Transcript TANF INFORMATION SESSION

WORK FIRST/TANF
INFORMATION SESSION
Rev 10-1-09
pg.1
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
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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.
pg. 2
Work First Mission Statement
North 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 from
the Employment Security Commission (ESC), Child Support
Enforcement (CSE), Supportive Services and if needed, Work First
Family Assistance (WFFA).
pg. 3
IMPORTANT NOTE
The terms “Work First”
“WFFA”
“TANF”
are interchangeable and may be used together or
separately during this presentation. All references
are to the monthly cash money payment. The Work
First Family Assistance payment is only available
to families with dependent children living in their
home.
MAXIMUM WORK FIRST
MONTHLY PAYMENT
Family
Size
1
2
3
4
5
Monthly
TANF
181
236
272
297
324
Check
(based on
zero income)
Additional children born subject to family cap requirement will not
result in an increase of monthly benefits.
.
Work First Requirements
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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
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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
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Retention Social Workers
Retention social workers can provide services to
individuals who are ….
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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 a
condition of their eligibility to receive Work First
benefits. All child support payments made for
children receiving Work First benefits will
be 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
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Child Support Information
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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 assistance
you 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 Abuse
Questionnaire (DAST-10) with you. WFFA policy
requires completion of both the AUDIT and the DAST-10
if you receive Work First cash assistance benefits.
WFFA CHILD-ONLY BENEFITS
Are available to SSI parent(s),
grandparents and other relatives who are
responsible for the care of a child(ren)
living in their home. If you fit into this
category 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 benefits
after 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 WFFA
benefits at this time but instead apply for other supportive services
and programs that are not time limited.
Other Available Services
Social Services website:
http://www.dss.co.cumberland.nc.us
There are some options available to help meet your needs
and that will not start the 2 or 5 year time limit clocks.
Options include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Food Stamps
Medicaid
Employment related needs
Referrals on budgeting, parenting skills and other needs
Child care services located on the 2nd floor-desk # 21
Other supportive services based on your individual family needs
Handouts are available of agency and community resources
If you are interested in these other services and do not wish to apply
for Work First/TANF at this time please notify the receptionist.
Should you choose to apply for
Work First/TANF
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We will immediately initiate the Child
Support referral and your full
cooperation is required.
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You will be required to sign a Mutual
Responsibility Agreement.
Mutual Responsibility Agreement
A Mutual Responsibility Agreement is an agreement between you
and the Department of Social Services representative. This will be
your plan for self-sufficiency. This agreement will detail expectations
of activities that you will be performing and note any supportive
services provided. Based on your assessment, your Mutual
Responsibility 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
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__Contact my worker if a change occurs in my situation
within ten (10) days of knowing of the change
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__Keep all scheduled appointments with my Work First
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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 AGREEMENT
PLAN 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/
Service
HRS/
WK
Expectations
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
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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)
2)
3)
4)
all sources of income
birth certificates and social security cards
verification of where you live and the names
of all who are living in the household
other applicable information
Most adults receiving Work First are required to
participate in the Employment Program
The 30 hours of weekly participation required
may be in one or more of the following areas:
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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.
Before leaving this
Information Session today
If you are still interested in applying for
Work First Family Assistance…
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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!!!