WORK FIRST/TANF

INFORMATION SESSION Rev 10-1-09

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IMPORTANT NOTICE! If you are not prepared to stay through this entire process

today, you may choose to leave at this time and return by 9:00 a.m.or 1:00 p. m. on a day that you are prepared to complete the session. You will need to notify the receptionist as you leave. If you are unable to attend a session in full because of your employment schedule please notify us immediately. If you choose not to stay for this session but would like to apply for Medicaid and/or Food Stamps only please notify us at this time.

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Work First Mission StatementNorth Carolina’s Work First Program is built upon the belief that all people have a responsibility to their families and community to work and to provide for their children. The goal of Work First is to assist families with becoming self sufficient through services offered fromthe Employment Security Commission (ESC), Child Support Enforcement (CSE), Supportive Services and if needed, Work First Family Assistance (WFFA).

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IMPORTANT NOTE

The terms “Work First” “WFFA” “TANF” are interchangeable and may be used together or separately during this presentation. All referencesare to the monthly cash money payment. The WorkFirst Family Assistance payment is only availableto families with dependent children living in their home.

MAXIMUM WORK FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT

Family Size

1 2 3 4 5

MonthlyTANF

Check (based on zero income)

181 236 272 297 324

Additional children born subject to family cap requirement will not result in an increase of monthly benefits.

.

Work First Requirements

Work First requires you (adults 18 years or older) to participate in a minimum of 30 hours weekly in employment, training, or unpaid work experience. We are here to assist you with getting paid employment. You will be assessed as to your immediate needs. If your needs can be met through child support or immediate employment then Work First Family Assistance may not be needed and you may choose not to apply. Other services are available to assist those that are going to begin work immediately.

Employment Security Commission The Employment Security Commission office is located

at 414 Ray Avenue (just off Rowan Street) in Fayetteville. The phone # is (910) 486-1010.

Job Bank-is the ESC data bank that lists employment opportunities.

If you are a DSS client and potentially eligible to receive Unemployment Benefits you must file a claim for benefits. If you have questions or concerns, see an ESC representative or your worker.

Employment Security website: http://www.ncesc.com

EMPLOYMENT COORDINATORS

PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT REFERRALS AND LEADS

GIVE JOB SEARCH TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

ASSIST WITH LOCATING SKILLS TRAINING CLASSES

Retention Social WorkersRetention social workers can provide services to

individuals who are ….

working

not currently receiving a Work First check.

These social workers may be able to assist when a crisis or problem occurs on the job or at home that could lead to the loss of the job. They are able to provide many services for up to 12 months after the family’s TANF check stops.

Please notify us at this time if you fit into this category and wish to meet with the Retention Social Worker instead of applying for Work First.

Child Support Enforcement

Child Support Enforcement is a nationwide program established by Congress in 1975 to ensure that both parents support their children to the extent of their ability.

Child Support Requirements

Individuals receiving TANF/Work First are automatically referred to the local Child Support Enforcement office and must cooperate as acondition of their eligibility to receive Work First benefits. All child support payments made for children receiving Work First benefits willbe reassigned to the Dept. of Human Resources to offset the TANF monies received for the child.

Child Support Services include….

Assistance in locating absent parent(s) Paternity establishment for children born

out of wedlock Establishment of legal child support

obligations (L.S.O.) Enforcement of child support obligations Collection of child support payments

Child Support Information

More information and applications for Child Support Services can be obtained by contacting the local Child Support Enforcement Office at 803-J Stamper Road (Eutaw Shopping Center) - phone 486-1092 or visiting child support services on line at http://www.ncchildsupport.com

The Customer Service Center Voice Response System is available 24 hours per day with the exception of Sunday. The phone number is 1-800-992-9457.

Substance/Alcohol Abuse Screening Requirement

If you choose to apply for TANF/WFFA cash assistanceyou are required to be screened for substance/alcohol abuse. A caseworker will conduct this thorough screening with you personally and complete an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT).

The caseworker will also complete the Drug AbuseQuestionnaire (DAST-10) with you. WFFA policyrequires completion of both the AUDIT and the DAST-10if you receive Work First cash assistance benefits.

WFFA CHILD-ONLY BENEFITS

Are available to SSI parent(s), grandparents and other relatives who areresponsible for the care of a child(ren)living in their home. If you fit into thiscategory please notify us at this time.

