Examples of Telework
The Michigan TeleWork Loan Fund (MTLF) enables people with disabilities to purchase the computer technology and equipment that they need to work from home for an employer or establish their own home-based businesses. In addition, employers may obtain loans to purchase such equipment on behalf of employees with disabilities who work from home.Click here for ways people can use the Michigan Telework Loan Fund to help them work from home.
Who is eligible to apply for a TeleWork loan?
Any Michigan resident with a disability who, because of the loan, will either:
- increase income through telework, or
- initiate telework to avoid losing income through a loss of, or reduction in, employment or self-employment.
What can I buy with my loan?
You can buy equipment!
Equipment is defined as any tangible, nonexpendable, personal property that is reasonably related to performing telework that helps reduce or eliminate a barrier to employment.
Equipment may include, but is not limited to:
- Mechanical or electronic devices or apparatus
- Software or telecommunication systems necessary to perform telework, including installation charges (e.g. telephone, DSL, high speed and internet hookup fees) as well as the cost of training needed to use the equipment properly, maintenance agreements and extended warranties for the equipment
- Supplies or inventory related to operating the equipment to telework, and maintenance and repair expenses for the equipment.
- Home modifications that are directly related to the customer’s ability to telework.
The equipment purchased with the loan must enable the person with the disability to do one of the following:
- Begin teleworking for an employer when the individual was previously unemployed;
- Increase income by increasing work hours and/or hourly wages in an existing job through telework.
- Increase income by teleworking in addition to an existing job.
- Remain employed at his/her current level, and prevent job loss or a reduction in earnings, through teleworking; or
- Initiate or expand self-employment from home or a telework center.
You will be asked to provide a promise of telework from an employer or submit a business plan, which has been reviewed by a qualified self-employment organization.
What is telework?
Paid employment or self-employment that is regularly performed at the worker’s home or a telework center.
Telework does not include employment based at the employer’s office or place of business, but which involves trips to other locations (e.g., deliveries or visits to customers), unless the worker also regularly performs significant work at a remote site such as his/her home or a telework center.
Paid self-employment if (a) the person with a disability is at least part owner of the business, (b) the person with a disability performs substantial work for the business and (c) at least a portion of the work performed by the person with a disability is conducted at his/her home or at remote site(s) other than the businesses’ office or primary place of business.
What is a Barrier to Employment?
A situation or circumstance that makes it difficult for a person with a disability to:
- Engage in, retain or increase employment or self-employment, or
- Achieve personal employment or self-employment goals including (but are not limited to) changing jobs, careers or businesses.
- Unavailable, inadequate, inaccessible or unaffordable transportation
- Work environments that are inaccessible due to physical barriers, lack of assistive technology or other reasons
- Physical or emotional factors related to the individual’s disability including, but not limited to:
- Fatigue
- Need for frequent or unscheduled breaks (e.g. to recover from seizures)
- Chronic pain
- Need for frequent habilitative, medical, or therapeutic services
- Difficulty interacting with, or working for, others due to a disability
- Difficulty traveling or leaving the home due to a disability
- Need for flexible or irregular work schedule for disability-related reasons
- Employment discrimination resulting in inappropriate termination of employment or inability to secure a conventional job
- Other disability-related circumstances that impede work
How much can I borrow?
There is no minimum amount. At this time the maximum is $20,000. Your ability to repay the amount requested will determine the approval of you loan.
What makes this Loan Fund special? Why not go to my regular bank?
This is a lower-interest option than the unsecured loans or credit card purchases that people frequently resort to.
What is the interest rate on these loans?
Currently the interest rates are between 4.5 and 6.25%. These rates are dependent on how many months the loan is issued for. A 12 month loan term is 4.5% and a five year loan term is 6.25%. These rates are subject to change so please contact UCP Michigan for current loan rates. Once your loan is granted, the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.
How much time will I have to pay off the loan?
Repayment terms are based on the expected useful life of the equipment. The maximum loan term is five years.
Michigan Loan Funds
c/o United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan
4970 Northwind Dr, Suite 102
East Lansing, MI 48823
Toll-free phone: 1.800.828.2714
Phone: 517.203.1200
Fax: 517.203.1203
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