WorkFirst HandBook

Supports

2.2 Support Services

The Support Services section includes:

2.2.1 What are Support Services?

Support services are goods and services purchased to help parents become independent. We offer support services when there is no other way to meet a family's essential needs – so be creative while using sound judgment to determine what is reasonable. For example, a person starting work may need work clothes. We can use support services to increase a parent's existing wardrobe so the parent can show up for work in suitable clothing.

We offer temporary and targeted supports a parent needs to work, look for work, prepare for work, or to participate in required WorkFirst activities. Support services are available, as needed, throughout a person's stay on WorkFirst cash assistance and, to meet temporary emergencies for up to 6 months after a person goes off cash aid or enrolled in Career Services.

Support services are also available to:

  1. Ineligible minor parents who are working with the social worker to either enroll in school as required or move to an acceptable living arrangement.
  2. Teens 17 and 18 years old in a WorkFirst Activity (school clothes are not a needed item for support services).

See Social Services Manual (Pregnant and Parenting Minors)

WorkFirst Program Specialists, Job Services Specialists and Community Jobs (CJ) contractors can authorize support services.

2.2.2 What is the purpose of Support Services

The purpose of WorkFirst support services is to offer a resource for parents who are actively engaged in job search or work activities. In addition, some support services are available to parents if they have a need while they are participating in other activities, but the main focus is employment and advancing in employment. The support service chart in WAC 388-310-0800 shows the support services categories and when they can be offered.

Support services should be provided based on the real and immediate needs of the parent. The category limits should not be considered an entitled amount, but are the upward limits the program can provide in any given category of support service. Do not automatically issue the maximum dollar amount for the support service. Issue the least amount needed to meet the parents need. The main focus for support services is to subsidize parents' efforts toward finding employment, remaining employed and advancing into better employment.

2.2.3 What are the support service limits?

Support services have different dollar and use limits for each service. There is also a $3,000 yearly limit for each individual in the family – although some services do not count towards the yearly limit. There are hard edits in eJAS for all limits, meaning the eJAS system will not allow payments exceeding these limits. There is also additional information in the "Support Services Availability by eJAS Component" chart.

"Use limits" include:

The amount of support services authorized must be based on the parent's needs and must stay within the limits. The only possible exceptions to the limit are when a parent has a crisis situation (like fleeing domestic violence) or a unique and justifiable need that can be approved through the formal exception to rule process. The process for requesting an exception to rule is described in its own subsection below (Exception to Rule).

The Support Services Directory lists the suggested use and dollar limits for each service.

2.2.4 Are there any restrictions on support services?

Some items can never be purchased with Support Services. They include:

As shown on the chart below, the types of services you can authorize also vary depending on the person's WorkFirst status.

Authorizing Support Services
WorkFirst Cash Assistance Applicants

Supports directly related to job search or to enable the parent to accept a job are allowed if the parent is:

  • Referred to job search;
  • In pending status; and,
  • Appears to be eligible for WorkFirst cash assistance.
WorkFirst Cash Assistance Recipients

Authorize support services the parent needs to meet a temporary emergency so s/he can continue to look for, prepare for, or obtain work, or progress on the job. Examples include meeting the initial costs of employment, transportation, counseling, or skills training.

Post-Employment Services (working 20 hours or more per week )

Remember, these supports can be continued for up to six months post-WorkFirst, including up to four weeks of supports for job search following job loss.

Diversion Cash Assistance (Working 30 or more hours a week and receiving Career Services) Any support service may be available if related to working, keeping a job, getting a better job, or wage progression.
How do I encourage independence?

WorkFirst has a limited amount of resources to bring that can be used as a supplement to the parent's own resources, and other available resources. This approach means that support services can be used as a teaching tool to help participants understand what they will need to transition off WorkFirst. As needed supports are issued, participants will also benefit from talking through:

WorkFirst staff will combine the parent's resources with what the program can provide. For example, if a parent has a car repair need that will cost $700 so she can keep her job, the participant and the worker may find out from the vendor how much of the cost could be financed over time if the program paid for a large portion of the repair up front.

