August 6, 2009

Pell Grant offers job-training assistance

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As we continue to struggle through this tight job market, many people who have found themselves unemployed for several months are considering going back to school for training in another field. Of course, this education comes at a cost that many job seekers cannot afford.

That's where the Pell Grant program comes in. This week, Karen T. Lee, commissioner of the Employment Security Department (ESD) sent out reminder notices to those currently collecting unemployment that the maximum benefits of this federal program have recently been raised by $500 to a total of $5,350 that can be applied in the 2009/2010 academic year toward education and training expenses at most universities and community colleges, as well as many trade schools. For more information on the program, see the new Opportunity.gov Web site that was set up in May to handle the recent increase in unemployment due to the recession.

The good news is that, under a new policy enacted last month by the Obama administration, those who are out of work but wish to use the Pell money for retraining can continue collecting unemployment benefits. Previously, the unemployed had to give up their weekly assistance checks if they decided to go back to school, a policy that President Obama called "senseless."

There are a few caveats, however, the biggest one being that those who already have a bachelor's degree are ineligible for Pell grants; the program is mostly aimed at those who have entered the workforce without the benefits of higher education degrees. Also, to be considered for a Pell grant, applicants must not be in default on a federal student loan, must have having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and must be either U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. (See Opportunity.gov's Q&A page for more details about eligibility requirements.)

Even if you are not eligible for the Pell money, ESD encourages those who are seeking retraining to look into the various federal and local financial aid options. Applications for assistance can be found at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid site, or FAFSA. For a list of education or training options, visit ESD's Careeronestop.org page or to your local WorkSource page. Another site, called Checkoutacollege.com, provides information on community and technical colleges in Washington state. The state Higher Education Coordinating Board also has a list of local financial aid resources and tax benefits.

"Studies have shown that workers with more education and training have more secure jobs and higher wages," wrote ESD's Lee in her letter. "I encourage you to carefully consider this opportunity."

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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5 Comments

Sheryl Hutchison on August 6, 2009 4:24 PM | Reply

I want to clarify something in the third paragraph of this story. It is not true that "previously, people had to give up their weekly [unemployment] checks...to go back to school." The Employment Security Department operates two programs (Training Benefits Program and Commissioner-Approved Training Program) in which unemployed people who meet certain criteria (dislocated workers, disabled, veterans, etc.) may attend training and continue receiving unemployment benefits.

Unemployed workers who receive Pell grants do not automatically remain entitled to unemployment benefits; as noted above, they must be approved through Employment Security, based on specific eligibility criteria.

What IS different now is that people receiving unemployment benefits may may receive special consideration for financial aid to pay for training.

If you're receiving unemployment benefits and are curious about your eligibility to attend training while maintaining your weekly benefits, please contact your local WorkSource career center or call the unemployment telecenter at 800-318-6022.

Sheryl Hutchison,
Communications Director
Washington State Employment Security Department

NB on August 7, 2009 8:02 AM | Reply

Opportunity is spelled wrong in the hyperlink in the article.

Can I get a job proofing?

Mike Ellsworth on August 7, 2009 8:44 AM | Reply

As the Program Director for CareerOneStop, I am delighted you have mentioned our site! We are a national site sponsored by a grant from the US Dept. of Labor's Education and Training Administration (ETA) and offer comprehensive career information from salaries and education to an employer locator and occupation profiles that contain detailed information such as job duties and tools and technology.

We also have a new ReEmployment portal that contains vital information for those who have been laid off.

Randy Woods on August 7, 2009 10:18 AM | Reply

Sorry 'bout that typo, NB. Thanks for the help!

candice wagner on February 7, 2012 10:47 AM | Reply

work source makes you get referral after referral for jobs that are posted the very next day in the news paper with no referral required.is that fair? really whats the point. I need to get a job, none here. So I need to go back to school for some quick training program and I dont want to get the run around from worksource people

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