Working Papers/Permit FAQs

Who needs Working Papers/Worker’s Permit?

 

Any minor, (under 18), who is working in the State of CT. Students need to be 16 to work at most jobs. Here is information on DOL permitted working hours for minors: What are the Time & Hour Restrictions For 16 & 17 Year-Old Minors (By Industry)?

Permitted occupations for 14 and 15 year olds is very limited and can be found here: What are Permitted Occupations for 14 & 15 Year Olds? (ct.gov).

 

How can I  obtain Working Papers/Worker’s Permit?

 

Working papers/worker’s permits are issued by the Dean of Students during the school year and by the Guidance Office during school vacations.

 

What do I need to bring to school in order to obtain working papers?

 

A Promise of Employment is required per the DOL in order to issue working papers, and MUST include:

 

The physical (street) address where the minor will be working (unless included on the company letterhead).

• Hourly wage as a dollar amount at or above current minimum wage. 
• The specific job(s) or task(s) to be performed (no vague terms such as ‘cleaning’).
• Maximum number of hours per week (as a number) the minor could be asked to work.
• Name, contact information and signature of an authorized company official/manager.

If any information is missing from the POE, working papers will not be issued per the DOL.

How long does it take to obtain working papers?

 

Please hand in your POE as soon as you receive it. Once a complete POE is handed in to the Dean of Students, typically working papers can be issued within 24 hours.

 

What if I don’t have a job yet, but I am asked about obtaining working papers on a job application?

 

If you are a current student at Ellis Tech, or have recently graduated, you can answer yes to this question.