Virginia Bonding Program
Every year, thousands of inmates are released from Virginia Prisons. One of the biggest challenges they face is re-entering the job market.
The national Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonds for “at-risk,” hard-to-place job seekers. Our state’s version is the Virginia Bonding Program for individuals with convictions. The bonds cover the first six months of employment at no cost to the job seeker or the employer.
Who Virginia Bonding Helps
Job Seekers
Use this program to find and keep a job if you have convictions.
Employers
Gain peace of mind in your hiring process at no cost to you.
Virginia Bonding for Job Seekers
Overview
The Virginia Bonding Program is our state’s version of the Federal Bonding Program. It is available to anyone living in Virginia – adult or juvenile of legal work age – with a previous conviction, even if you did not serve any time.
It provides any employer that offers you a full- or part-time job If you are self-employed, you are not eligible for the Federal Bonding Program or Virginia Bonding Program. business insurance for your first six months of employment, including temporary agencies. It is completely free for you and your employer.
Getting Started
Watch the Virginia Bonding Program Video for a detailed look at how the program works. Then follow the steps below to get started.
Request a Letter
Request a Program Eligibility Letter from any public service agency. This includes a Virginia Employment Center, Department of Social Services, Virginia Career Works Center, or your probation office.
Use Your Letter in Your Job Search
Once you have your letter, make electronic and several paper copies. You can use it in your job search in several ways as suggested:
- Attach them to your job application or resume
- If appropriate, share it during your interview
- Present it before a background check
The Program Eligibility Letter is only a job search tool. It does not indicate that you are bonded. To receive a bond, your employer will need to extend a job offer and contact the Virginia Bonding Program Office using the Bond Request Form below.
Ask Your Employer to Complete the Bond Process
When you receive a job offer and start date, your employer will need to contact the Virginia Bond Office by using the bond request form.
bond request formIf you have any questions, please contact the Virginia Bonding Program Coordinator by email at virginia.bondingprogram@vadoc.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 887-8262.
Virginia Bonding for Employers
The Federal Bonding Program provides businesses like yours the opportunity to support previously incarcerated job seekers while protecting your assets. The Virginia Bonding Program is our state’s version of this initiative.
If your business is growing and you are looking for eager and committed team members ready to work, the Virginia Bonding Program can help you meet your hiring goals while giving you peace of mind.
How it Works
The Virginia Bonding Program can issue a $5,000 fidelity bond which provides insurance coverage for the first six months of employment for job seekers with convictions.
This program is completely free for you and your employee and carries no deductible.
Bonds can:
- Apply to any job if an employer requests or requires it. Bonds cannot override federal law.
- Be used to help those with felonies and/or misdemeanors secure a job only.
- Cover employee theft such as larceny, forgery, and embezzlement. It does not cover injuries or poor workmanship.
- Apply to full- or part-time employees, including those hired by “temp agencies.” Bonds cannot cover self-employment.
- Cover workers who need bonding to secure a promotion with a current employer.
How to Participate
Contact the Virginia Bonding Program Coordinator to learn more about how to get started.
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Interview
When you interview prospective employees, you may ask to see a copy of their Program Eligibility letter. They may have attached it with their application or resume. If they do not have a letter, they are still eligible for the Virginia Bonding Program.
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Make an Offer and Request a Bond
Extend a job offer and set a start date. Next, request a bond by completing the simple and easy bond request form. The Virginia Bonding Coordinator will do the rest for you.
bond request formThe bond begins on the employee’s start date and expires six months from that date.
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Complete the Bond Process
The Virginia Bonding Coordinator will contact you within two business days during the timeframe that you selected. Please have your Request ID on hand which can be found in your email confirmation. The Virginia Bonding Coordinator will complete the bonding process for you. This process can take between 5-7 minutes.
Receive Your Documentation
First, you will receive a letter from the Virginia Bonding Program Coordinator to acknowledge that the bond was processed. Next, you will receive the bond insurance policy for your records. This will normally take about 15 business days for you to receive the documentation.
If you have any questions, please contact the Virginia Bonding Program Coordinator.
Extending or Increasing Bond Coverage
When an employee’s bond coverage expires after their first six months of employment, you have the following options:
- Contact the insurance company on your policy for a quote.
- Continue employing the individual without a bond.
If you would like to inquire or have questions about extending bond coverage, please contact us.