Bonding Insurance for Felons

Getting a job with a felony, while not at all easy, is not impossible.

It just seems that way.

Felons are allowed to work in a variety of capacities.

Many of the employment opportunities are what may be considered entry-level types of jobs.

Some felons may seek work in sensitive positions requiring dealing with money or other business assets.

This blog post will cover bonding insurance for felons.

• What Is Bonding Insurance?
• Being Turned Down for Bonding
• Federal Bonding Program
• Making a Case for Themselves
• Supporting a Felon in Wanting to Find Employment

What Is Bonding Insurance?

Employers who want to safeguard against theft, fraud or other losses by employees can obtain bonding insurance from an insurance company.

A risk management bond protects an employer against loss of finances from employees that have access to cash, checks, and securities.

This bond provides financial resources for a business in the event of a loss.

A fidelity bond insures fidelity between the employer and employee.

This bond will pay for any dishonesty on the part of employees.

Bonding is often established for employees in sensitive positions handling cash or valuables or when working in others’ homes.

Bonding also applies to employees in the accounting department or officers of a company.

Bonding may also be implemented for any employee considered to be high-risk.

This includes those with felonies, addiction problems, welfare, poor credit, or a dishonorable discharge from the military.

For those companies that have bonding insurance, when an applicant seeks a job, they will undergo a background check by the bonding company.

The check will be for criminal history and to verify references to establish the honesty of the applicant.

Being Turned Down for Bonding

For felons, this check will turn up that they have a felony conviction, which typically results in their not being hired.

The minimum requirement is a background check of criminal and driving records.

Major felonies can disqualify applicants.  A credit check may also be conducted.

For felons who are applying for a position requiring bonding, they can improve their chances by complying with any requirements that have been set out and being prepared to explain any questionable areas.

Felons can prepare a response regarding the circumstances of their crime and their efforts at rehabilitation.

While there are employers who will hire felons, many have concerns that result in not hiring felons.

There may be various reasons for this, but for a lot of employers, the belief is that once a criminal always a criminal. 

They may believe that hiring felons will place their business at risk for theft, fraud, or other dishonesty.

As a result, many felons cannot be bonded.

A bond is an insurance policy that many employers carry to protect them against monetary or property loss due to employee dishonesty.

Most insurance companies will not bond anyone with a criminal history, including arrest, conviction, or incarceration.

Felons are typically considered to be high-risk employees.

Federal Bonding Program

An alternative bonding source for felons is the Federal Bonding Program, established through the Department of Labor.

The Federal Bonding Program was created to help high-risk job applicants who are qualified for a job but whose background, especially a felony, get another chance for employment.

The bonds offered through this program are free for applicants and employers in any state.

Any employee, either full or part-time, can be covered this way for a six-month period.

For felons who acquire coverage through the Federal Bonding Program, they can qualify for traditional bonding for life by demonstrating honesty on the job for the six months provided by the Federal Bonding Program.

The Federal Bonding Program is highly successful and has shown that it helps reduce a return to prison for those who are enrolled in it.

Making Their Case for Employment

Felons must take their situation seriously and have a goal of finding a job.

No, it won’t be easy to get hired.

But there is an opportunity available to those who want it, and the Federal Bonding Program provides that chance.

Doing the things that it will take to reach that goal and get that job will be challenging, but what hasn’t been since leaving prison?

Felons need to be willing to do what it takes.

Seeking expungement or sealing of their records can pay big dividends.

They can go through a re-entry program or get further education and training to get the knowledge and skills they need.

The Guide to Getting Employed is available to those who want that goal.

There are stories of success and tips for presenting themselves in a favorable light.

When it comes to their employment record, having a quality resume is essential.

Supporting a Felon Wanting to Find Employment

For families of felons wanting to find a job, take the time to help your loved one in their efforts to get further education or training.

Support them in returning to society and finding a way to succeed and make a difference.

An earlier blog post showed felons make good employees.

Encourage them to be honest as they seek work and bonding insurance.

Businesses need quality employees.

There is no reason why felons can’t be that quality employees.

Be there for your loved one as they work to be one of those who don’t return to prison within two years.

What do you think about this blog post?

Are you or someone you know been in the situation of trying to get a job through bonding insurance with a felony?

What was that like for them, and how did they achieve success?

Please tell us in the comments below.