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Navigating The Benefits System: A Team Approach

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

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Navigating The Benefits System: A Team Approach

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

  2. An OverviewWisconsin 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

  3. Distribution of Programs

  4. TANF Funds Support Badgercare

  5. 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).

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Fact Sheet, W-2 Eligibility Criteria(Handout)

  9. 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) http://www.wcadv.org/index.cfm?go=/legalmanual/LMChV-D

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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.)

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

  15. 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.

  16. After Determination of Eligibility Placement

  17. 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

  18. 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

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

  20. 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).

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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.

  24. Questions?

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