February 24, 2010

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act to put 5,000 Georgians back to work

The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is using federal stimulus dollars to help put 5,000 Georgians back to work. Adults who have dependent children and an annual income at or below 300 percent of the federal level for a family of four (approximately $66,000), are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and parents participating in the Child Support Fatherhood Program whose children are TANF eligible are among the Georgians who qualify for this program.

DHS is currently seeking employers across the state to employ Georgians. Employers will receive an 80 percent wage subsidy for hiring workers under the program using funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Employers will be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit as well as the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit. DHS will prescreen prospective employees, conduct background checks (if required), and provide job coaching to prospective employees to ensure the success of the program.

Employers cannot replace existing employees to take advantage of the subsidy. Federal subsidies for the program are available through September 30, 2010. Positions must pay wages similar to wages paid to current employees performing similar tasks. The maximum subsidy for a six-month period per employee is $26,000. For more information, send requests to TANF-Employers@dhr.state.ga.us.