Wage Subsidy Program

Program Goal

To help public assistance recipients in the tri-county area with barriers to employment find and retain employment.

Program Objective

The Wage Subsidy Program (WSP) helps cover some of the costs involved in training new employees.  Employers are reimbursed up to 90% of wages and basic fringes (FICA, Unemployment Insurance and Worker’s Compensation) for an eligible new hire, for a training period of up to 3 months. 

While there is no minimum salary rate for participation in this program, the amount of subsidy under WSP is capped at $8.00/hr.

Employers are encouraged to invest in and retain successful WSP employees after the subsidized training period.  Therefore, 25% of the wages subject to subsidy will be withheld until the new WSP employee retains employment for at least 90 days following the subsidy period (i.e. 6 months total).  WSP staff will provide on-going support and assistance to the employer and the employee to help reach this milestone.

Employers are reimbursed 65% of training wages/fringes at the end of the training period with the additional 25% reimbursed once the 90-day retention milestone has been reached. 

Who is eligible?

Family Assistance Recipients (FA), Safety Net families (SNF), families at or below 200% of poverty (TANF 200%) in the Oneida, Herkimer and Madison county regions.  To be TANF 200% eligible an individual’s household income must be at or below 200% of poverty and have one of the following as a member of the household:  a)  a minor child under the age of 18 or under the age of 19 and attending secondary school or an equivalent level of vocational or technical training (e.g. BOCES)  b)  a pregnant woman  c)  an adult who is not the parent but is a relative caring for a minor OR d)  the individual is a non-custodial parent of a minor child.

Participants also need to complete some kind of Job Readiness Training prior to placement.  In order to meet this requirement, many participants will be referred upon completion of a DSS Job Readiness Training program – in Oneida County that is the Pride in Work program.

Download a copy of the Referral Form

What Employers and Positions Qualify?

Any company, regardless of size, may qualify for WSP if it can provide the following: 

• A permanent position, preferably full-time, with working hours equal to a minimum of 30 hours per pay week for eligible individuals, 18 and over.
• A pay rate meeting federal, state or union standards, as applicable.
• Opportunities for advancement.

NOTE:  The focus of this project is to provide individuals with employment opportunities, which can provide salary above minimum wage, offer advancement opportunities and lead to self-sufficiency.  The needs of the health care sector will be one focus of this project.  Entry-level positions in the non-clinical areas such as transportation, building and grounds, food service and even CNA positions will be targeted for the subsidies. Other sectors of employment are open to receive subsidies if above criteria can be met.

View more information for employers...

Other Program Benefits

•  On-going case management services are provided to assist with problems on and off the job site with post–placement follow up for 6 months after placement
• Participants who successfully complete 60 days of employment receive a $100 stipend upon reaching their 60-day retention milestone.

Who is the Program Operator? 

The Workforce Investment Board of Herkimer Madison and Oneida counties is the recipient of the funds through the NYS Office of Disabilities and Temporary Assistance (ODTA)

The WIB will partner with local DSS units and Herkimer and Madison County Employment and Training offices for referral, job development and retention support services.  Local Working Solutions offices will be utilized to assist with job search and placement, also.

Contact Information

For more information contact:

Sarah Gatley, Program Director

Workforce Investment Board
209 Elizabeth St.
Utica, NY  13501
315.798.5908