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The local Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) must establish a needs-related payment (NRP) policy for formula funds allocated for dislocated worker employment and training activities under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I-B.

NRPs would provide financial assistance to eligible dislocated workers who are enrolled in training, for the purpose of enabling such individuals to participate in training. NRPs may be provided if the participant has been accepted in a training program that will begin within 30 calendar days. The state may authorize local areas to extend the 30-day period to address appropriate circumstances.

NRPs would not necessarily provide enough money to meet all needs of a dislocated worker enrolled in training. NRPs would provide income support beyond what would otherwise be available through other sources [e.g., Unemployment Insurance (UI) compensation, Washington State Training Benefits, Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)].

Each WDC must establish a policy within the limitations of the law that describes dislocated worker eligibility for NRPs. [Reference: WIA Sections 134 (e) (3)(A) (B) & (C) and 134 (d) (4)].

To be eligible for NRPs, a dislocated worker must be:

• not eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits or additional benefits (such as state-funded training benefits) or Trade Readjustment Assistance (TRA) under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA) or the North American Free Trade Agreement Act (NAFTA-TAA); or

• has ceased to qualify for such benefits; and

• is enrolled in WIA training services by the end of the 13^th week after the most recent qualifying layoff; or, if later,

• is enrolled in training by the end of the 8^th week if they are informed that short-term layoff will, in fact, exceed 6 months; or

• is enrolled in training within 6 weeks of a National Emergency Grant (NEG) approval; and

• need NRPs in order to participate in approved full-time training based on the dislocated worker’s "Training Support Analysis" at a weekly payment level determined by the local Council.

The WDC must determine a weekly payment level of NRPs and ensure equitable treatment for all eligible participants based on funds available.

• For dislocated workers who cease to qualify for UI compensation as a result of the qualifying layoff, the weekly NRP payment level may be lower than but cannot exceed the "higher" of the applicable weekly level of the UI compensation; or

• For dislocated workers who do not qualify for UI compensation as a result of the qualifying layoff, the weekly NRP payment level may be lower than but cannot exceed the "higher" of the poverty level for an equivalent period of time. The weekly payment level must be adjusted to reflect changes in total family income as determined by local board policies.

NOTE:  Dislocated workers enrolled in approved training who are unemployed but who receive payments as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Services, or as a member of the Washington National Guard, for periods of duty of 72 consecutive hours or less, shall be considered unemployed for purposes of qualifying for NRPs.

Unless requested by a waiver in a National Emergency Grant (NEG) application and authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), NEG funds cannot be used to support NRPs:

• where a WDC has not demonstrated that sufficient resources are not available at the local level.

• that exceed the weekly NRP level determined by the local Council for their formula funded program.

The Employment Security Department (the Department) will retain flexibility in requesting waivers to the U.S. DOL in unique circumstances and opportunities as identified by local Labor Management Committees (LMCs). If resources are not available at the substate level, the Department will request a waiver to local policy under such unique circumstances.

Procedures

• To be awarded an NRP, an eligible dislocated worker must complete a WIA Title I-B NRP "Training Support Analysis Form."

• The dislocated worker must be enrolled in approved full-time training; and,

• Following enrollment, the participant must be making satisfactory progress in an approved training program. The WDC will determine the certification required ensuring that a dislocated worker is making satisfactory progress in approved training. Satisfactory certification may be a document signed by the registrar or an equivalent person designated by an educational institution where the dislocated worker is attending school.

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WIA Sections 134 (e) (3)(A) (B) & (C) and 134 (d) (4)]

None. This communication is new.

http://www.wa.gov/esd/policies

1. Are you unemployed or have you received notification of layoff?

2. Do you qualify for Unemployment Insurance Compensation (UI) benefits?

o Yes     o No

3. Do you qualify for additional state UI benefits (e.g., Training Benefits)?

o Yes     o No

4. Do you qualify for Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)?

o Yes     o No

Please note that a "no" answer to questions 5 through 7 would disqualify you for needs-related payments (NRPs).

5. Have you ceased to qualify for UI benefits?

o Yes     o No

6. Have you ceased to qualify for additional state UI benefits?

o Yes     o No

7. Have you ceased to qualify for Trade Readjustment Allowances?

o Yes     o No

Have you considered all "other resources" available that will help you successfully participate in your full-time training program? Examples of other resources include but are not limited to: Pell grants, severance pay, other family income (spouse’s income).

8. Will "other resources" meet your need to support you while attending school full-time?

o Yes     o No

9. Do you need income support beyond your "other resources" available in order to participate in training?

o Yes     o No

NRPs are not intended to provide the entire amount of income support you may need to complete your training. If you are awarded NRPs, they will be based on this support analysis and the weekly level of NRP payments will be determined by the local Workforce Development Council. These payments are made to help you while making satisfactory progress while attending school. NRPs are subject to your eligibility for the program and total funds available.

Signed:  ______________________________________________________________

Dated:  _______________________________________________________________