Expanded Subsidized Employment

Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) helps reduce the costs associated with identifying, hiring and onboarding employees. ESE reimburses companies up to 100 percent of the wages of a new hire in the first 1040 hours of employment.

How does it work?

  • Your company interviews pre-screened candidates and hires whomever you choose.
  • You are reimbursed 100% for wages during the first six months.
  • The employer gets reimbursed after every month.

What are some restrictions?

  • The position must be regular and permanent.
  • The position must pay $13.00 or more per hour (wages may not be less than minimum wage).
  • Only hours worked on the job will be reimbursed, up to 40 hours per week (vacations, holiday pay, and overtime will not be reimbursed).

What documents are needed?

  • Proof of workers’ compensation insurance
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • Current Business License
  • Current W-9

How do job seekers qualify?

  • Job seekers must be enrolled in at Worknet Merced County and have been referred by their CalWORKs case manager

How do employers get started?