If you are currently unemployed, there's some good news on the horizon. Many states are offering re-employment bonuses to individuals who are willing to rejoin the workforce. In addition to getting a regular salary, you can get money up-front to go towards whatever current needs you have.
During the Covid pandemic, millions of people were unemployed. Businesses stopped hiring, and companies laid off their employees. However, the economy didn't slow down forever. As the Covid vaccine became available, the economy began to boom. Businesses started to have an increased demand and needed employees to meet that demand.
Unfortunately, people were hesitant to rejoin the workforce, and they still are. The reasons for remaining unemployed vary, but they include a lack of stability, no babysitting for children in remote learning, and an unawareness of job prospects. Across the country, businesses are still struggling to find suitable applicants.
In fact, some establishments are unable to offer complete services or hours. They don't have enough manpower to handle a full day of work. From small businesses to large chains, managers can't seem to fill their positions. Adding to the problem is the fact that more people are quitting now than ever. If people are unhappy or underappreciated, they're putting in their notice.
In response, some states now offer re-employment bonuses. The policies differ on a state-by-state level. However, states who participate generally offer a certain amount of money to individuals who rejoin the workforce.
The way in which new employees redeem the benefits vary. In one state, you might need to work for four weeks before you receive benefits. It all depends on your location. If you're interested in learning more, you can research your state's laws.
As of June 2020, several states offered re-employment bonuses. In Colorado, over 14,000 people received cash incentives for returning to work on a full-time basis. The incentive amount varies but can be much as $1,600. Connecticut has a similar policy.
Meanwhile, Arizona offers $2,000 to those who work eight 40 hour weeks during their first ten weeks of work. If you work eight 20 hour weeks, you may be eligible for $1,000. With that said, only some jobs come with this benefit. You must make $25 an hour or less and have been reemployed between May 13 and September 6.
For residents of Montana, the state will pay $1,200 to individuals who claimed unemployment on or after May 4 and who accept a new position. You need to work at least four weeks before you can receive the payment. In New Hampshire, you need to work full-time for eight weeks and then you will receive $1,000. Part-time workers are also eligible, but the pay drops to $500.
As long as you're one of the first 20,000 people in Oklahoma to apply, you can receive a $1,200 bonus for rejoining the workforce. You must work a minimum of 32 hours a week for six straight weeks.
Other states, like New York and North Carolina, are considering offering the bonus. They currently offer unemployed individuals compensation, but the program runs out in September. When that happens, the states might offer a back-to-work bonus.
Although several states now offer bonuses to people who go back to work, Kentucky is the latest state to make such an offering. The governor of Kentucky announced that he will be offering a $1,500 bonus to anyone who becomes newly employed in July 2021.
According to Kentucky's governor, the plan will give the payment to as many as 15,000 Kentucky residents. As long as you get back to work before the end of July and you are rejoining the workforce, you can benefit from this plan. The money comes from the CARES Act, which has approximately $22.5 million dollars left to offset the economic hardship from the pandemic.
For you to receive the money, you need to have an active unemployment insurance claim as of June 23, 2021. You also must have your employer complete a verification form, which shows that you worked 120 hours or more in your first four weeks on the job.
As previously mentioned, you need to first check if your state participates in a back-to-work incentive program. If so, you need to research the process. In some states, you need an employer to sign off on your hours. Other states reach out to you. By knowing the local policies, you ensure you won't miss out on your payment.
Even in states that don't offer this program, you could still be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Companies are taking it upon themselves to offer bonuses to new employees. With so much competition to find job applicants, employers are doing whatever they can to attract qualified employees.
Of course, not all careers come with sign-on bonuses. You're most likely to receive an up-front bonus if you work in a highly desired career. But it's always worth researching companies and finding out who offers sign-on bonuses.
The moral of the story is this. Now is the time to find a new job. It doesn't matter why you haven't rejoined the workforce, or how long of a gap you have in your resume. For now, employers need to fill job vacancies. They're willing to overlook blemishes on your resume and other details.
If you're eager to get back to work, start off your job search the right way. Take an organized approach and keep track of all your applications, interviews, and follow-up emails. Use a reliable job search board and take your time applying for jobs. If you send out generic cover letters and resumes, you may not have much success.
With the right effort and mindset, you can find work now. And if you live in the right place, you may even get paid for starting a new job.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been.