Program Information
About the Excluded Workers Fund
After steadfast efforts by advocates and impacted communities across the state, Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature passed the Excluded Worker Fund (“the Fund” or “EWF”), the first such large-scale program in the country on April 19, 2021. This $2.1 billion fund will provide financial relief for New Yorkers state-wide who have suffered income loss during the pandemic and were left out of the various federal relief programs, including unemployment and pandemic benefits.
The New York State Department of Labor will continue the principles of equality and fairness that led to this historic achievement as we create a roadmap for swift implementation.
- New Yorkers First Approach: Collaboration with advocates and other stakeholders will be critical for implementation to succeed
- Clear Requirements: The law outlines parameters for the Fund and, where provided discretion, DOL will fully embrace the principles and intent of the legislation
- Accessibility: The application materials and additional support will be widely accessible and available in multiple languages that intended beneficiaries of the Fund are most likely to speak
- Fraud Protection: DOL will implement cutting-edge tools and technologies to ensure protection against fraud and ensure that benefits go directly into the pockets of eligible workers
- Safeguarding Applicants’ Personal Information: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order 170 and the EWF legislation both have strong legal protections and safeguards for applicants’ personal information
- Community Grants Available: We are seeking qualified Not-For-Profits to provide assistance and outreach to inform workers about the EWF.
EWF TIMELINE
Developing the Process
DOL aims to move swiftly while also putting safeguards in place to ensure all applicants’ materials remain confidential. Our timeline is subject to change and will be updated regularly on this site. You can sign up to receive text and/or email updates below. (COMING SOON)
May to July 2021
DOL will create an overall infrastructure for the program that includes, but is not limited to, developing program regulations, creating and finalizing the application, and working with community-based organizations to ensure maximum impact of this program.
August 2021
The application process begins state-wide and distribution of benefits is scheduled to begin.
More About the Excluded Worker Fund
Beware of Fraud
Protect Your Application Materials
Documents submitted will only be used for determining the applicant’s eligibility for the program and will not be shared with anyone outside of the application process, unless required by law to comply with a judicial warrant, court order, or subpoena.
Protecting applicants and impacted community members from fraud and other unsavory practices is top priority for DOL. Applicants should only apply for the Excluded Workers Fund from the official DOL website and seek assistance only from trusted community-based organizations. While all available resources will be put in place, DOL is asking applicants, advocates, community leaders, elected officials, and members of the media to help report any possible fraudulent outreach.
If any agency or individual tries to charge you money or collect your personal information to submit an application on your behalf at this time, DO NOT provide anything to them. If you have not applied for this program, but have received an email or letter that appears to be from DOL saying DOL is processing your application please contact DOL immediately. Fraudulent communications could include emails, text messages, letters, debit cards, social media accounts and messages, and tax forms received in the mail.
You may report such activity to by filing a complaint with the New York Attorney General’s office by using the link below or by calling the Attorney General’s hotline at (800) 771-7755. For hearing impaired: TDD (800) 788-9898
Protecting applicants and impacted community members from fraud and other unsavory practices is top priority for DOL. Applicants should only apply for the Excluded Workers Fund from the official DOL website and seek assistance only from trusted community-based organizations. While all available resources will be put in place, DOL is asking applicants, advocates, community leaders, elected officials, and members of the media to help report any possible fraudulent outreach.
If any agency or individual tries to charge you money or collect your personal information to submit an application on your behalf at this time, DO NOT provide anything to them. If you have not applied for this program, but have received an email or letter that appears to be from DOL saying DOL is processing your application please contact DOL immediately. Fraudulent communications could include emails, text messages, letters, debit cards, social media accounts and messages, and tax forms received in the mail.
You may report such activity to by filing a complaint with the New York Attorney General’s office by using the link below or by calling the Attorney General’s hotline at (800) 771-7755. For hearing impaired: TDD (800) 788-9898
