How to Apply for a National Emergency Grant for Financial Professionals

If you are an out-of-work financial professional living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, you know the job market is extra competitive. In order to help with this crisis in the financial sector, NY, NJ, and CT have applied to the Federal Government for a National Emergency Grant. The NEG is available to financial services professionals who have been laid off from any major financial employer in the tri-state area. The purpose of the federal grant is to provide up to $12,500 for continuing education or certification in the financial services industry, or training in an entirely different occupation, as long as it is "in demand." Read more to find out how to apply for and obtain a National Emergency Grant.

Things You'll Need

• Name of your former employer
• Name of school
• Name of program or certification
• Address for local unemployment office

Instructions

1. WHEN

   If you are a financial services worker in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut and were dislocated from a major financial services company (NY Department of Labor has a complete list of eligible employers) on or after June 1, 2008, you may qualify for training assistance under this federal grant.

   The training program or certification must be completed by no later than December 31, 2010.

2. WHERE

   The course(s) you wish to take must be on a State Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). A copy of the ETPL is available at the website in the Additional Resources section below. You can take a course in any of the three states, regardless of your state of domicile.

3. WHAT

   The training or certification you choose must help to provide the skills or qualifications to work in your occupational goal. For instance, if you would like to work as a Financial Analyst instead of another financial role, the NEG can help cover the cost of your Certified Financial Advisor study material and exam fees.

   If you would like to change from the financial industries to another "in demand" occupation, for instance a Real Estate Sales Agent, the federal grant will only pay for training or certifications that will help you gain skills or knowledge in that field.

   NOTE: List of "favorable" or "very favorable" occupations can be found at the websites in the Additional Resources section below.

4. NEXT STEPS

   Make an appointment with your local unemployment office to attend the National Emergency Grant for dislocated professionals presentation. The presentation is free, but the seating is limited. The presentation leader will provide you with all the information you need to apply for your federal grant. A list of Department of Labor offices is included in the Additional Resources section below.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to click on the links on this page for more information.

• If this article has been helpful to you, feel free to link it to your blog or email it to friends.

Resources

• New York State Workforce Eligible Training Provider List
• New Jersey Training Opportunities
• Education ConneCTion
• New York City Department of Small Business Services Growth Occcupation List
• Current New York State Labor Market Information (updated monthly)
• NY State DOL Offices
• State of NJ Unemployment and Disability
• CT Department of Labor