WIOA stands for Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act. It is a federal program whose primary focus is helping people obtain employment. If someone is unable to find suitable employment with their existing skills, then WIOA may help pay for additional training.

The WIOA program is administered in Crawford County through OhioMeansJobs - Crawford County.

Many basic career services are available to the general public with no eligibility requirements. For training and intensive services, you may eligible if you are a laid-off (dislocated) worker, unemployed adult, under-employed adult, or youth aged 14-24.

How do I know if I might qualify?

Due to all the variables in determining eligibility, we encourage you to come in so we can look at your individual situation.

Approved trainings can depend on your local area, but in Crawford County WIOA can assist with up to a 2 year degree, or the last 2 years of a Bachelor's degree. Short-term training, on-the-job training, and certificate programs are other possibilities. All schools and training programs must be on the State of Ohio's approved training provider list. Training must be for an "in-demand" occupation, based on labor market statistics. WIOA will not assist with out of state schools or on-line training.

Generally, it is expected that you will complete training within 2 years. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis due to circumstances, but for no more than 1 additional year.

There is no penalty if you do not complete, however future WIOA funding is based upon completion rates and employment statistics of WIOA participants. Successful completion will help ensure that other people will enjoy the same opportunity to go to school.

By enrolling into the WIOA program, you are making a commitment to complete your training, obtain full-time employment upon completion, (preferably in your field of training) and respond to requests for information from your WIOA Career Advisor in a timely manner as needed.

Current limits for WIOA funding are $6,000 per fiscal year. Funding is always contingent upon available funds and applied to documented costs. Money is paid directly to the vendors who provide services. Students do not receive any cash payments directly.

Generally, WIOA funding is for tuition, books, and other requirements of the course. In Crawford County, WIOA does not assist with transportation expenses, computers, or normal school clothes. Scrubs or uniforms that are required for the program are covered.

Yes. In Crawford County, WIOA will not assist with training that leads directly to self-employment, due to the necessity of tracking wage data for performance statistics. These include such career choices as cosmetology and real estate. In addition, there are some limits on programs that have waiting lists such as nursing, physical therapy assistant, radiology, etc. For these type of programs, WIOA will get involved only after a student has been accepted into their program. However, there may be other funding available that can be used for training that is not suitable for WIOA. Please ask.

No, WIA funds are similar to grants and do not need to be paid back.

Pick up, or print out the Careers 101 Orientation packet and return to OhioMeansJobs - Crawford County, 225 E. Mary St., Bucyrus, OH 44820. You will then be scheduled for the next available group orientation. This is the first step in the process. You will then meet later with a WIOA Career Advisor one-on-one. We can also send you a packet upon request. Call or email us at 419-562-8066 #300 [email protected]

You can start doing research on the career choices you are interested in. You will want to explore schools, training programs, labor market statistics for your area of interest, and find out who is hiring in that field.

You will not need to bring any verifications to orientation. Just your questions and a positive attitude!

No, unfortunately, WIOA will not reimburse. All training costs must be pre-approved.

All career goals must be pre-approved by your WIOA Career Advisor. If you switch goals without informing your advisor, you may not be eligible for further assistance.

PRC (Prevention, Retention, Contingency) is a program designed to provide short-term relief to low-income families through assistance with non-recurring, crisis-oriented benefits.

1. Print service specific PRC Verifications checklist from the PRC page on this web site or pick up a pick up PRC checklist of required documentation for the type of PRC you are requesting from OhioMeansJobs - Crawford County front desk.
2. Collect ALL required documentation on checklist.
3. Bring ALL documentation into OhioMeansJobs - Crawford County and fill out PRC application.
4. Your application will be processed in the order it was received by the agency. It can take up to 10 days to process applications.
5. You will receive a letter after the application has been processed stating whether the application has been approved or denied.
6. If your application is approved, a pledge of payment will be made to the person or company the bill is owed on the approved bills.

• Households must have minor children residing in the household or have a household member who is in the third trimester of pregnancy to qualify for PRC assistance.
• Some PRC services are available to eligible non-custodial parents who live in the county.
• Any household member who has a sanction, must sign compliance and serve the sanction period before eligible for PRC.
• All overpayments must be paid in full before the application will be processed.
• All applicants must complete a PRC application and supply all necessary documentation before the application will be processed.
• In general total gross household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (see specific PRC categories on the PRC page for specific income guidelines).
• Applications will only be held for 30 days. If requirements have not been met within 30 days, applications will be denied.
• Households must be able to show ability to handle on-going expenses.
• No household members can have been in a household that has received PRC during the timeframe requirements for specific type of PRC requested.
• For category specific requirements, go to the PRC page and download the "Required Verifications Checklist" for the specific category of PRC you are interested in applying for.

