Incentive Program - Employment/Job Training/Apprenticeship Incentive Program (EJTAIP)

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang

Employment/Job Training/Apprenticeship Incentive Program (EJTAIP) provides financial and supplemental supports for eligible youth to build marketable skills through on-the-job work, certified job training, or approved apprenticeships. The program targets DCFS-responsible youth ages 17-21, with additional provisions for Job Corps participants and youth in approved apprenticeship programs. Eligibility includes education requirements, completion of the Casey Life Skills Assessment, and documented participation or employment. Benefits include a monthly payment of $158 and need-based start-up funding up to $210, with required application and verification materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Eligibility Requirements

Benefits

Referral Information Requirements

Employment/Job Training/Apprenticeship Incentive Program The Employment/Job Training/Apprenticeship Incentive Program (EJTAIP) is designed to provide financial and supplemental services to help youth gain marketable skills through on-the-job work experience, job training programs, or approved apprenticeships. Eligibility Requirements: • Youth for whom DCFS is legally responsible, between the ages of 17 and 21. Youth age 16 participating in a Job Corps program are also eligible. • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate • Complete Casey Life Skills Assessment • Be involved in job training through a certified job skills training program (e.g., Job Corps, internship), be employed for at least one month prior to applying for the EJTAIP and working a minimum of 20 hours per week or 80 hours a month, or be participating in an apprenticeship training program approved or recognized by the Illinois Department of Employment Security or by the United States Department of Labor. Youth enrolled in an approved apprenticeship are eligible if in care of the Department, aged out of care of the Department at age 18 or older, or achieved adoption or guardianship directly from the Department’scare. Youth must be under the age of 26 before enrolling in a qualified apprenticeship program and must document active participation. Benefits: • Monthly payment of $158.00 with documentation • Start-up funding for work-related items (e.g., tools, work clothing, etc.) . Funding is need-based and limited to a one-time disbursement of up to $210.00 with required documentation. Requests for larger amounts may be approved by exception. Referral Information Requirements: • EJTAIP Application (Form CFS 449-2) • Current Client Service Plan (Form CFS 497) (youth in care only) • Service Agreement signed by youth and caseworker (if applicable) • Verification of employment, job training program participation, or approved apprenticeship. For more information, contact: 217-557-2689 Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois • DCFS \#184 • Sep 2019 • 200 Copies [www2.illinois.gov/DCFS](www2.illinois.gov/DCFS) Rev. 2/2020

FAQs

Who is eligible for EJTAIP?

Youth legally responsible to DCFS and between ages 17 and 21 qualify, and youth age 16 in a Job Corps program are also eligible. Additional pathways apply for youth in approved apprenticeship settings, including those aging out or transitioning through adoption or guardianship.

What are the key eligibility steps EJTAIP requires?

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, must complete the Casey Life Skills Assessment, and must participate in a certified job skills training program, be employed at least one month before applying with minimum hours, or be in an approved apprenticeship training program.

What benefits does EJTAIP provide and what funding limits apply?

Eligible youth receive a monthly payment of $158 with documentation, plus need-based start-up funding for work-related items up to $210 as a one-time disbursement with required documentation; larger requests may be approved by exception.

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang