Program Description
WorkFirst is Washington State's welfare-to-work strategy. It is
based on the belief that everyone has abilities needed in today's workforce,
and those who can work should. Washington initiated the WorkFirst program in
August 1997 to help low-income families become self-sufficient by providing
training and support services necessary for parents to get a job, keep a job
and move up a career ladder.
Under WorkFirst, welfare
assistance in Washington State is no longer an entitlement. Cash assistance
is limited to a maximum of 60 months (five years) in a person's lifetime.
During that time, the person must be involved in the WorkFirst program and
working or actively looking for a job. However, benefits may be extended
beyond 5 years for parents who continue to abide by the rules and seek work.
Adults who are unable to participate will continue to receive
assistance.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a
resident of Washington, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19
years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident,
have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very
low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To read more about the Washington WorkFirst program, please
visit:
http://www.workfirst.wa.gov/
Or you can contact WorkFirst program representatives:
http://www.workfirst.wa.gov/feedback/default.asp
To reach your local Department of Social & Health Services
office, please see:
https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03esaapps/onlinecso/findservice.asp
Managing Agency
Washington
http://www.access.wa.gov
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