Workforce Recovery Assistance Program
Making funds available to re-employ YOUR staff, laid off due to COVID-19.
CareerSource Brevard, in partnership with the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, encourages Brevard’s small (fewer than 50 employees) businesses impacted by COVID-19, to apply for the Workforce Recovery Assistance Program. Bring your valued employees, who make up to $16.50/hr, and were laid off due to COVID-19, back to work with this wage assistance program. Limited wage funds are available for this program and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The application period has now ended.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the Eligibility Criteria for businesses to participate in this program?
- You must be a small business, 50 employees, or fewer pre-COVID-19 (March 1, 2020).
- For-profit and non-profit businesses may apply.
- Your business must have been open and operational on January 1, 2020 and still currently open and operational.
- Your business must be physically located in Brevard County.
- A Brevard County business license is required.
- Your business must have experienced lay-off or furloughs due to COVID-19 on or after March 1, 2020.
How can I apply for this program?
Will everyone who qualifies be approved for the program?
Not necessarily, this is a first come first serve program and applications for eligible businesses will be approved until all funds allocated for this program have been obligated.
What is the wage rate and number of hours for the employees?
The wage cap for each employee participating in this program is $16.50 per hour. Each employee can work up to 40 hours per week, no overtime will be authorized.
As an employer, do I have any obligation to keep these employees past the supplemental period?
No, employers have no obligation to keep the employee(s) past the supplemental period.
How are funds distributed to the businesses?
There is no direct receipt of funds to the business. Employees who are participating in the program will be employed temporarily through a Staffing Agency (Employer of Record) and the business will simply sign an Agreement as a host worksite.
As a participating Worksite Employer, what are my responsibilities?
- Supervision and oversite of the employee during their working hours and the approval of a weekly timecard.
- Periodic communication with CareerSource Brevard Staff about the program and program participants.
How many weeks does the supplemental wage period last?
The length of the program may vary depending upon when an application is received and when an employee is available to start. However, this program ends on December 30th and the last day of supplemental wages will be December 30th. The deadline to apply is November 20th.
What if my previous employee(s) that were laid-off or furloughed can’t return to work for my business?
If rehires are not available, a business can identify a new worker(s) for this program that has been laid-off or furloughed.
Can this program be used to supplement the wages of a current employee instead of a returning employee?
No, this program is solely to supplement the wages of a rehire or new hire if the former employee isn’t available to return.
If my business is currently closed, can I use this program to open and supplement the wages of the owner(s), or an employee(s)?
No. This program is to help businesses that are currently open and operational rehire their laid off or furloughed employee(s).
Is there an age requirement of the employee(s) that a business wants to hire/rehire for this program?
Yes, they must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for this program.
If I have any questions who do I contact?
For the most expeditious means for a response, please e-mail CareerSource Brevard at
employersupport@careersourcebrevard.com or call our main line (321) 504-7600 (toll-free in Brevard) and ask for Business Services.
