How Are Fidelity Bonds Obtained?

An employer or job seeker may request a fidelity bond by contacting the local Michigan Works! service center at 1-800-285-WORKS. Any Michigan Works! service center may deliver assistance under the Fidelity Bonding Program.

Once a job seeker receives a bona fide offer of employment, the employer must write an offer of employment letter. The letter must be on the organization's letterhead and include the following information:

1. The name, address, city, state, and zip code of the job seeker
2. The date of the employment offer
3.  The actual starting date that the job seeker will begin work (fidelity bonds can be issued and become effective once the offer of employment letter and the Fidelity Bond Certification Form (DLEG–ESA 100–150) have been approved by the MWA Bonding Coordinator)
4. Job title, rate of pay, and the conditions of work, i.e., the job duties and responsibilities
5. A statement that the employment is conditional upon the worker receiving a fidelity bond (This statement must appear exactly in the letter)
6. A statement mentioning that employment is full-time {Full-time means employment that is six (6) months or longer in duration and at least thirty (30) hours or more per week continuously}
7. The amount of bond coverage needed: $5,000; $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 or $25,000

   If the bond coverage exceeds $5,000, the employer must include a statement in the offer of employment letter to justify the need for a higher bond (multiples of $5,000); This statement is required

8. The end of the letter must have the original signature of the person who has the authority to hire the job seeker. Typed beneath the signature is the name and position of the hiring authority, for example, Owner, President, CEO, Hiring Manager, etc.

The job seeker’s offer of employment letter must be delivered to a Michigan Works! Agency. An Employment Service provider will complete the fidelity bond certification form based on the information provided in the employer’s letter. After the bonding application has been approved, the bond will become effective on the employee’s first day of employment. The employer will receive a confirmation letter from The McLaughlin Company in 3-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions