Utah Back to Work
What is the Back to Work Program?
This is a program set up to assist eligible Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimant job seekers and eligible youth job seekers, who are actively seeking employment, by offering qualified employers a wage subsidy of up to $2,000 for a maximum of 3 months, for each eligible job seeker they hire for full time employment. $500 will be paid to the employer when the eligible job seeker is hired and $1,500 will be paid upon three-month retention of the job seeker.
Who can participate?
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claimants:
Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment benefits and are contributing to the financial support of a minor dependent child.
AND
Youth Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claimants:
Individuals who are 18-24 years old and are currently receiving unemployment benefits. Youth UI Claimants do not have to contribute to the financial support of a minor dependent child in order to be eligible.
How do I sign up?
This is a statewide program so you can inquire about the program in any DWS office. For additional information, please contact the nearest DWS Employment Center .
Questions & Answers
Can I continue to receive UI benefits while I am on this program?
No. You will no longer be unemployed because you will be working full-time.
Can I use this program to work part-time for an employer?
No. This program is intended for a full-time position with a minimum of 35 hours per week.
If I am a UI claimant and I refuse this program, will I lose my UI benefits?
No. Participation in this program is voluntary. While the program is intended to increase prospects of obtaining suitable work, the program is not an actual offer of work, and merely choosing not to participate in this program will not constitute a refusal of work. However, all UI claimants are required to apply for and accept suitable work regardless if they participate in the program or not, thus we encourage claimants to seriously consider participating.
Are there wage and hour requirements for the employer to pay the job seekers?
The employer will be required to pay the eligible job seekers at least $9.00 per hour for a minimum of 35 hours per week. Commission jobs must have a clause that guarantees a $9.00 per hour minimum.
Can I utilize this program to convince my previous employer to hire me back?
You can return to work with a previous employer if you have not worked for them for 40 hours or more within the previous 60 days.
If I am a UI claimant and the employer does not keep me after the period of the subsidized employment is over, can I reopen my UI claim?
Yes. You can reopen your previous unemployment claim, or file a new claim if your benefit year has ended. If you are laid off and there are no issues on your claim, you may be eligible to immediately receive benefits. If you quit or are discharged from this employer, this issue will be adjudicated to determine if there was good cause for the quit, or just cause for the discharge.
Will my UI benefit amount change if I am laid off from this employer after the subsidy ends?
Not in most cases, provided you are still within your benefit year. However, if you have specific questions regarding your individual benefits, please refer to the claimant guide or contact the UI Division at 1-888-848-0688. You may also obtain information by emailing the UI helpdesk at DWS_UIHELP@utah.gov.
If I am an eligible UI claimant job seeker enrolled in the program, and I have only one week of UI benefits left, but I have not been hired, can I still participate in the UI subsidized employment program?
Yes, as long as you are hired by an eligible employer before your claim is exhausted.
Can I try and find a job on my own and still utilize this program?
Yes. If you find an employer who is interested in hiring you, you will need to have them call one of our employment centers to find out more about the program. We will also provide you with a letter and/or brochure explaining the program that you could give to potential employers. A DWS Employer Agreement must be completed and signed prior to hire. Eligibility for this program cannot be backdated. The subsidy will not be available if you start employment before an Employer Agreement is in place.
If an employer chooses not to keep me during or at the end of the subsidy period, can I again utilize this program?
Eligible job seekers can only participate in this program once.
Is an employer obligated to keep me as an employee at the end of the 3-month subsidy period?
We encourage the employers to keep employees at the end of the 3-month subsidy, but there is no obligation.
If I am currently receiving other benefits from DWS, am I required to report my income?
You are required to report any income. Your eligibility for benefits will be determined based on the program requirements.
Can I still receive other benefits from DWS such as child care assistance, Food Stamps and Medicaid?
Job seekers are encouraged to apply for services from DWS. Income from this job would need to be reported to determine eligibility for benefits. Refer to the eligibility calculator to determine eligibility.
Is there somewhere I can go to find out about other resources that may be available to me?
Yes. There are many other programs and services offered through DWS. Please check jobs.utah.gov for access to information about other community resources, you can call 211.