Business, government, and community agencies working together to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Financial Incentives
- Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Employees can claim a Federal Credit of up to $2,400 of the first $6,000 in wages paid to a certified worker.
- NYS Workers with Disabilities Employment Tax Credit (WETC)
- Employers can claim a State tax credit of up to $2,100 of the first $6,000 per eligible individual during the second year of employment.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit - (WOTC)
- The Federal Government is now allowing business to deduct up to 40% of the first $6,000 of wages that they pay to eligible workers. This amount is deducted from the taxes the company owes the IRS, up to a maximum of $2,400 per person.
- NYS Economic Development Zone Wage Tax Credit
- Certified employers, whose business is located in an economic development zone, can claim a State tax credit of up to $1,500 for up to five years, for a maximum benefit of $7,500.
- Access & Barrier Removal Tax Credits
- Employers of large, medium, and small companies (leased or owned) can claim Federal tax credits when they meet ADA standards for building modifications to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Assistance is available.
Financial Training Incentives
- Work Tryout — Be reimbursed for 100% of the consumer’s wages for up to 160 hours of work.
- The purpose of the program is to allow individuals with little or no work experience the opportunity to try out a specific occupation. The employer and employee can evaluate the match. A firm commitment to hire the individual is not a requirement. Rather, the WTO (Work Try Out) is a tool for evaluating the strengths and interests of job seekers.
- On-the-Job Training Program (OJT)
- VESID can pay training fees to reimburse an employer for the costs associated with training a new employee when:
- The VESID trainee requires specific skills training and supervision,
- The employer agrees to hire the VESID trainee upon completion of the training period or qualify the individual to reasonably attain other similar employment,
- The VESID trainee is placed on the company's payroll during the training period covering the usual company benefits.
- The employer can then be reimbursed for the wages paid to the trainee. Reimbursements are available for an agreed upon period of time. As the individual gains in skills, a greater portion of the wages are assumed by the employer.
- Job Coaching
- This program provides for the wages of a “coach/trainer” to help individuals who learn best one-on-one. The employer advises the job coach about the job standards and then the job coach helps to train the employee. As the worker learns the job tasks, the coach’s involvement gradually fades, but is available for follow up. Many of the Nassau and Suffolk agencies provide this service.