WIOA National Dislocated Worker Grants / WIA National Emergency Grants

DWGs are supplemental, time-limited funding assistance provided in response to major economic dislocations or other events that cause significant impact on states and local areas that exceed the capacity of existing formula funds and other relevant r

The Department funds two types of DWGs: Disaster Recovery and Employment Recovery. Disaster Recovery DWGs provide disaster-relief and humanitarian assistance employment , in addition to employment and training services, to support economic and employment recovery following declared emergency and disaster events. Employment Recovery DWGs provide resources to states and other eligible applicants to address the reemployment needs of dislocated workers following to major economic dislocations, such as large, unexpected layoff events that cause significant job losses. This funding is intended to temporarily expand the service capacity of the state or local workforce area to serve dislocated workers, including military service members, and to meet increased demand for WIOA employment and training services caused by major dislocations, with an aim toward reemploying laid off workers and enhancing their employability and earnings.

Entities that are eligible to receive a National Dislocated Worker Grant include: designated state or territorial Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program agencies; one or more Local Workforce Investment Areas; a designated organization receiving WIOA funding through the Native American Program provisions of WIOA or the tribal entities as described in the Stafford Act; entities determined to be appropriate to apply by the Governor of a state; and other entities that demonstrate their capability to carry out such projects to the Secretary of Labor. Funds can be used to provide employment and training services (including some supportive services) to eligible participants.

Individuals who are eligible for assistance vary by type of National Dislocated Worker Grant project; however, they must meet the criteria provided in Section 170 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. These include but are not limited to individuals laid off as a consequence of disaster, Dislocated Workers as defined by WIOA Section 3(15), long-term unemployed and members of the armed forces.

Eligible circumstances for funding include: Disasters - Both Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-declared disasters and other emergency events of national significance as designated by another Federal Agency; plant closures and mass layoffs affecting 50 or more workers; and assistance to areas experiencing higher than average demand for services for dislocated members of the armed forces and their spouses.

ETA applies administrative cost limitations to all DWGs as described relevant program guidance. WIOA title I functions and activities that constitute administrative costs are identified at 20 CFR 683.215. Administrative costs may include both direct and indirect costs. As an example of limitations spelled out in guidance, when using DWG-funded Disaster-Relief Employment to deliver or provide humanitarian assistance, grant recipients cannot use DWG funds to purchase the material goods to be delivered to individuals impacted by the disaster.

Generally, DWGs are funded incrementally, with a portion of the full award made initially and additional funds released as needed. Awarded DWG funds may be expended during the months remaining in the Program Year in which the grant award is made plus the subsequent two program years.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/dislocated-workers/laws

The Grant Officer issues a Notice of Obligation to the grantee providing the dollar amount, purpose of the funds, and the terms and conditions of the grant based on the information provided in the application.

A decision on an initial application and monetary grant modifications such as requests for incremental funding, are made within 45 working days from receipt of a complete and responsive request.