Rent/Mortgage

Rent/mortgage payments can be made if the household has a legal (court) eviction notice only (not a 3-day notice), for mortgage must be at least 1 month behind. To qualify, the household must have lived at the residence for over 6 months and paid at least the first 6 months of rent/mortgage on their own.

This service pays up to 2 months rent/mortgage or $1,000 whichever is less. NO late fees, deposits, or any rent/mortgage due towards first six months of occupancy can be paid by PRC. Individuals must pay late fees, deposits, and any rent/mortgage due towards first six months of occupancy. Individuals must also pay 20% towards the total amount due, not counting late fees, deposits, and rent due towards first six months. If the remaining balance (after the 20%) is greater than the 2 month or $1,000 limit, the individual must also pay the remaining balance down to the 2 month or $1,000 PRC maximum (whichever applies). Combined contingency services (Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, & Bulk Fuel) can only be used once in a thirty-six month period (3 years) and count toward all household members. Also contingency services combined have an $1,000 limit.

Utility Bills

Through this service only utility bills with a disconnect notice or that have been disconnected can be paid through this service. NO deposits, turn-on fees, previous accounts, late fees, or bills not in a household member's name can be paid by PRC. Individuals must pay 20% towards the total amount owed, not including turn-on fees or late fees. If the remaining balance (after the 20%) is greater than the $600 PRC maximum, the individual must also pay the remaining balance down to the $1,000 PRC maximum. There is NO PRC assistance for Public Utilities (i.e. AEP, Ohio Edison, Columbia Gas) during the heating season, November 1st through March 31st. Combined contingency services (Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, & Bulk Fuel) can only be used once in a thirty-six month period (3 years) and count toward all household members. Also contingency services combined have an $1,000 limit.

Bulk Fuel

Bulk Fuel for heating can be purchased if the applicant has less than a 10-day supply remaining. Individuals must get a statement from a fuel company indicating the applicant has less than a 10-day supply and an estimate for the cost of the fuel. Individuals must pay 20% towards the estimated cost. If the remaining balance (after the 20%) is greater than the $1,000 PRC maximum, the individual must also pay the remaining balance down to the $1,000 PRC maximum. Combined contingency services (Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, & Bulk Fuel) can only be used once in a thirty-six month period (3 years) and count toward all household members. Also contingency services combined have an $1,000 limit.

Education Bonus

An Education Bonus is available to individuals who have obtained a GED, Vocational Certificate, Associate Degree, or a Bachelors Degree within 30 days prior to the date of signing the application. Proof of passing is required.

Work Related Expenses

Through this service Work Related Expenses, such as required clothing/uniforms and/or tools/equipment can be purchased for individuals who have obtained a job within 30 days prior to the date of signing the application, have not received their 1st pay from the current employer, and have not had any employment related income (including short/long-term disability from employer, not unemployment) in the 30 days prior to the date of signing the application. These are nonrecurring items and cannot be purchased again (i.e. if a tool wears out, it cannot be purchased through PRC again). Work Related Expenses can only be paid once in a twenty-four month period (2 years) and count toward all household members.

Transportation

Gas vouchers are available for new employment only. Individuals must have obtained their job within 30 days prior to the date of signing the application, have not received their 1st pay from current employer, and cannot have had any employment related income (including short/long-term disability from employer, not unemployment) in the 30 days prior to the date of signing the application. Employment must be at least 25 hours or more per week, outside of the home, and not considered self-employment. Transportation services can only be used once in a twenty-four month period (2 years) and count toward all household members.

Car repairs & car insurance (for employed individuals), and drivers license fees (excluding reinstatement fees) are also available.

Youth Developmental Services

Through Youth Developmental Services, school fees and supplies for vocational education can be paid. Also school fees for secondary school can be paid. No out of state, on-line school fees can be paid. No miscellaneous fees such as a lost ID badge fee can be paid.

Training, Employment, & Career Advancement Services

Training, Employment, & Career Advancement Services are only available as funding options through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program. Individuals interested in services for education and/or training MUST first apply for WIA and complete the "Training Requirements" form and any related requirements. The process starts by completing the WIOA Career Advancement Packet and submitting it to OhioMeansJobs - Crawford County. Through this service short-term education expenses (books, manuals, tuition) can be purchased. Testing fees for board certification and state licensure can be paid. No out-of-state or computer, on-line education is allowed. Fees for training/testing must be pre-approved and PRC cannot reimburse for training/testing expenses that have already been paid. This category is for households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Training, Employment, & Career Advancement Services can only be used once in a thirty-six month period (3 years) and counts towards all household members.

On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training is a contract service paid to employers to train new employees and continue to employ the individual after the probationary period. This service is available through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIO). The process is started by completing the WIOA Career Advancement Packet and submitting it to OhioMeansJobs - Crawford County.

** Note PRC does not provide assistance with purchasing a vehicle, purchasing household appliances, purchasing laptops/computers, gas for school, or home repairs.

Applications will be processed and approved/denied within 10 days of receiving all required documentation.