NEW YORK – Young people still have the opportunity to look for a summer job in New York and the State Department of Labor reminds them that for this they need to obtain certain documents depending on their age.
For this reason, we share with you detailed information on what you would need to work in New York if you are a minor.
What type of certificate would I need?
If you are between 14 and 17 years old You will need an employment certificate, also called work papers, in order to have a job in New York State.
This rule covers:
- High school graduates.
- Minors working for their parents.
- Minors who perform industrial tasks.
The working papers are divided into two age groups (14-15 and 16-17):
- 14-15 years: The working papers are blue. If you are 14 and 15 years old, these work documents are issued to you because you are not allowed to work in a factory.
- 16-17 years (at school): His work papers are green. The difference between 14-15 year old working papers and 16-17 year old working papers is that you are allowed to work in a factory. You may not work near certain machines, do construction work, assist in a motor vehicle, clean, oil, clean, or adjust machinery belts.
- 16-17 years old (out of school): Your work documents are peach-colored. If you are between the ages of 16 and 17 and are not in school or leaving school to work full time, you will need these working documents. You are allowed to work in a factory, you cannot work near certain machines, perform construction work, assist in a motor vehicle, or clean, oil, clean, or adjust the belts on machinery.
Types of working papers
- Non-Industrial Student Employment Certificate – AT-18 (Blue Book)
- Issued to 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to work in permitted occupations during vacations or after school hours.
- Not valid for work:
- In factory or construction workshops.
- Involve the use of machinery or prohibited chemical processes.
- As a helper in a motor vehicle.
- Cleaning, oiling, cleaning or adjusting machinery belts.
- General Student Employment Certificate – AT-19 (Green Book)
- Issued to 16- and 17-year-olds who attend school and plan to work during vacations or after school hours.
- Valid to work in a factory and another trade, business or service.
- Not valid for dangerous jobs such as:
- Operate certain machines.
- Do construction work.
- Assist in a motor vehicle.
- Cleaning, oiling, cleaning or adjusting machinery belts.
- Full-Time Employment Certificate – AT-20 (Peach Paper)
- Issued to 16 and 17 year olds who are out of school or leaving school to work full time.
- Valid for factory or other type of work.
- Not valid for dangerous jobs such as:
- Operate certain machines.
- Do construction work.
- Assist in a motor vehicle.
- Cleaning, oiling, cleaning or adjusting machinery belts
Special Occupancy Permits
- Agricultural Work Permit
- Not valid for work in or in connection with a factory or cannery.
- Each employer must sign the permit. The youth must carry the permit while he works.
- For 12 and 13 year olds: AT-25 (white book)
- It allows to work in the manual harvesting of berries, fruits and vegetables.
- You must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or give your written consent to the employer.
- For young people between 14 and 15 years old: AT-24 (yellow paper).
- It allows you to work before and after school, on weekends and during vacations.
- Newspaper Delivery Permits – AT-23
- For youth ages 11-18 who deliver or sell and deliver to homes or places of business:
- newspapers
- purchase papers or
- Newspapers.
- The minor must carry the permit while working
- For youth ages 11-18 who deliver or sell and deliver to homes or places of business:
- Street Trade Permits – AT-26 (Peach Paper)
- For self-employed young people between the ages of 14 and 18 who sell newspapers or magazines
What do you need
You must have had a medical exam within the last 12 months indicating that you are physically fit. A physical given at a sports school will count toward your physical. If you’re not sure where to get a physical, ask your counseling office or call your doctor.
You will also need an ID that is official or can provide proof of age, such as your birth certificate, a state-issued photo ID, driver’s license, or passport. Here is information on how to get important documents if you don’t have them:
- If you have lost your social security card, you can replace it here.
- If you don’t have a license but need a photo ID, you can get a photo ID card Non-Drive of the state of New York here.
- Birth certificate applications for New York residents (outside NYC). Here.
- Birth Certificate Applications for New York City Residents. Here.
How can I get my work papers
School officials issue all work papers except child performer permits.
- If you are in school, go to your guidance office and ask for an application for work papers. If you are not in school, go to the school closest to where you live because they are required to give you the application.
- In the city of Buffalo, charter and private school students must apply at City Hall, 65 Niagara Square. You can call 716-816-3593.
- In New York City, all in-school and out-of-school youth must apply at a local public high school office. If you don’t know which high school to go to, you can get instructions on where to apply from the New York City Department of Education District Family Advocates here or call 718-935-2000.
- During school vacation periods, these offices remain open part-time for the issuance of work papers.
- Complete the application and have your parent or guardian sign the application.
- When you have completed the Work Papers Application and your parent or guardian has signed it, you must return it to the school guidance office.
If you have dropped out of school, to obtain a full-time work certificate, the parent or guardian must come with you to give consent in person at the issuing office.
If you are 16 years old, dropped out of school, and live in New York City or Buffalo, you must also have an employer who wants to hire you and will sign a commitment to employment on your application form.
Your employer must keep Non-Factory Student, General Student, Full-Time, and Limited Employment Certificates on file where you work, as long as you keep the job.
You must keep your Farm Work Permits, Model Permits, Newsboy Permits, and Street Trading Permits in your possession at all times.
Where can I find more information
PFor more information go here.
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