Updates to the "Back to Work" Grant Program

July 1, 2021

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2021

Updates to the "Back to Work" Grant Program

AUGUSTA - Based on feedback from employers and job seekers some requirements for the state's Back to Work program are being modified. The $1,500 payment is being extended for the duration of the program June 15- July 25.

The program will now also retroactively cover part-time workers who are working at least 20 hours a week for a single employer and are no longer receiving unemployment benefits. This is based on feedback from those who were working too many hours to be eligible for an unemployment benefit, but not enough hours to be considered full time. If working part-time, the grant amount would be $750, half of the full-time grant.

As awareness of the program increases, interest and participation from employers is gaining momentum, said Commissioner Laura Fortman. By extending the $1,500 grant through the end of the program, we hope that more employers are able to offer this payment to their newly hired employees.

As of June 30, over 100 employers have applied for grants to cover about 300 workers. Of the initial applications, more than 20% were from the accommodation & food services industry, followed closely by administrative & waste services and healthcare & social assistance employers.

The updated eligibility qualifications for the program are now as follows:

For the $1,500 grant, full-time new hires must:

• Have received unemployment benefits for the week ending May 29, 2021.
• Have started one full-time job (at least 35 hours per week) in Maine between June 15 and July 25, 2021.
• Be employed for at least eight weeks, at an hourly wage of less than $25.
• Not receive unemployment benefits during their period of employment.

For the $750 grant, part-time new hires must:

• Have received unemployment benefits for the week ending May 29, 2021.
• Have started one part-time job (at least 20 hours per week) in Maine between June 15 and July 25, 2021.
• Be employed for at least eight weeks, at an hourly wage of less than $25.
• Not receive any unemployment benefits during their period of employment.

More information on the Back to Work program, and the application for employers, can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/back-to-work-grants

On the Maine JobLink, employers can log into their accounts and use the Back to Work Employer tag for themselves and their posted jobs to indicate that they are participating in the new Back to Work grant program. Job seekers interested in the program can search the Maine JobLink to see which employers have tagged that they are participating. For assistance with Maine JobLink registration and tagging, call the Maine JobLink Team at 207-623-7967 or email Joblink@maine.gov.

Additionally, Maine CareerCenters are supporting Back to Work employers statewide through individual employer or group hiring events and featured postings on the CareerCenters weekly jobs newsletter. To connect with your local CareerCenters Business Services Team, send an email to MaineAtWork.DOL@maine.gov or call the CareerCenter Hotline at 207-623-7981.