WFFA IS A TIME-LIMITED BENEFIT

There are 2 clocks that run concurrently* a 24-month state clock * a 60-month federal clock

The 2-year state clock will terminate Work First benefitsafter 24 months and you can not receive again for 3 years unless a special extension is granted.

The 5- year federal clock limits receiving WFFA for a maximum lifetime benefit of 60 months unless a hardship hearing results in approval of extended months. (All months used of the 60 month clock are transferred and tracked from state to state).

Due to these time limits, you may choose not to apply for WFFAbenefits at this time but instead apply for other supportive services and programs that are not time limited.

Other Available ServicesSocial Services website:

http://www.dss.co.cumberland.nc.us There are some options available to help meet your needsand that will not start the 2 or 5 year time limit clocks. Options include:1) Food Stamps2) Medicaid3) Employment related needs4) Referrals on budgeting, parenting skills and other needs5) Child care services located on the 2nd floor-desk # 216) Other supportive services based on your individual family

needsHandouts are available of agency and community resources

If you are interested in these other services and do not wish to applyfor Work First/TANF at this time please notify the receptionist.

Should you choose to apply for Work First/TANF

We will immediately initiate the Child Support referral and your full cooperation is required.

You will be required to sign a Mutual Responsibility Agreement.

Mutual Responsibility Agreement

A Mutual Responsibility Agreement is an agreement between youand the Department of Social Services representative. This will be your plan for self-sufficiency. This agreement will detail expectationsof activities that you will be performing and note any supportiveservices provided. Based on your assessment, your MutualResponsibility Agreement Plan of Action may include 30 hours of

weekly activity.You may begin job searching and/or be referred to our Employment Coordinators or to the Employment Security Commission for job leads and referrals.

Mutual Responsibility Agreement -Core Requirement Examples

__Contact my worker if a change occurs in my situation within ten (10) days of knowing of the change

__Keep all scheduled appointments with my Work First worker

__Cooperate with Child Support Enforcement __Insure children get their immunizations and have regular

health checkups __Insure school-aged children attend school __Keep all appointments with DSS workers

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENTPLAN OF ACTION REQUIREMENTS

Participant’s Name:_______________ Case Number:_____________________North Carolina’s Work First Program is based on the philosophy that all people have the responsibility to their families and community to work and provide for their children. The family and Social Services develop this Mutual Responsibility Agreement, Plan of Action. It outlines the steps to become self-sufficient. It will be reviewed and may be changed as needed.

Employment Goals:_________________________________________________Other Goals:_______________________________________________________# of months remaining on 24-month time clock:_____60 month time clock:_____Plan of Action: (Describe client and agency responsibility)

Activity/ HRS/ Expectations Service WK

Comments:_________________________________________________________Our signatures indicate that we have jointly developed this Plan of Action and agree to the responsibilities and conditions outlined. The policy regarding time-limited benefits, sanctions

hearings, and extensions have been explained. Work First Participant’s Signature:_______Date______Telephone___________Work First Worker’s Signature: __________Date______Telephone___________

Work First Benefits Effective October 1, 2009 North Carolina began Work First Benefits

for all Work First cases that include an adult parent and/or step-parent. All applicants and recipients are required to comply with their Mutual

Responsibility Agreement–Core Requirements before receiving a Work First check for that month. Those who are required to participate in Employment Services must also be in compliance with their Mutual Responsibility Agreement Plan of Action for the month before receiving a Work First check for that month.

Work First Caseworkers and Employment Social Workers will meet with participants to sign the MRA’s and will decide if a check can be released each month. Failure to meet the requirements for the check will cause your Work First case to transfer to Medicaid. It is very important to stay in contact with your workers and

report any changes or problems immediately.

Should you choose to apply for Work First/TANF

The caseworker processing the application will need the following information verified:

1) all sources of income2) birth certificates and social security cards3) verification of where you live and the names

of all who are living in the household4) other applicable information

The 30 hours of weekly participation required may be in one or more of the following areas:

* employment * training * unpaid work experience Failure to participate may result in denial of the Work First/TANF application, non-issuance of the monthly TANF check, or termination of the Work First case.

Most adults receiving Work First are required to participate in the Employment Program

Before leaving this Information Session today

If you are still interested in applying for Work First Family Assistance…

– Complete the personal information form– Turn the information form in to the facilitator – Receive an appointment time to meet with a

Case Worker

This is your opportunity to reach for the stars!!!You can do it!!!