WIOA Dislocated Worker Funds for Underserved COVID-19 Impacted Individuals

Workforce Services Information Notice
WSIN19-39

Issued: April 1, 2020

In an effort to act swiftly to help workers most impacted financially by the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, the Employment Development Department (EDD) announces the availability of up to $10 million of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 25% Dislocated Worker Funds to provide supportive services to individuals impacted by COVID-19.

The following information outlines the eligibility criteria for individuals to receive these funds, in addition to the allowable use of funds for supportive services. Local Workforce Development Boards (Local Board) are requested to prioritize underserved populations, particularly those in need of support services in the English Language Learner (ELL) and ELL Navigator programs.

To ensure speedy delivery of services, the information provided in this notice supersedes Local Board’s supportive services policies; Local Boards may not impose additional restrictions to the supportive services funded by this effort. Please note the eligibility requirements and use of funds differs from traditional WIOA 25% Dislocated Worker funds, and the information outlined in this notice does not apply to other WIOA funds.

COVID-19 Related Eligibility Criteria

In addition to meeting WIOA Title I eligibility, eligible individuals must satisfy all of the following:

  • Individuals are enrolled in Title I Dislocated Worker services.
  • Individuals have not received wages above 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for the last six months of income. For additional FPL information, please visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Poverty Guidelines.
    • Household Annual Salary for 400% FPL is as follows:
      • Family of 1: $51,040
      • Family of 2: $68,960
      • Family of 3: $86,880
      • Family of 4: $104,800
  • Individuals meet one of the following:
    • Laid off due to COVID-19.
    • Experienced a reduction in hours and/or pay due to COVID-19.
    • Unable to work for any of the following COVID-19 related reasons:
      • Subject to quarantine.
      • Caregiver for someone who is subject to quarantine
      • Need to care for children because of school closure or closure of other child care provider.
      • At higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, or lives with someone at higher risk, as outlined on the California Department of Public Health COVID-19 website.
      • Required to telework, but does not have the necessary equipment.

* If an individual is not eligible for the Dislocated Worker program, they can be enrolled into the Title I Adult program and provided the tiered supportive services described below, as long as they meet all of the COVID-19 related eligibility criteria listed above. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, individuals may self-attest to their income and the COVID-19 related eligibility criteria listed above.

Supportive Services

Supportive services may be provided to individuals impacted by COVID-19, with an emphasis on providing supportive services to underserved populations, particularly participants in the ELL and ELL Navigator programs. These supportive services may include, but are not limited to, equipment necessary to telework (e.g. computer, internet, etc.), housing assistance, utility assistance, childcare assistance, and transportation assistance.

Supportive services are available in two tiers:

  1. Individuals receiving at least 50% of their previous wages either from their employer directly, or with Unemployment Insurance (UI) payments, may receive supportive services totaling $400.
  2. Individuals who are not receiving at least 50% of their wages from their employer directly, or with UI payments, may receive supportive services totaling $800.

If Local Workforce Development Areas (Local Area) use other funds such as existing WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker formula funds, or local funds to provide supportive services, then those funds do not count towards the $800 limit.

The EDD will request additional funding for this effort, if needed, but currently has $10 million available statewide to Local Areas to provide supportive services. Local Areas interested in receiving funds for this effort must email their request with the number of participants expected to be served, and the requested amount of funds to Nicole Laktash by 12 noon on Friday, April 3, 2020.

Any questions related to this information should be directed to Nicole Laktash via email at Nicole.Laktash@edd.ca.gov.

/s/JAIME L. GUTIERREZ, Chief
Central Office Workforce Services Division