Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B—
b. 4. Describe how the State will implement and monitor the priority for public assistance recipients, other low-income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient in accordance with the requirements of WIOA sec. 134(c)(3)(E), which applies to individualized career services and training services funded by the Adult Formula program
Current Narrative:
As outlined in Workforce Services Directive WSD15-14, Local Boards must provide priority of service to recipients of public assistance, other low-income individuals, or individuals who are basic skills deficient when providing individualized career services and training services funded with WIOA adult funds.
Local Boards were required to implement the priority of service requirements beginning July 1, 2015, and to have a local policy and procedures for priority of service in place by January 1, 2016.
Veterans and eligible spouses are also able to receive priority of service among all eligible individuals; however, they must meet the WIOA adult program eligibility criteria and meet the criteria under WIOA Section 134(c)(3)(E). Therefore, priority must be provided in the following order:
- Veterans and eligible spouses who are also recipients of public assistance, other low income individuals, or individuals who are basic skills deficient.
- Individuals who are the recipient of public assistance, other low income individuals, or individuals who are basic skills deficient.
- Veterans and eligible spouses who are not included in WIOA’s priority groups.
- Other individuals not included in WIOA’s priority groups.
Local Boards are allowed to establish additional priority groups for their Local Area (e.g., residents of the Local Area, individuals with disabilities, formerly incarcerated and justice-involved, etc.). However, any additional priority groups established should be identified in the local policy.
The directive contains definitions of public assistance, low income, and basic skills deficient as well as all individualized career and training services. It also contains a chart of source documents that Local Boards can use to verify a participant’s eligibility for priority of service.
The EDD Policy and Compliance Accountability Branch is responsible for conducting annual sub recipient monitoring to ensure that they are in compliance with WIOA eligibility requirements, including priority of service.