NY · IWT

New York Incumbent Worker Training: How to Get Reimbursed for Upskilling

New York has no statewide incumbent worker training grant. Local workforce boards run their own, and the terms differ a lot. RochesterWorks pays up to 90% of approved training costs, to a $10,000 cap. NYC's Customized Training Grant reimburses up to 60% for current employees. Under federal WIOA rules, the employer pays a share: 10%, 25% or 50% by company size.

Check my New York eligibility How IWT works nationally

Reimbursa Eligibility Scanner

Tell us your state, industry, and recent training spend. We'll show you which workforce-reimbursement programs you likely qualify for — with estimated recoverable dollars — in about 30 seconds. No email required.

State pre-filled: NY
Program type pre-filled: incumbent_worker_training

Run My Free Scan

HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

1
Call your local board's business services team
2
Submit your application well before training (Rochester: 30 days)
3
Start training only after written approval
4
Submit invoices and proof of training for reimbursement

3 VERIFIED PROGRAMS

Where the New York money comes from.

Run by Local workforce development boards (for example RochesterWorks, NYC SBS, Westchester-Putnam). Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

RochesterWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grant (Monroe County)

Up to 90% of costs, $10,000 cap

OPEN, ROLLING

WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement for course costs, instructor fees and required exam fees for current employees.

HOW MUCH

Up to 90% matching reimbursement, maximum $10,000. One grant per program year (July 1 to June 30). Training done within six months.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer, by reimbursement of approved training costs.

WHO QUALIFIES

Private for-profit or nonprofit with a jobsite in Monroe County (no government entities)
You are the employer of record for the workers trained
In-demand skill areas to raise competitiveness or avert layoffs
Not covered: mandatory safety training, new-hire orientation, degree coursework, curriculum development

Before you start: Yes. Submit paperwork at least 30 days before training starts.

NYC Customized Training Grant Program (current-employee training)

Up to 60%, $10K to $400K

OPEN, SCHEDULED ROUNDS

WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement of up to 60% of training costs for upskilling current staff.

HOW MUCH

Grants of $10,000 to $400,000. Train at least five employees. Wage increases required after training.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer, as reimbursement after paying up front.

WHO QUALIFIES

NYC-based, for-profit, operating more than one year
At least five trainees (consortium option for small firms)

Before you start: Yes. Contract and screening call first.

Westchester-Putnam Incumbent Worker Training

Subsidized group training, rate not published

THROUGH YOUR LOCAL BOARD

WHAT YOU GET

Subsidized group training for current employees.

HOW MUCH

Not published. Call the career center.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

Not stated. The page says training is subsidized and delivered by qualified providers.

WHO QUALIFIES

Part of a four-year employer contract with the career centers

Before you start: Not stated.

LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

RochesterWorks (Rochester and Monroe County)

Up to 90% of approved costs, $10,000 cap, one grant per program year, 30-day advance filing.

SOURCE: ROCHESTERWORKS.ORG

Niagara County Employment & Training

Funds for existing employees: employer pays at least 50% of training cost through customized training.

SOURCE: NIAGARACOUNTY.GOV

Westchester-Putnam

IWT is offered but no rate is published.

SOURCE: WESTCHESTERPUTNAMONESTOP.COM

NYC Small Business Services

Customized Training Grant covers current-employee training, up to 60%.

SOURCE: NYC-BUSINESS.NYC.GOV

AVOID THESE

What gets New York IWT claims denied.

Starting training before you are approved (Rochester).
SOURCE: ROCHESTERWORKS.ORG
Claiming mandatory safety training or new-hire orientation (Rochester).
SOURCE: ROCHESTERWORKS.ORG
No commitment to keep the workers you train. Federal rules require it.
SOURCE: ECFR.GOV
Training outside the contract term (NYC).
SOURCE: NYC.GOV

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

New York IWT questions.

Is there a state incumbent worker program?

No statewide grant was found. Local boards use federal WIOA funds, and NYC runs its own grant.

SOURCE: DOL.NY.GOV

What does federal law say the employer pays?

The employer pays the non-federal share of training cost. The share scales by company size under WIOA section 134(d)(4).

SOURCE: ECFR.GOV

Can I train new hires with this money?

No. Rochester excludes new-hire orientation and new-hire on-the-job training. Use OJT for new hires.

SOURCE: ROCHESTERWORKS.ORG

What must I promise?

A commitment to retain, or avoid laying off, the workers you train.

SOURCE: ECFR.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 NEW YORK

Reimbursa monitors workforce-reimbursement programs across every state and writes machine-checkable rules packs that prevent claim rejections. See membership pricing.