New York State Department of Labor

To qualify for the tax credit, your business must be certified by the NYS Department of Labor. For program year 2015 an application for certification must be received by the Department between January 1, 2015 and November 30, 2015.

The tax credit only applies to hiring employees ages 16 to 24 who are certified through the NYS Department of Labor to participate in the program. The Department of Labor will refer certified youth to your business or assist you in getting youth certified who are appropriate candidates for your business. For program year 2015 youth must start work between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.

Your business may earn tax credits equal to the following amounts. If the amount of the credit exceeds your tax liability, you may receive the excess as a refund.

• If the youth is hired for a full-time position (35 hours or more per week), the maximum tax credit is $5,000. This is payable as follows:
  • $500 per month, for a maximum of six months ($3,000 maximum);
  • $1,000 if the youth is retained for six months beyond the first six months of employment (employed one full year) and
  • $1,000 if the youth is retained for a second full year of employment.

• If the youth is hired for a part-time position (20-34 hours per week or 10-34 if age is 16-19 and enrolled in school full time), the maximum tax credit is $2,500. This is payable as follows:
  • $250 per month, for a maximum of six months ($1,500 maximum);
  • $500 if the youth is retained for six months beyond the first six months of employment (employed one full year) and
  • $500 if the youth is retained for a second full year of employment.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for certification, your business must be:

• In good standing
• Located within a reasonable commuting distance for eligible youth residing in the areas of New York State listed above

Apply for Certification 

Fill out this New York Youth Works Business Certification Application Online (PDF available).

It's quick and easy to apply for certification. Simply access the online application by clicking the link above..  All applications must be received by the NYS Department of Labor between January 1, 2015 and November 30, 2015.  You can choose to receive written notice of your business certification via e-mail or the U.S. Postal Service.

If you need more information, please contact the New York State Department of Labor at NYYW@labor.ny.gov or by phone at 1-877-226-5724.

Important Information

Businesses certified for New York Youth Works Program in previous program years may re-certify by simply updating their contact information and attesting to the Terms of Service Agreement by filling out and submitting the business application.

Post Your Jobs

Learn more about how to Place a Job Order

Need help finding a job? New York Youth Works can assist you! Our goal is to help you get into the workplace and succeed. First, all you have to do is get certified by the NYS Department of Labor. That's easy. Just fill out the youth application. The Department will accept 2015 applications faxed or sent via U.S. mail from youth with little or no access to a computer, but will not accept applications submitted for youth by a business or tax consultant. For program year 2015 we must receive your application by December 31, 2015. Youth who participated in previous program years must re-certify using the link below.

Eligibility

To participate in the New York Youth Works Program, you must:

• Be 16 to 24 years old
• Live in one of the areas of New York State listed above
• Be unemployed

In addition, at least one of the following must apply to you:

• You are 18 years old, no longer in school, and don't have a high school diploma, GED certificate or high school equivalency diploma
• You are a member of a family that is receiving assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• You are a member of a family that is receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps)
• You are a member of a family that is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
• You receive a free or reduced-cost school lunch
• You were referred by a rehabilitation agency approved by the State, or an employment network under the Ticket to Work Program
• You have served time in jail or prison - or are on probation or parole
• You are pregnant or a parent
• You are homeless
• You are currently or were in foster care or the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services
• You are a veteran
• You are the daughter or son of a parent who is currently in jail or prison, or has been within the past two years
• You are the daughter or son of a parent who is collecting unemployment insurance
• You live in public housing or receive housing assistance such as a Section 8 voucher

Apply for Certification

Fill out this New York Youth Works Program Youth Certification Application (PDF available).

Once You're Certified

• If you're ready to look for work, check the NYS Job Bank (http://newyork.us.jobs) for job openings. You can locate jobs in your area by typing in your city or zip code in the ‘Locations' tab which can be found in the upper right hand corner of the webpage. At that time, if you see job openings of interest, you should send an e-mail message indicating your interest in applying for each position you see. Look for a contact name and e-mail address for each potential employer toward the bottom of each description of the job openings.
• If you need job placement assistance go to your local New York State Career Center. Career Centers provide a number of services for jobseekers and there is one that can be found in your community. There is a New York Youth Works specialist at each center. Find the nearest center here.
• Don't forget to remind businesses that they can qualify for a tax credit if they hire you!

If you need more information, please contact the New York State Department of Labor at info@youthworks.ny.gov or by phone at 1-877-226-5724.

Please click the link below to confirm the hires of certified youth with the NYS Department of Labor:

Confirmation of Hire