Remote Shoals, Alabama, Remote Worker Program
What is Remote Shoals, Alabama, Remote Worker Program?
The remote working lifestyle has been gaining popularity in recent years as companies and employees realize the potential that it brings in terms of freedom and productivity. While many remote workers decide to travel to exotic locations on other continents while moving every few months, not everyone is in a situation to do the same.
States and cities in the United States have realized the opportunity that remote workers represent in terms of growing their communities and improving the local economy while opening the doors to remote workers looking for a change in scenery.
Alabama is one of the states that have launched its own program to attract remote workers to the Shoals area, facilitating the transition by providing eligible participants with up to incentivize remote workers to move to the area by offering them a financial incentive to facilitate the transition.
If you are considering moving to a new location while working remotely for your current company but worried about the expenses and troubles of moving somewhere, you might find that the up to $10,000 offered by the program can help.
The program does not have any limitation in terms of your professional area, age (as long as you are over 18 years old), race, religion, family status, or any other aspect that will not result in you being unable to apply.
However, there are reports of applicants with tech-centric jobs having a higher chance to be selected.
The program incentive will vary depending on your hourly or annual wage and will be paid in different installments at the time of relocation, after 6 months, and at the end of the 12-month term, so this is something you should keep in mind as you will not receive the money upfront if selected.
The Remote Shoals program will not provide you with a job as you will be required to have one before applying and you must retain your employment status during the duration of the program.
So, now that you have an idea of what to expect of this remote work program, let’s talk about the requirements you must fulfill to qualify for it.
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Who can qualify?
Like any other remote work grant program, Shoals Remote requires you to fulfill certain conditions to qualify for it.
If you are a professional who is currently a full-time employee of a company that allows you to work remotely and is registered outside the shoals, you might be able to qualify for the program.
It is not possible for people living already in the Shoals area to apply for the program even if they moved up recently. As such, you will be required to provide proof of residency at the time of application.
Only natural persons and legal residents of the United States can apply for the program as no residence permits are provided with the grant.
You will also be required to be physically present in the Shoals for at least 75% of the program term, as well as picking up the program incentive payment in person in each of the 3 installments.
As previously mentioned, you should have a job and maintain your employment status for the term of the program, otherwise, you won’t be eligible to receive the incentive.
What are the incentives?
The incentive for remote workers relocating under the Shoals Remote program is limited to a financial incentive of up to $10,000 to be paid in 3 installments. Unlike other programs, the Shoals do not offer coworking events, special discounts, or any other incentives except for the grant.
It is also important to note that while other programs are limited to reimbursing your coworking space, moving service, and other expenses you incurred as a direct result of moving, this program doesn’t have such limitations.
As we previously mentioned, the total amount you will receive will be based on your entry-level wage, which goes as follows:
$6,000 $25.00/hr-$29.99/hr or $52,000/yr-$62,399/yr
$7,000 $30.00/hr-$39.99/hr or $62,400/yr-$83,199/yr
$8,000 $40.00/hr-$49.99/hr or $83,200/yr-$103,999/yr
$9,000 $50.00/hr-$59.99/hr or $104,000/yr-$124,799/yr
$10,000 $60.00+/hr or $124,800+/y
The total amount will be paid in full by the end of the program, with the installments going as follows:
25% upon relocation to the Lauderdale or Colbert counties (“The Shoals”).
25% after living and working remotely in the area for a period of 6 months.
50% upon living and working remotely in the area for 12 months.
This method of paying the program incentive ensures that participants fully comply with the conditions of the program, preventing fraud from taking place.
What are the requirements?
The requirements to apply to the program are simple and chances are you already fulfill them if you are considering moving to another location to work remotely. These requirements are:
Applying to the program using the application form on the official website. You can find it here.
Passing an interview with program officials.
Being at least 18 years old.
Being a natural person and legal resident of the United States residing outside the shoals. Proof of residency must be provided.
Being self-employed or a full-time employee for a company located outside the Shoals. Proof of employment must be provided.
Having a minimum yearly salary of $52,000 or $25.00 per hour.
Being able to relocate to the Shoals within 6 months.
If you fulfill these requirements and match the qualifying profile the program is looking for, make sure to apply as The shoals could be your next destination.
How long does it last?
The Remote Shoals program has a duration of 12 months in which you will have to physically be in the area for at least 75% of the time to be eligible for the financial incentive.
In the case of this program, you will not be able to re-apply once the 12-month period has expired and your financial incentive has been paid, if you were to decide to stay in the area for a longer period.
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How do I apply?
The application process for the Remote Shoals program is as simple and straightforward as it gets, with the application form being online just as the interview process with the program officials.
If you decide to apply, the process will be as follows:
Fill the application form you can find here.
Program officials will review the application forms and choose applicants who will be interviewed.
If you are selected, you will be notified by email or phone call.
Present yourself to the online interview at the time and date provided with program officials.
If the interview is successful, you will be required to provide proof of employment, income, and residency.
An individual assessment could be included in the selection process. This assessment will be conducted by a third party if necessary and might be optional.
If you are selected for the program, you will be required to relocate to the Shoals in 6 months.
You should keep in mind that only one application can be submitted by a person and that all information provided on it should be truthful and accurate for you to be eligible.
Now that you know everything there is to know about the Remote Shoals remote working program, you are ready to decide if the Shoals is the right option for you!
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Author
Nadia Dardón is a freelance writer from Guatemala. In early 2022 she embarked as a digital nomad, traveling through Europe, focusing mostly on the literary history of each country. She has worked fully remotely for the past four years as a reader, writer, and content creator with experience creating pieces for different industries. She also has a personal blog where she writes about her cultural and literary travels.