Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund

Overview

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. The ERAF's purpose is to encourage employment of people with disabilities by reducing any perceived or real financial barriers.

In addition to processing reimbursements, the ERAF Coordinator is available for technical assistance (TA) and consultation at no cost to employers. TA is available for the following activities:

• Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act as it pertains to hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities and implementing reasonable accommodations;
• Consulting on how to locate, purchase, and implement reasonable accommodations that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities;
• Connecting employers to disability-related trainings and resources, including DEED-specific programs and initiatives; and
• Answering any questions about the ERAF.

Originally launched as a two-year pilot program running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, ERAF was appropriated $4,000,000. While the initial pilot period concludes on June 30, 2025, the program will continue to operate beyond that date until all remaining funds are expended.

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