The Kentucky Career Center is now offering a $5,000 six-month fidelity bond at no cost to employers or job seekers through a U.S. Department of Labor program. The program encourages hiring of hard-to-place applicants in eight categories. The Federal Bonding Program allows employers to ensure their business against theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement if they hire at-risk job seekers who cannot get private coverage. The bond covers the first six months of employment and has no deductible, so there is no out-of-pocket expense for businesses that participate. People eligible for the program include individuals with criminal records or in recovery from substance use disorders, public assistance recipients, individuals with poor credit records, those with unstable work histories; dishonorably discharged from the military, and anyone employed who needs bonding to prevent termination, or secure a transfer or promotion.