Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #123
Coming Home From Prison? NY's Work for Success Connects You to Jobs—and Gives Employers Hiring Incentives
Work for Success is a NYSDOL and DOCCS partnership that provides pre-employment and job-placement help to New Yorkers returning home from prison.
Who
People returning home from prison who are evaluated and referred by DOCCS reentry staff.
Where: New York State; dedicated staff at selected locations
What to do
Start here: Ask DOCCS reentry staff about a Work for Success referral and connect with the assigned NYSDOL staff.
Eligibility: DOCCS reentry staff identify and refer eligible job seekers. NYSDOL can match positions statewide even though dedicated Work for Success staff are based in selected locations.
What you get
Referred participants receive employment help while employers can access incentives tied to eligible hires.
Benefit: Job-placement and pre-employment support; participating employers may receive up to $2,400 in federal WOTC tax credits and up to $25,000 in fidelity bonding for eligible hires.
Possible value: The participant benefit is employment support rather than a direct cash payment.
Good to know
Important: The tax credit and bonding are employer incentives, not cash paid to the job seeker. Participation does not guarantee hiring.
Availability: Active
Why people miss it: The program is often framed to employers, so returning job seekers may not realize it also provides direct employment assistance.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026