Dept. of Labor

Knowing your benefit options means knowing the basics about health care law so that you can protect yourself and your dependents. And it means finding out now about some common sense steps you can take to make sure you have the level of health care coverage you need at every stage of your life.

Many workers aren't aware of the laws that protect their health benefits. This Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration video provides information for workers about their health care rights. The video also has links to additional information to help workers take full advantage of their employer-sponsored benefits.

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability, which is supported by the Department of Labor, features information on its website that answers the question, “What is an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)?” Readers can learn when an ILP is used, what information it contains, and how students can use ILPs to map interests and goals as they relate to future education and employment opportunities.

This report from the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration describes the creation of the Indian and Native American Summer Youth Employment Initiative and how grantees used their Recovery Act funds to implement programs.

This tool from the CareerOneStop center provides opportunities for students to explore what their interests are, learn about potential careers, learn how to get job experience, and find educational opportunities to support career development.

A new report from the Department of Labor on seasonal changes in youth employment indicates that the number of employed youth, 16 to 24 years old, increased by 2.1 million to 19.7 million between April and July. The share of young people employed in July was 50.7% in 2013.