Section 30 as a Student at MWCC: A great opportunity to start a certificate program or complete a degree.

Section 30 of the Massachusetts Employment and Training Law allows the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to waive an active work search by claimants who meet certain eligibility requirements. This means that claimants can continue to collect their unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while in agency-approved training. Students are responsible, however, for finding and obtaining funding for their training. Under certain circumstances, participants may be eligible for up to an additional 26 weeks of UI benefits while attending full-time training. To be potentially eligible for up to the 26 week extension, you must apply to DUA before your eligibility period ends. Download Section 30 brochure

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for approved training if you:

• are permanently separated from your previous employer;
• are unlikely to obtain suitable employment based on your current skill level; and
• need training to become re-employed.
• as of 1/1/13 all new applicants must apply for Section 30 before his or her 15th compensable week.

Checklist for Students Using Section 30

Starting Out

You will need to download the Section 30 application from the web or pick them up at your local career center to apply for Section 30 assistance. You can obtain these forms from the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) website. Click on Section 30 Training Benefits → Forms → Section 30 Training Benefits Program Application.

Selecting Your Program and Courses

Two important points to remember:

• Select the training program that is best for you and that will help you find employment in your new occupation.
• Complete your application and submit it before your training begins and your eligibility period ends.

A list of eligible programs is available by going to web.detma.org/JobQuest/Training.aspx. If you have previous college experience, and could finish the degree or certificate you previously started, this may also qualify for Section 30. Other requirements are as follows:

• The program must be full time – at least 20 hours or more per week of supervised class hours for vocational/technical training or at least 12 credit hours per semester for a college program.
• The program must be intensive so that you are able to complete it within two years or less, including vacations, class breaks, internships/externships etc.
• The program must provide vocational/technical or basic skills training.
• The program must clearly identify the occupation for which you will be trained.

The Enrollment Process

Contact MWCC and ask to speak to someone about Section 30. You will be guided through the process of being accepted to the college, applying for financial aid, taking placement testing to place you in appropriate courses, and finally selecting courses. Staff will also help you to fill out the appropriate paperwork that you will need to file with DUA. Step 1:Apply

Complete the college application. Please note that the minimum requirement for acceptance to MWCC is a high school diploma or GED. If you don’t have a high school diploma or GED please contact a Section 30 advisor for other options.

Step 2: Attend a Welcome Session

Schedule a time to complete a new student welcome session. Gardner campus call 978-630-9284 or the Leominster campus 978-630-9810.

Step 3: Placement Testing

Schedule a placement testing appointment by calling (978) 630-9244 for Gardner campus or (978) 630-9810 for Leominster campus. All incoming students must have their skill levels assessed in English, reading, and mathematics (unless previous college coursework demonstrates skill levels).

Step 4: Working With An Advisor

When developing your education plan with an MWCC advisor, please remember that Section 30 requires that you complete your program within two years. You must attend full-time, defined as 20 hours per week or 12 credits per semester. Unemployment benefits may end before the completion of this program. Applicants are advised to speak with a DUA representative to find out about the length of their unemployment benefits.

Step 5: Submit Proof of Immunization

Massachusetts law requires that students present a physician’s certificate or school immunization records to be registered at an institution of higher learning (some exceptions may apply).

Step 6: Find Funding for your education

The Division of Unemployment Assistance does not have funds to help pay for your training. DUA’s approval of your training means only that DUA will waive the requirement that you look for work while you are collecting unemployment insurance, and that you may be eligible for up to a 26-week extension of your UI benefits while you are attending training. To help secure funding to help pay for your education, begin by filling out the FAFSA form www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you need any assistance in applying for financial aid, contact the financial aid office at (978) 630-9169. You should also check with your local career center to see if they have training funds available. Go to www.mass.gov/dua and click on “Find Career Center Services” to find a career center near you.

Step 7: Submitting Applications

Submit your forms at least three weeks prior to the start of training.

Once you receive approval, you may begin your program of study!

Section 30 benefits are subject to change without notice and MWCC is not responsible for changes to the program. To begin the enrollment process at MWCC contact Michelle Contey at (978) 630-9568 at the Gardner Campus or (978) 630-9812 at the Leominster Campus.