Health Care Worker Bonus Program Updated FAQ Memo
October 17, 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 – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
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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 (BOCES).
Updated Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has added a new “Education Sector Employers” section to their Health Care Worker Bonus Program Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, which may be accessed here.
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.
It has come to NYSED’s attention that DOH is directing education sector inquiries to SED. School districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, approved preschool programs for students with disabilities and BOCES that do not have a Statewide Financial System identification number may contact SED at ChiefFinancialOfficer@nysed.gov. All other inquiries should be directed to DOH.