How can you qualify for the $2,400 Workers Benefit Checks?

The $2,400 Workers Benefit Checks refer to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)—a credit of up to $2,400 for employers who hire individuals from specific disadvantaged groups, not direct payments to workers.

There’s been confusion around so-called $2,400 Workers Benefit Checks, but these aren't direct payments to employees. Instead, this figure represents the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)—a U.S. federal tax incentive allowing employers to claim up to $2,400 per eligible new hire from targeted groups such as SNAP recipients, long-term unemployed, ex-felons, and people over 65, blind, or disabled. To qualify, employers must complete IRS and DOL certification within 28 days of hiring and the employee must work at least 120 hours (to receive 25%) or 400 hours (to receive 40% of the first $6,000 in wages).

Steps: Qualifying for the $2,400 Workers Benefit Credit (WOTC)

1. Determine Employee Eligibility

   • New hires must belong to a WOTC-targeted group, including SNAP recipients, TANF recipients, ex-felons, designated community residents, summer youth, SSI recipients, long-term unemployed, or individuals over 65, blind, or disabled.

2. Pre-Screen and File Forms

   • Before or on the hire date, the employee completes IRS Form 8850, and the employer submits it and ETA Form 9061/9062 to the State Workforce Agency within 28 days.

3. Track Work Hours

   • Maintain accurate records of hours worked.

     • 120–399 hours → 25% credit (~$1,500 max)

     • ≥400 hours → 40% credit (up to $2,400)

4. Qualified Wages Cap

   • WOTC applies only to the first $6,000 of qualifying wages per eligible hire—40% of that equals the maximum $2,400 credit

5. Claim on Tax Return

   • Employers claim the credit using IRS Form 5884, and if unused, may carry it back one year and forward up to 20 years.

Summary

While there's no federal program sending $2,400 payments directly to workers earning under a set hourly wage, qualified employers can receive up to $2,400 per new hire by participating in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. To access it:

• Hire an eligible individual from a WOTC target group

• Pre-certify within 28 days using the correct IRS and DOL forms

• Track hours (aim for at least 400 hours)

• Claim the credit with your federal tax return

This powerful incentive not only benefits employers by reducing tax liability but also helps open doors for job seekers facing employment barriers.