In the same way, WorkFirst can supplement the parent's clothing, hygiene items, transportation costs and so on, but should not be considered the only source to cover the costs. WorkFirst is there to help when the participant needs a hand, but should encourage the parent to become increasingly self-reliant with a goal of complete and lasting independence.

Services provided after the parent is working, and especially after exiting WorkFirst should be considered transitional in nature, to assist the parents when they need it. The post-WorkFirst services should not be considered on-going assistance they are entitled to for 6 months. Again, the goal is to provide temporary help that meets their need, adds to their coping skills, and fosters the parent's growing sense of independence.

2.2.6 Should support services be authorized?

It is important to talk to the parent about the purposes of support services when they have a request. Support services are authorized to meet temporary, targeted needs and get people started towards independence. They are also a valuable and limited resource that needs to be conserved so they can be used wisely.

As you talk to parents about support services, you need to ask a few questions before you can decide whether to approve the request. Questions to ask include:

  1. Is the support service essential to move them towards employment or independence?
  2. What resources can they quickly bring to the table?
  3. How much do they need to reserve to cover their needs for the rest of the year?
  4. What is readily available from their community?
  5. Is there a lower cost alternative available?
  6. How do they plan to take over ongoing costs in the future?
  7. Are they coded in eJAS with an "SS" indicating they are enrolled in Career Services?

As you explore whether the parent can use other resources to meet their need – do not hold off on authorizing needed supports until you explore every possible alternative. The intent is to use other resources that are readily at hand in place of support services when possible. For example, if you know that a community agency can supply work clothes, call them and set that up instead of authorizing support services. If, on the other hand, you do not know of a specific resource, use support services to cover the need.

Remember, support services are not meant to be an ongoing supplement if there are other sources. It may often make sense to deny requests, authorize less than originally requested, or find another way to meet the need or part of the need.

2.2.7 When should support services be denied?

We deny requests for support services when they are not needed to meet an appropriate purpose, the request exceeds the limits, or the parent can meet the need in another way. When we deny these requests, we need to:

It is particularly important to document support service denials in eJAS. That way, if a parent requests a fair hearing later on – we will have the information we need to justify the denial and process their request. The WorkFirst Support Services card in the Resource Section below provides additional information.

2.2.8 How do I request an Exception to Rule?

When necessary, you can request an exception to rule to exceed support services limits. This is a formal exception request process where headquarters staff makes the final decision. These exceptions will only be considered when the parent's situation differs from the majority and has a significant impairment or limitation that is not addressed by current limits. Please explain to the parent that when you submit these requests there is no guarantee that they will be approved by state office.

To request an exception to rule, the WorkFirst Program Specialist (WFPS), Job Service Specialist, or CJ contractor must:

The WFPS sends the request form to the DSHS Division of Employment and Assistance Program Office of Community services exception coordinator for a decision.

For complete instructions to processing an exception to rule request:

When a parent has an emergency situation that seriously jeopardizes family health or safety, you can ask your supervisor to authorize emergency supports to exceed the limit or authorize payments for categories that are not already covered. This option is really reserved for families who face imminent harm and need active crisis intervention, like covering gas and relocation costs for a family actively fleeing domestic violence. Your supervisor will be able to call in these emergency requests to state office for an immediate decision, or, if need be, authorize supports via an A-19 and get the exception approved by headquarters after the fact.

2.2.9 Support Services - Step-by-Step Guide

For complete eJAS directions please go to the eJAS Support Service Handbook.

