West Virginia’s Job Jumpstart Program

Guidelines 

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Overview

Governor Jim Justice announced the Job Jumpstart Program (JJP) to assist West Virginians returning to the workforce. 

The COVID-19 public health emergency and the necessary responses thereto caused many interruptions across West Virginia’s economy. Service industries across the state were required to adjust operations, which resulted in unemployment across the State. As the economic recovery continues, many individuals have remained hesitant to return to the workforce, though job opportunities across the State are available and remain vacant. 

Under the Governor’s Job Jumpstart Program (JJP), West Virginia residents that are eligible under the criteria listed below may receive a one-time JJP payment of $1,500 for re-entering the workforce.  This JJP payment is not countable as income for SNAP or TANF, so will not affect eligibility for those programs.  JJP payments will be available on a first come, first served basis beginning February 1, 2022, and ending August 12, 2022, or until funding is expended.

Eligibility

Individuals are eligible for JJP if they:

• Are a West Virginia resident; and

• Have not previously received a Job Jumpstart Program payment; and 

• One of the following:

• Have received or have filed and were determined eligible for unemployment benefits in West Virginia on or after January 1, 2022; or
• Receive SNAP benefits as of January 1, 2022, and obtain a job between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022, working an average of at least 32 hours per week for eight (8) consecutive weeks in covered employment with a West Virginia employer whose West Virginia Unemployment account is in good standing or enroll in and complete a WorkForce West Virginia approved training program or approved certification program and obtain a credential between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022; or 
• Receive TANF benefits as of January 1, 2022, and obtain a job between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022, working an average of at least 32 hours per week for eight (8) consecutive weeks in covered employment with a West Virginia employer whose West Virginia Unemployment account is in good standing or enroll in and complete a WorkForce West Virginia approved training program or approved certification program and obtain a credential between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022; or 
• Are unemployed or underemployed (defined as working less than an average of 32 hours per week) between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022, and work an average of at least 32 hours per week for eight (8) consecutive weeks in covered employment with a West Virginia employer whose West Virginia Unemployment account is in good standing; or
• Are unemployed or underemployed, as defined above, and enroll in and complete a WorkForce West Virginia approved training program or approved certification program and obtain a credential between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022.

How to Apply

• After completing eight (8) consecutive weeks of employment working an average 32 hours or more per week or receiving an approved training credential, you must complete the required application and submit required documentation (see Required Verification Documents) by electronically uploading the documents to your registered account with WorkForce West Virginia by midnight August 12, 2022.
• Job Jumpstart Program applications are available by accessing the on-line application via your registered account with WorkForce West Virginia.
• WorkForce West Virginia will review all submitted applications and required verification documents to determine eligibility. 
• Individuals are required to register with WorkForce West Virginia and complete the pre-screening questionnaire at: Login (workforcewv.org).

Required Verification Documents

• Proof of current West Virginia residency (e.g., a utility bill with applicant’s name and address, West Virginia vehicle registration with applicant’s name and address, etc.) 
  
• Valid Federal or State Driver’s license or I.D.
• Proof of employment: Proof must be generated by the employer and can be a copy or image of a paper or electronic paystub, W2, or payroll register. The proof provided must include the employer's name, the hours worked and the dates of the pay period. The proof must indicate eight (8) weeks of employment and working an average of 32 or more hours per week.
• If enrolled in an approved training program, the credential received must be uploaded to your account with WorkForce West Virginia. 

Job Jumpstart Program Payment /Denial Process

• After applications and verification documents are reviewed, the applicant will be sent a letter either approving or denying eligibility. 
• If denied, the letter will include the primary reason for denial, but additional comments can be viewed on the JJP application via the registered WorkForce West Virginia account.  Applicants can reset their JJP application and make necessary changes or provide additional documentation up to three (3) times. If denied after the third submittal, questions should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800-252-5627 (JOBS).
• If approved, the letter will indicate a time frame in which the payment will be issued.
•  Job Jumpstart Program payments will be issued via check.
• WorkForce West Virginia will not withhold state, federal, or child support deductions from the Job Jumpstart Program payment. 

Contact Information: 
For questions and request for assistance with job search services or direct referrals for additional services, please contact WorkForce West Virginia: 1-800-252-JOBS (5627) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WorkForce West Virginia approved short-term training programs: 

You may be eligible to receive the Job Jumpstart Program payment if you enroll or are enrolled in a WorkForce WV approved training program on or after January 1, 2022. You must complete the program and obtain a credential before August 12, 2022. Below is a list of available approved training programs:

To access a complete list of approved short-term training programs near you, please click the following link: https://macc.workforcewv.org/JobSeeker/TrainingCourseSearch.asp

To inquire about potential funding to assist in the cost of training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, please contact your regional Workforce Development Board office. The contact information can be found via the following link: https://workforcewv.org/job-seekers/step-4#howpay

Certification Programs: 

If you are unemployed or underemployed, as defined above, you have the option to access certification programs listed below. Successful completion of the certification program between January 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022. The certification that is obtained must be submitted with the application for the Job Jumpstart Program payment. You will only be eligible for a one-time Job Jumpstart Program payment regardless of the number of certification programs you complete. 

To access information on the certification, click on the certifications listed below and press CTRL (Click+CTR)

*Please note that some of these certifications may include additional requirements such as degrees, applicable experience, or current employment in the field for eligibility. These prerequisites are not included in the estimated completion time frames. Also note, the time frames provided are estimates that attempt to approximate realistic timelines of when one might expect to complete after beginning a certification (including estimates of both active and passive time between certification requirements). These timelines may vary due to many factors unique to the certifying body or to the individual attempting to complete the certification. For example, timelines for completion might expand or contract due to the accrediting body’s training and testing schedules or modifications to those schedules due to COVID-19. Additionally, each learner is different so some may go through these certifications at different paces depending upon the time they can contribute to the certification. As such, we recommend closely reviewing the certification for eligibility, requirements, and when exams and training are offered to determine what programs might be the right fit for you. 

Training and Certification Program related Job Postings: 

To access job openings related to the listed approved WorkForce West Virginia Training Programs and approved Certification Programs, please click on the link: 

https://report.workforcewv.org/macc/jobseekers/JJPjobsearch

You will choose the training or certification program from the Certification and Training drop down. You also have the option to view job postings related to the training or certification program in a specific location by selecting a city in the Location drop down. 

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification: Individuals interested in obtaining this certification may do so independently through the Microsoft website or by contacting West Virginia Department of Education- Adult Education program via the following link:  Train - West Virginia Department of Education (wvde.us)

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