## Training dollars and real help are closer than you think—if you know where to start. Lost a job or stuck in a dead-end role? WIOA funds free or low-cost training, career coaching, and job search help—so you can move toward stable, better-paying work. If you’re in , , providers, start dates, and eligibility steps may be set locally—plan around what’s offered nearby.

Quick links for , :

Apply for unemployment
Unemployment contacts — ,

## Start here: what to do first - Call or visit your nearest American Job Center and ask for a WIOA eligibility screening. - Bring basics: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs (or layoff notice), résumé (even if rough). - Share your target job and any barriers (transportation, childcare, tools). This unlocks supportive services. - Ask for a skills assessment and labor-market check to confirm training leads to real openings. - If training makes sense, request an outline of steps and timelines (orientation → paperwork → approval). ## How Individual Training Accounts work—and how to choose a school wisely WIOA often pays tuition through an **Individual Training Account (ITA)**, which is a capped training budget tied to *approved* providers and programs. *Scenario:* You want a medical billing job but lack credentials. An advisor helps you pick an approved course; your ITA pays the school directly once you enroll. - ITAs typically require your program to be on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). - Funding isn’t unlimited: expect caps, co-pays in some areas, or priority for certain jobseekers. - Compare outcomes: completion rates, job placement, and median wages by program—ask your advisor to pull them. - Supportive services (transport passes, uniforms, exam fees) may be added to your plan if they’re a barrier. - Always verify refund policies and externship details before signing school paperwork. - For the legal nuts and bolts, the ITA is defined in federal rules under WIOA Title I (see the **Individual Training Accounts** regulation on ecfr.gov). ## Dislocated Worker Grants: extra help after layoffs or disasters When big layoffs or disasters hit, **National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs)** can add slots for training and temporary jobs. *Scenario:* Your plant closes. Your AJC may offer short-term paid disaster-recovery work while you retrain for a CDL or HVAC license. - DWGs expand services beyond regular WIOA funding when communities face unusual job loss. - You may qualify if you were laid off, self-employed but lost work due to an event, or a long-term unemployed worker. - Expect accelerated intake and targeted training aligned with in-demand jobs (logistics, construction, healthcare). - Paid work experience or transitional jobs can bridge income while you skill up. - Ask specifically whether your area has an active DWG and what occupations it supports. - Learn more about DWGs and eligibility on the U.S. Department of Labor site.

👉 Want a quick read on eligibility? Check benefits for .

> "With Michigan Works! Southwest, I am thriving along with my new employer." > — Heidi, Coldwater, Michigan (*U.S. Department of Labor*, [WIOA Success Stories](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/performance/wioa-stories)) ---

FAQs for ,

## FAQs ### Who can qualify for WIOA help? Adults with low income, dislocated workers after layoffs, and many out-of-school youth can qualify. Local priority rules may apply. ### Do I have to pay anything back? No—WIOA funds are not loans. You might have modest costs (e.g., exam fees) if your area doesn’t cover them. ### How long does approval take? It varies by area. Expect a few appointments for eligibility, career planning, and provider approval before training starts. ### Can WIOA help if I already have a degree? Yes, if you need new skills to re-enter in-demand work or after a layoff. Your plan must show a clear path to employment. --- ###### References

U.S. Department of Labor — WIOA Overview
WIOA Adult & Dislocated Worker Programs — DOL ETA
CareerOneStop — Find an American Job Center
ECFR — 20 CFR Part 680 Subpart C (Individual Training Accounts)
WIOA Youth Fact Sheet (Updated Jan 2025) — DOL ETA
National Dislocated Worker Grants — DOL ETA

Posts tagged with: unemployed

Free Job Training & Career Help with WIOA