Bonuses offered as incentive to unemployed workers to return to work and to help employers fill job vacancies.
Harrisonburg, VA (July 19, 2021). The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board is currently taking applications for the Shenandoah Valley Return to Earn Program. Eligible small businesses can apply to be reimbursed a portion of incentives (up to $500) paid directly to new hires in support of their transition back into the workforce. The Return to Earn Program serves businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and is intended to help small companies offset the burden of employer-paid hiring bonuses.
Companies must be hiring for positions that pay at least $15 per hour and that qualify as W-2 employment, either full- or part-time to apply for reimbursement. Employers must initially cover the full amount of the hiring bonus and provide the funds directly to new hires prior to requesting reimbursement. Payment to the employee can be either one lump sum or in installments to cover the ongoing costs of such things as childcare, transportation, or other barriers to re-employment. Verification of how funds are used by the new hire is not required. Employer must include proof of date hired and hiring bonus paid to the employee with the request for reimbursement. Payments must be made between June 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.
Additionally, the program allows qualifying companies to apply for up to 25 new hires per employer. Qualifying childcare businesses that may be facing particularly challenging workforce shortages may qualify for up to $500 per new hire without a required employer funds match.
More information on eligibility and an application form is available at https://vcwvalley.com/return_to_earn_grant/. Questions can be directed to Joan Hollen by email at jhollen@vcwvalley.com or phone 540-442-7134 ext. 100.
This product was created using 100% of federal U. S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) award of $1,627,437 (#AA-32183-18-55-A-51) made to Page County on behalf of the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Area by the pass-through entity, the Virginia Community College System. No costs of this product were financed by nongovernmental sources. The information contained herein does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.
