needs, and separate supporting documentation may be required for an accommodation request.
Need a Schedule A Letter?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation and the next steps toward a Schedule A letter.