We are happy to announce we have received some of the workforce incentive money and are working diligently to ensure the money is properly distributed.
As you may know, the state has invested money to give bonuses to DSPs who have worked as Community Habilitation Staff, Respite Staff and SEMP staff during the pandemic and beyond.
There are four separate incentive pay/ bonuses DSPs are eligible for, here is the information about each specific incentive/bonus.
Vaccine Bonus: Employees are eligible for this bonus if they are actively employed on the date of distribution of the bonus and were fully vaccinated for COVID 19 by January 14, 2022 and submitted proof of vaccination to us. DSPs that work 40 hours a week/full time are eligible for $500, DSPs that work at least 20 but less than 40 hours per week are eligible for $250 and DSPs that work less than 20 hours per week are eligible for $125.
NYS has not distributed this money to us yet. We will give you an update when we have one.
Covid Service Bonus: Employees are eligible for this incentive/bonus pay if they worked a minimum of 90 days between the dates of March 17, 2020 through September 1, 2021 and are actively employed on the date of distribution. DSPs that worked 40 hours/full time are eligible to receive $1000. DSPs that worked at least 20 but less than 40 are eligible to receive $500 and DSPs that worked less than 20 hours per week are eligible to receive $250.
NYS has not distributed this money to us yet. We will give you an update when we have one.
Longevity Bonus: This bonus is for those DSPs that were employed between April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 and continued to be employed through September 1, 2021 and are employed on the date we distribute the bonus. At this moment, we are still finalizing the percentage amount. Once we have finalized the amount we will send out another communication letting you know what the percentage is. The finalized percentage and amount given will be based on the salary the DSP earned between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021. We will be distributing this bonus to those DSPs who are eligible on May 13, 2022.
Retention Bonus: This bonus is for those DSPs that were employed between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 and continue to be employed through the first complete payroll ending on or prior to March 31, 2022, and are employed on the date we distribute this bonus. At this moment, we are still finalizing the percentage amount. Once we have finalized the amount we will send out another communication letting you know what the percentage is. The finalized percentage and amount given will be based on the salary the DSP earned between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021. We will be distributing this bonus to those DSPs who are eligible on May 27, 2022.
** As per agency policy, as an employee if you did not work any shifts in the past 6 months, you are considered inactive. If you are inactive, you are not eligible for the bonus even if you meet the other criteria. **
All bonuses received are subject to all applicable federal and state taxes.