  1. The WFPS or ESD employment services counselor:
    1. Determines needed support services based on the activities in the IRP.
    2. Reviews past support services authorized by ESD, DSHS, or CTED to ensure no duplication of supports.
    3. Determines the best and/or lowest-cost alternative. (For example, we suggest getting two estimates for car repair.)
    4. Authorizes and issues support service payments, following your local office procedure, including:
      1. Obligating funds;
      2. Creating vouchers;
      3. Making support service payments;
      4. Creating advance payments in emergency situations for gasoline vouchers to local gas stations; and,
      5. Obtaining the appropriate approval.
      6. Getting receipts and/or vendor signatures and adequate supporting documentation.
    5. Documents the reasons for selecting and authorizing support services:
      1. In eJAS; and,
      2. (DSHS only) In the case record (including copies of verification used in the decision making).
    6. If the parent does not use the support services voucher within a reasonable amount of time, de-obligates the funds and cancels the voucher.
  2. To create a purchase authorization/voucher:
    1. Enter detailed information on the voucher, stating what is being purchased and the cost of each individual item (e.g. “Car repair – For repair of the transmission on 1987 Buick LeSabre).
    2. Follow local office procedures to obtain supervisor approval and signature.
    3. Emboss the voucher with the WorkFirst seal.
    • For ESD, please refer to the Internal Controls Manual.
    • For CJ providers, please refer to your CTED CJ contract
    The following procedures are for DSHS.
  3. To create a travel advance voucher or an advance to a vendor for gas:
    1. Give the participant the WorkFirst Travel and Attendance form, DSHS 07-073(X) .
    2. Instruct the parent to keep a detailed record of miles traveled for the WorkFirst activity(s).
    3. Inform the parent that the advance will be automatically deducted from the next travel payment.
  4. To purchase services or items from a single vendor for multiple participants (such as bus passes)
    1. Use a bulk purchase log to attribute the individual costs to the appropriate parents; and,
    2. A voucher for bulk purchases.

Note: Bulk purchases that cost $25 or less are not required to be attributed in eJAS. However, all bulk purchases must be accounted for on the Bulk Purchase Log (DSHS 19-229) and where necessary the Bulk Purchase Distribution (DSHS 19-230). These forms can be downloaded from the ASD Webpage. Instructions for how to use these forms can be found in Manual E chapter 4.05.

Special circumstances

Some vendors, such as Department of Licensing (DOL), will not accept a voucher.

WFPS please follow the steps outlined below.

There are two options available to make payments to these vendors:

  1. Voucher
    1. Have the vendor entered into the system with the CSO address as the mailing address.
    2. Create the voucher and process as if the vendor had returned it. This will create a warrant that will be mailed to the office. When the warrant arrives, have the parent sign the voucher as a receipt for the warrant. The parent then uses the warrant to pay for the service.
  2. A-19A
    1. Create a voucher and complete an A-19A.
    2. Have the parent sign the voucher and give the parent the original A-19A.
    3. Attach the copy of the A-19A to the back of the voucher for documentation.
    4. The parent takes the A-19A to the vendor for payment for the service.
    5. When the A-19A returns, attach the completed A-19A to the back of the voucher.
    6. Process the voucher for payment - DO NOT process the A-19A.
  3. Client Reimbursement: If the worker agrees ahead of time, the parent can pay the bill and be reimbursed for the expense. The parent is made a vendor and the check is directed to the office and the parent signs the Voucher as proof of receipt of the warrant.

Please note: If you process more than one voucher in a batch for the same vendor, payments will be combined into one warrant and the vendor may have problems knowing where to credit the payment.

What should you do to use this year’s allocation before the end of the program year on June 30?
Follow the instruction below:
  1. Before or on June 30:
    2. Vouchers
    • Give the voucher to the family member.
    • Receive the purchase or service.
    Bulk Purchases
    • Create voucher for purchase.
    • Receive the bulk purchase merchandise.
    Mileage reimbursement
    Obligate mileage reimbursement to the family member
    • If the mileage form is turned in process for payment.
    • If turned in after June 30, process the payment for the previous program year.
    Payments
    • Process as usual
      • Batches are not processed on June 28, 29, and 30.
    • All payments use this year’s allocation.
  2. After June 30:

    3. Vouchers

    • If the family member did not use the voucher until July
      • Create a new voucher for the new program year.
      • Attach the returned voucher for payment to the new voucher.

    Bulk Purchases

    If the goods are received in July then the voucher must be redone using the new program year.

    Payments

    If the service or purchase was done before July 1 then process the payment using last year’s funds.

    Allocation

    Regions should add $10,000 to each offices Allocation for the new program year.

Resources

Related WorkFirst Handbook Sections
Forms

For more information about the WorkFirst HandBook, contact Kim Shidell, WorkFirst Program Manager.