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IL · OJT

How Illinois OJT Reimbursement Actually Works for Employers

Illinois on-the-job training is a WIOA program run by local workforce boards. You hire an eligible person, sign a contract before the start date, and the board reimburses part of the trainee's wages while they learn. The rate is typically up to 50%, up to 75% in documented cases, and up to 90% for employers with 50 or fewer employees under a state waiver through June 30, 2028. Each board sets its own rates, so confirm yours.

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  • State pre-filled: IL
  • Program type pre-filled: OJT
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HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

  1. 1

    Contact your local workforce board

  2. 2

    Pass the pre-award review and agree a training outline

  3. 3

    Sign the OJT contract before the start date

  4. 4

    Pay the trainee, then invoice for reimbursement

1 VERIFIED PROGRAM

Where the Illinois money comes from.

Run by Illinois DCEO Office of Employment and Training (policy), with local workforce innovation boards signing contracts. Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

WIOA On-the-Job Training through your local workforce board

Typically up to 50% of wages; 75% to 90% in set cases
THROUGH YOUR LOCAL BOARD
WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement of part of the trainee's wages for the hours worked, to cover the extra cost of training and supervision. Overtime is not reimbursed.

HOW MUCH

Typically up to 50% of the wage rate. State policy allows up to 75% in limited cases. For employers with 50 or fewer employees, boards may go up to 90% under a waiver approved through June 30, 2028.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

Your company. You pay the trainee as usual and the board reimburses you.

WHO QUALIFIES
  • The trainee must be an eligible WIOA participant approved by the board, and be your employee for the contract period
  • Full-time jobs that lead to self-sufficiency; trainee cannot be a relative of the owner or direct supervisor
  • No similar workers on layoff, no hiring freeze for the job, and no displacing current staff
  • Not for seasonal jobs or independent contractors
Before you start: Yes. You must agree to the contract before the person's start date.
HOW TO APPLY
  1. 1Contact your local workforce board or American Job Center
  2. 2Complete the pre-award review and agree a training outline
  3. 3Sign the OJT contract before the start date
  4. 4Invoice the board with progress reports

Deadlines and windows: The contract lasts only as long as the trainee needs to become proficient. Boards often cap it near 1,040 hours (about six months). State policy revised August 2026.

SOURCE: APPS.ILLINOISWORKNET.COM
LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

Reimburses up to 50% of new employee training wages and costs for the first six months or 1,040 hours.

SOURCE: CHICOOKWORKS.ORG
Kane, Kendall and DeKalb Counties

Standard rate 50%, up to 75% when criteria such as employer size under 200 are met; 1,040 hour limit. Policy last amended September 2022, so confirm current rates.

SOURCE: KANECOUNTYIL.GOV
Lake County Workforce Development Board

Policy dated October 2024 sets up to 90% for employers with 1 to 50 employees, 75% for 51 to 300 and 50% above 300, when its factors are met.

SOURCE: LAKECOUNTYWORKFORCE.ORG
AVOID THESE

What gets Illinois OJT claims denied.

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Illinois OJT questions.

How much of the wage does Illinois reimburse?

Typically up to 50%. The state allows up to 75% in limited cases, and up to 90% for employers with 50 or fewer employees under a waiver through June 30, 2028. Your board sets the actual rate.

SOURCE: APPS.ILLINOISWORKNET.COM
Can I put an existing employee on OJT?

Sometimes. State policy covers eligible underemployed workers, and some boards allow employed people who are not earning a self-sufficient wage. Check your board.

SOURCE: APPS.ILLINOISWORKNET.COM
Can OJT be combined with other training?

Yes, but only the OJT hours get wage reimbursement. It can also be combined with Individual Training Accounts for registered apprenticeships.

SOURCE: APPS.ILLINOISWORKNET.COM
Do I have to keep the worker after training?

Yes. Employment must continue after successful completion, and boards will not contract with employers who fail to keep trainees.

SOURCE: APPS.ILLINOISWORKNET.COM

How we checked. Every fact on this page comes from a state agency, a local workforce board or federal regulation, read on . Where a board publishes nothing, we say so instead of guessing. Programs and funding change often; confirm with the program before you commit. Written by Jason Meehl, founder of Reimbursa. Found an error? Email hello@reimbursa.com.

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