IN · OJT

How Indiana OJT Reimbursement Actually Works for Employers

Indiana OJT runs through the local WorkOne offices under WIOA. You hire an eligible job seeker, sign a contract and training plan with WorkOne, and WorkOne reimburses up to 50% of wages for up to 6 months. Boards may go up to 75% when they document why. DWD says it is a check to your company, not a tax credit.

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State pre-filled: IN
Program type pre-filled: OJT

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HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

1
Contact your local WorkOne and confirm the trainee is eligible
2
Build the training plan and sign the OJT contract
3
Pay the trainee and send regular invoices with records
4
Keep the employee at least six months after training

1 VERIFIED PROGRAM

Where the Indiana money comes from.

Run by Indiana DWD (policy) and your local WorkOne office (contract and payment). Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

WIOA On-the-Job Training through your local WorkOne

Up to 50% of wages, 75% in documented cases

THROUGH YOUR LOCAL BOARD

WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement of part of the trainee's wages during training. DWD says it is a check to your company, not a tax credit.

HOW MUCH

Up to 50% of wages, and boards may go to 75% when they document the reason (federal rule and Indiana policy). Training lasts up to 6 months. State policy caps one contract at $13,000 a year. DWD's page lists both a $10 and a $13.50 hourly minimum; the policy says $13.50.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer, by direct reimbursement from WorkOne. The trainee is paid wages by you as usual.

WHO QUALIFIES

Trainee is WIOA eligible and referred or approved by WorkOne
Wages, benefits and conditions equal those of similar regular employees
You commit to keep the person at least six months after training
Not available to employers with a pattern of failing to keep past OJT trainees

Before you start: Yes. Meet WorkOne staff first. The board builds a training plan and signs an OJT contract for each trainee.

LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

Southwest Indiana Workforce Board (WorkOne Evansville area)

Advertises up to 50% of wage for up to 6 months or $4,500 per new hire, and a $10 an hour minimum. That minimum is below the state policy figure of $13.50; confirm with the board.

SOURCE: SWINWORKFORCE.ORG

WorkOne West Central Indiana (Region 4)

Offers OJT and publishes no rate. Call the board.

SOURCE: IN.GOV

Northeast Indiana Works (WorkOne Northeast)

An undated board presentation describes a 50% wage reimbursement and a monthly check-in.

SOURCE: IN.GOV

AVOID THESE

What gets Indiana OJT claims denied.

Hiring the person before the board approves and signs the OJT contract and training plan.
SOURCE: IN.GOV
A history of not keeping OJT trainees on as regular employees.
SOURCE: IN.GOV
Pay or benefits below those of similar regular employees, or a wage below the policy minimum.
SOURCE: IN.GOV
Putting a staffing agency on the contract. Contracts may not go directly to staffing agencies.
SOURCE: IN.GOV
A second OJT for the same person within twelve months.
SOURCE: IN.GOV

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Indiana OJT questions.

How much of a new hire's wages will WorkOne reimburse?

Up to 50%. Indiana policy lets boards raise it up to 75% when they weigh barriers to employment and employer size, and document the reason.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Do I have to prove what the training cost me?

No. The payment is treated as compensation for the extra cost of training and lower productivity. You document hours and wages.

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Can I get OJT for someone already on payroll?

Sometimes. State policy allows OJT for eligible employed workers who are not earning a self-sufficient wage and who are learning new technology, procedures or higher-skill jobs.

SOURCE: IN.GOV

What is the minimum hourly wage?

State policy sets $13.50 an hour. DWD's OJT page lists both $10 and $13.50, and one board page lists $10. Confirm with your WorkOne.

SOURCE: IN.GOV

How we checked. Every fact on this page comes from a state agency, a local workforce board or federal regulation, read on September 30, 2026. 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.

OTHER PROGRAMS IN INDIANA

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