New York State Department of Labor Career Services

New York Youth Works Fact Sheet for Businesses

To qualify for the tax credit, your business must be certified by the NYS Department of Labor. An application for certification must be received by the Department between January 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012.

The tax credit only applies to hiring employees ages 16 to 24 who are certified to participate in the program. The Department of Labor will refer certified youth to your business or assist you in getting youth certified. Youths must start work between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Your business may earn tax credits equal to the following amounts. If the amount of the credit exceeds your tax liability, you may receive the excess as a refund.

• If the youth is hired for a full-time position (35 hours or more per week), the maximum tax credit is $4,000. This is payable as follows:
  • $500 per month, for a maximum of six months ($3,000 maximum); and
  • $1,000 if the youth is retained for six months beyond the first six months of employment (employed one full year).
• If the youth is hired for a part-time position (20-34 hours per week), the maximum tax credit is $2,000. This is payable as follows:
  • $250 per month, for a maximum of six months ($1,500 maximum); and
  • $500 if the youth is retained for six months beyond the first six months of employment (employed one full year).

Eligibility

To be eligible for certification, your business must be:

• In good standing
• Located within a reasonable commuting distance for eligible youth residing in the areas of New York State listed above
• Filling a job opening that meets one of the following conditions:
  • Considered an in-demand occupation
  • In a regional growth sector
  • Is a priority for the area’s Regional Economic Development Council

Apply for Certification

It's quick and easy to apply for certification. Simply access the online application by clicking the link below. All applications must be received by the NYS Department of Labor between January 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012.

You can choose to receive written notice of your business certification via e-mail or the U.S. Postal Service.

Apply Online for Business Certification

If you don't want to apply online, you may download the application and mail or fax it to the Department of Labor. Download the Application for Business Certification.

New York Youth Works Fact Sheet for Youth

Need help finding a job? The NY Youth Works Program can assist you! Our goal is to help you get into the workplace and succeed. First, all you have to do is get certified by the NYS Department of Labor. That's easy; just fill out the application by clicking the link below. Don't wait - we must receive your application by December 31, 2012.

If you participate in a placement or training program, you may receive the following benefits to help cover your costs (daycare, clothing, transportation, etc.):

• $300 per month for up to two months, if you are in a work readiness or skill training program while you look for a job
• One $300 payment when you begin your job
• Maximum total benefit: $900

These benefits are only available through authorized NY Youth Works training and placement providers.

Eligibility

To participate in the NY Youth Works Program, you must:

• Be 16 to 24 years old
• Live in one of the areas of New York State listed above
• Be unemployed

In addition, at least one of the following must apply to you:

• You are 18 years old, no longer in school, and don’t have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• You are a member of a family that is receiving assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• You are a member of a family that is receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps)
• You are a member of a family that is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
• You receive a free or reduced-cost school lunch
• You were referred by a rehabilitation agency approved by the State, or an employment network under the Ticket to Work Program
• You have served in jail or prison - or are on probation or parole
• You are pregnant or a parent
• You are homeless
• You are currently or were in foster care or the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services
• You are a veteran
• You are the daughter or son of a parent who is currently in jail or prison, or has been within the past two years
• You are the daughter or son of a parent who is collecting unemployment insurance
• You live in public housing or receive housing assistance such as a Section 8 voucher

Apply for Certification

It's easy to apply for your certification! Just click below for the online application. Please make sure we receive your application by December 31, 2012.

You can choose to receive your written certification via e-mail or the U.S. Postal Service.

You are encouraged to:

• Check the NYS Job Bank for job openings
• Go to your local One-Stop Career Center for job placement assistance
• Contact employers directly and let them know they can qualify for a tax credit if they hire you
• Check this website; we post a list of placement/training providers that can help you find training or a job under this program

Apply Online for Youth Certification

If you don't want to apply online, you may download the application and mail or fax it to the Department of Labor. Download the Application for Youth Certification.

This Confirmation of Hire must be completed by training providers as soon as youth are placed in jobs.

The New York Youth Works funding opportunities include:

• Placement Program #T-1 RFA is designed for organizations to provide job matching and placement services to their current population of work-ready youth (i.e., students who already completed or are about to complete work readiness and occupational training). Organizations may apply for a maximum award of up to $50,000. A list of approved placement providers will be released soon.
• Training and Placement Program #T-2 RFA will fund organizations to provide work readiness and occupational skills training and then place youth with certified businesses. Organizations may apply for a maximum award of up to $50,000. A list of approved training and placement providers will be released soon.
• Training and Placement Program #T-3 RFP will fund organizations to provide work readiness and occupational skills training and then place youth with certified businesses. Organizations may apply for an award of between $50,000 - $200,000 under this RFP. Training and placement proposals are currently under review.