Navigating The Benefits System: A Team Approach Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence Vivian M. Larkin, PhD., CRC Tony White, MS., CWDP April 20, 2011 Core Advocacy Training

An Overview Wisconsin Works (W-2) Understanding how the system works Help the consumer identify what she/he wants from the system Create a strategy for working within the system Implement the strategy Assess her experience and plan the next move

AFDC (Ended in 1997) TANF EITCW-2 Emergency Assistance Wisconsin Shares Distribution of Programs

TANF Medicaid Badgercare TANF Funds Support Badgercare

W-2 Program Introduction Wisconsin’s W-2 Program, along with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, are part of the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

W-2 Program Introduction The mission of DCF is to promote the economic and social well-being of Wisconsin's children and families. The Department is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building communities.

W-2 Program Introduction The goal of Wisconsin Works (W-2) is to provide necessary and appropriate services to prepare individuals for work, and to obtain and maintain viable, self-sustaining employment, which will promote economic growth.

Fact Sheet, W-2 Eligibility Criteria (Handout)

W-2 Application Participant Flow Meet w/ Resource Specialist day of application or next day Applicant must meet with Financial & Employment Planner by day 5 W-2 eligibility will be determined (7days), if found eligible placement decision is made (WCADV Legal Manual & W-2. Frequently asked Questions)

W-2 Agency & Verification of Information W-2 will ask you to verify or prove certain information: Your identification Marital status Number of children Income Last job Level of Education

Create A Strategy For Working With The System Understand that W-2 is not an entitlement program Understand the FEP’s role Understand Sanctioning Policies Understand the impact of Sanctioning Policies

Good Cause Exemption for Missing Work Activities Per W-2 policy, some absences will be granted good cause. Examples include: Required court appearance Unavailable child care Lack of transportation Illness Domestic violence issue Death in family Observance of a religious holiday

Good Cause Exception In Wisconsin good cause is any of the following: A required court appearance that includes an appearance for a victim of domestic abuse. Child care was necessary for the W-2 applicant to participate or accept employment W-2 agency unable to provide or refer for alternate child care arrangements. (The individual must make a timely notice of good cause and may be required to supply written documentation. Agencies have discretion to determine what constitutes timely notice.)

Create A Strategy For Working With The System Self disclose domestic violence as an issue

Create A Strategy For Working With The System Create your own employability plan If you fail to create your own plan the FEP’s will do one for you.

Activities assigned based on individual assessment, employment goals, and W-2 program requirements Job Ready Trial Jobs Community service jobs (CSJ) Transition placements (W-2T) After Determination of Eligibility Placement

W-2 Employment Positions or Education Little or no work history, limited skills (community service job up to 30 hr a week work training; 10 educational activity, $673 monthly) or; The participant is needed in the home to care for family member who is severely incapacitated or ill, may be placed into a W-2 Transition (W-2T) position. Education activities

W-2 Employment Positions A custodial parent of an infant who is less than 12 weeks old may receive a Custodial Parent of an Infant (CMC) placement. A CMC payment is $673/month

Ask lots of questions! There are many other resources you may qualify for.

Emergency Assistance Job Access Loans (JAL) are short-term loans designed to meet expenses related to obtaining or maintaining employment. Loans range from $25 to $1,600 in a 12- month period & paid back in cash or combination of cash and community service work (not to exceed 75% of the loan).

Approved Loan Purposes may include: Energy Assistance Car loans and/or repairs Fees to obtain a driver’s license, including payments of fines except OWI violations Clothing/uniforms for work Rent or security deposits to prevent eviction Moving expenses related to obtaining or maintaining employment

Good Cause Exemption for Missing Work Activities Per W-2 policy, some absences will be granted good cause. Examples include: Required court appearance Unavailable child care Lack of transportation Illness Domestic violence issue Death in family Observance of a religious holiday

Fact Finding Review Quest Customers who believe that an agency decision regarding any component of W-2 or Job Access Loans is incorrect may request a Fact Finding Review by the W-2 agency. The request must be made within 45 days of the decision.

Questions?