Tax Free Money For Georgia Vets

By
Valarie Edwards
for At Work.

During job training, a newly hired veteran employee, if eligible, can receive up to $13,212 tax-free supplemental income from his GI Bill during a two-year, experience-based training program.

National Guardsmen and reservists may also be eligible if they are currently under a six-year contract or qualify for the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) by having been called to active duty for at least 90 consecutive days since September 11, 2001.

Also eligible to apply for OJT/Apprenticeship benefits are the spouse and dependents of a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating.

There are no direct payments to the employer. Payments are made directly to the veteran and are intended to serve as a salary supplement during the training period.

To use GI Bill benefits while enrolled in an on-the-job-training (OJT) or apprenticeship program (APP), a veteran must work 30 hours or more, full time employment, during the workweek and the employer must agree to establish the program. Approved training programs are evaluated annually by SAA representatives to determine their initial and continued compliance with the federal regulations.

For additional information about OJT/Apprenticeship programs in Georgia, veterans or employers can contact Jung at 404-656-2306 or e-mail him at saaga@mindspring.com.

For more information about the OJT/Apprenticeship programs and other state benefits provided to Georgia veterans visit the SDVS website at www.sdvs.georgia.gov.

Listen to At Work Friday at 3pm on your local Georgia Public Broadcasting Radio Station or online at www.gpb.org


Picture courtesy of http://www.tqnyc.org

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program

By Valarie Edwards for GPB News.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that workers in two Georgia counties – Baker and Early -- have until Friday, July 24, 2009, to file initial claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits to compensate for loss of income, directly resulting from severe storms and tornadoes, which struck the area on March 26, 2009.

Federal DUA differs from the state’s regular unemployment insurance program in that it provides benefits to self-employed business people, farmers, diversified farming operations, loggers, commission paid employees and others who are not eligible for Georgia’s regular unemployment insurance benefits. The maximum weekly benefits amount is $330.

Potentially eligible workers should contact the nearest Georgia Department of Labor office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Workers may call the Georgia Department of Labor’s toll-free customer service line at (877) 709-8185 to obtain career center information

At Work for Friday July 17, 2009: Social Networking

Picture courtesy of Allantyoung.com

These days its all about social networking, but does Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn leave you feeling all alone in the universe? On the next At Work, plugging in to stay connected to the ever expanding world of the internet. Tune in to At Work this Friday at 3pm here on GPB.

Should I Stay, Or Should I Go?

Everyone needs a break, but can you afford to get away? On the next At Work: Vacation or Staycation? Can a temporary get away lead to a permanent lay off? How to pry yourself away from the workplace. We'll take your calls and answer your questions. Join us this Friday at 3 for At Work here on GPB....

Click here for tips on how to truly "get away" with a "staycation"

Schedule start and end dates. Just as you would with a vacation, schedule a beginning and ending for your staycation to make it feel like an official vacation. Otherwise, it runs the risk of feeling like just another string of nights in front of the tube.

Pack that time with activities. Plan a daily activity, and make sure something takes you out of the house — for fun — every day.

Declare a "choratorium." That means no chores! Don't make the bed, vacuum, clean out the closets, pull weeds — nothing. You're on vacation!

Take staycation photos or videos, just as you would if you went away from home for your vacation.

Office Politics

There's one in every office - the plotter, the schemer, the master manipulator... Coming up on the next At Work - Politics in the Workplace. Protecting your career from sabotage and navigating the political mine field. We'll show you how to strategize in the workplace. Tune in this Friday at 3, we'll be taking your calls and answering your workplace questions. That's At Work this Friday at 3 on GPB...

Stress in the Workplace

Losing your job can be devastating. Holding on to a job in today’s uncertain economy can be downright painstaking. On the next At Work on GPB... “Stress in the Workplace.” Coping with increased tension in a constantly shifting work environment…

To tide you over until the show, check out this helpful link for advice on managing stress in the workplace.

We take your calls and answer your questions. Plus, a live web chat to follow the show. Join us for At Work this Friday at 3, right here on GPB.

Diversity is Here to STAY

Celebrating Diversity in the workplace, makes employees feel appreciate for their uniqueness, but acknowledging similarities fosters a more cohesive workplace, forging common bonds amongst colleagues. Most of these connections come from interpersonal interaction. In order to strengthen those bonds, Susan Heathfield suggests:

Take a look at your coworkers or reporting staff with new eyes. Think about the factors that you share in common with them. You'll find:

• You're all human beings with complex emotions, needs, interests, outlooks, viewpoints and dreams. Share something about yourself to create an environment in which your coworker wants to share information with you. Listen and don't pry. Polite and continuing interest in your coworkers contributes to workplace harmony.



• You have family and other interests outside of work. Hear what your coworkers tell you about their personal lives. Remember the highlights to demonstrate respect and interest.



• You have similar needs from work as demonstrated above in The Human Capital Edge. Acknowledge this and note the commonalities.

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For more on diversity in the workplace, join us Friday at 3PM for At Work, only on GPB.