Health Care Worker Bonus Program October 2022 Memo
October 11, 2022
| TO: | BOCES District Superintendents School District Superintendents School District Business Officers Charter School Leaders Religious and Independent School Leaders Preschool Programs for Students with Disabilities |
|---|---|
| FROM: | Phyllis D. Morris, Chief Financial Officer |
| RE: |
Health Care Worker Bonus Program – Portal Open for Educational Employer
Submission
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Background
Authorized in the 2022-23 enacted state budget by Part ZZ of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022, the Health Care Worker Bonus Program (HWB) allows for the payment of bonuses to "recruit, retain, and reward health care and mental hygiene workers" meeting specified eligibility requirements. Bonus amounts will be commensurate with the number of hours worked by eligible workers during designated vesting periods for up to a total of $3,000 per eligible worker.
The following educational entities are included in the list of eligible employers: nonpublic schools, charter schools, approved preschool programs for students with disabilities, school districts and boards of cooperative educational services.
Educational Employer Submission
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has opened the education portion of the bonus program. Eligible educational employers may now submit claims through DOH’s portal for bonus payments to eligible employees.
Contact Information
The Health Care Worker Bonus Program is being administered by DOH. Information and questions regarding the program and/or eligibility should be directed to the NYS Department of Health at NYSWorkersBonus@health.ny.gov or by calling the HWB Call Center at (866) 682-0077.