Skip main navigation

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

10.3.3 Out-of-School Youth (OSY) Criteria1

Effective date: February 1, 2024 - TBD

Individuals are out-of-school youth (OSY) if, at the time of eligibility determination, they

  1. are not attending secondary or post-secondary school;
  2. are not younger than age 16 or older than 24;
  3. are eligible to work in the United States;2
  4. are registered for Selective Service (if applicable);3

    Note: Almost all male U.S. citizens and immigrants are required to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. If an individual turns 18 while participating in the Youth Program, he must register with Selective Service no later than 30 days after his 18th birthday. If he fails to register during that period, he may not continue to participate in the Youth Program. Males between the ages of 18 and 24 who have not registered with Selective Service can become eligible for the WIOA Youth Program by registering at www.sss.gov.4

    AND
  5. satisfy the requirements for at least one of the following nine eligibility barriers:
    1. school dropout
    2. within the compulsory age of secondary school attendance but not attending
    3. low-income individual with a secondary school diploma or equivalent who is basic skills deficient or an English Language Learner
    4. offender or ex-offender
    5. homeless or runaway
    6. foster care
    7. pregnant or parenting
    8. has a disability
    9. low-income and requires additional assistance

States and local WDBs may not add eligibility criteria, including, but not limited to, criteria related to county or state of residence.5

Any costs associated with providing WIOA Title I-B services to non-eligible individuals may be disallowed.6