Who is eligible for the WOTC Program?

WOTC applies to new employees hired on or after December 31, 2003, and before January 1, 2006.

• AFDC / TANF Recipient - An individual who has received AFDC/TANF assistance for any nine months during the 18-month period ending on the hiring date.

• Ex-felon - An individual convicted of a felony and hired within one year after conviction or release from prison, and who is a member of a federally-defined economically disadvantaged family. Lower Living Standard Income Levels per Memo AP 03-10.

• Food Stamps Recipient - An individual aged 18 through 24, who is a member of a family that has received Food Stamps for a specific time period within the last six months.

• High-Risk Youth - An individual who is 18 through 24 years old on the hiring date and lives in a Federal Renewal Community, Empowerment Zone, or Enterprise Community (RC/EZ/EC) located in areas of Bridgeport or New Haven. Renewal Community, Empowerment Zone, or Enterprise Community (RC/EZ/EC) addresses may be verified by accessing the Internet website of "HUD Locator Services". You may also verify an RC/EZ/EC address by calling Community Connections, toll free, at (800) 998-9999.

• Summer Youth Employee - An individual who is 16 or 17 years old on the hiring date, who starts work for the employer during the period of May 1 through September 15, and who lives in a Federal Enterprise Community, Empowerment Zone, or Renewal Community (RC/EZ/EC) located in areas of Bridgeport or New Haven.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient. - An individual who has received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for any month ending within the 60-day period ending on the hiring date.

• Veteran - An individual who has served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 180 days or has been discharged with a service-connected disability, and who is a member of a family receiving Food Stamps for at least a continuous three-month period during the 15-month period ending on the hiring date.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Referral - An individual with a physical and/or mental disability which may present a substantial barrier to employment, and who has received services under a State rehabilitation plan through the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services or the Board of Education and Services for the Blind, or has received vocational rehabilitation through the US Department of Veterans' Affairs.