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Second Chance Month
Ohio Employers Can Receive Tax Credits
for Hiring Individuals Facing Barriers to Employment
COLUMBUS, OHIO – As part of Second Chance Month, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder today reminded Ohio employers that they can receive federal tax credits of up to $9,600 for hiring individuals from certain designated groups. This includes restored citizens, public assistance recipients, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who face barriers to employment. In addition, employers can receive $5,000 worth of free fidelity bond coverage for each at-risk, hard-to-place job seeker they hire.
“We encourage employers to take advantage of these opportunities,” Damschroder said. “They make it easier for employers to grow their workforces and give more Ohioans facing a range of circumstances the opportunity to find meaningful and fulfilling jobs.”
ODJFS supervises the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and the Federal Bonding Program for Ohio. WOTC provides tax credits ranging from $1,200 to $9,600, depending on the designated group. It can lower employers’ tax bills dollar for dollar. The Federal Bonding Program covers an individual’s first six months of employment. The program protects employers against losses caused by fraudulent or dishonest acts, and coverage is free.
From October 2023 to December 2024, ODJFS certified 113,617 WOTC applications. As a result, 4,443 Ohio employers received more than $321 million in tax credits.
WOTC applications must be submitted online at jfs.ohio.gov/wotc within 28 days of individuals’ start-to-work date. Employers with questions should email wotc_contact@jfs.ohio.gov.
For more information about the Federal Bonding Program, visit bonds4jobs.com or email Ohiobonds4jobs@jfs.ohio.gov.
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