DOL Cheers Vet-Friendly Bosses: 2025 Medallion Winners Revealed!
Published Date: 3/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor just announced the 2025 winners of the HIRE Vets Medallion Awards, celebrating employers who do an awesome job hiring and supporting veterans. Winners include businesses big and small, and they get a cool award to show off their veteran-friendly status. Plus, the notice shares info about 2026 application fees, so employers can get ready to join the fun next year!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
2026 Application Fees Set
The notice sets the HIRE Vets Medallion Program application fees for 2026 at Small: $120, Medium: $250, and Large: $640, reflecting a 28.7% inflation adjustment from April 2017 to April 2025 and representing the program's first fee increase.
Winner Award: Certificate and Medallion Use
The Department of Labor announced the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipients (888 approved) on January 30, 2026. Recipients receive an award certificate and a digital image of the medallion that they may use in advertisements, solicitations, business activity, or on products.
Very High Approval Rate for 2025
For the 2025 awards, VETS received 891 applications; the Secretary approved 888 applications for award, with 1 application denied and 2 withdrawn.
Six Award Categories by Size and Level
The HIRE Vets Medallion Awards are conferred in six categories determined by employer size (small, medium, or large) and award level (platinum or gold).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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