TBWA WTP MINI-OVERVIEW narative w-sound

Welfare Transition Program : 

Welfare Transition Program Mini Overview

Welcome to the Welfare Transition Program! : 

Welcome to the Welfare Transition Program! We are excited to work with you. You may be asking yourself, “Why am I here?” You are here because you applied for cash assistance through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Most adults (and some teens) who apply for cash assistance are asked to participate in this program.

Welfare Transition : 

Welfare Transition This program is designed to provide you with all of the tools necessary to: Outline your goals for employment; Outline the steps to reach those goals; Work to reach your goals; and Become self sufficient.

Background : 

Background In 1996, the federal government mandated that each state limit the amount of time a participant could receive temporary cash assistance. Florida limits you to 48 months or 4 years of cash assistance (Lifetime total). DCF is responsible for reviewing your time limits and determines the amount of your benefits. All questions regarding your benefit amount must be directed to DCF.

Background Cont’d… : 

Background Cont’d… TBWA is responsible for ensuring that all policies and procedures regarding your work participation are met on a weekly basis. The WT program is a WORK FIRST program. We will help you with your preparation and search for employment so that you no longer have to depend on cash assistance.

A Frequently Asked Question : 

A Frequently Asked Question What does WORK FIRST mean? Work First means that you will obtain employment as a first step to gaining economic freedom.

Program Requirements & Responsibilities : 

Program Requirements & Responsibilities This program is designed to help you reach your goals and we will document each time you successfully complete a task. We will also hold you accountable each time you do not take a step in the right direction.

Participation = Benefits : 

Participation = Benefits You are required to work up to 40 hours a week for the benefits you receive, through a combination of: Community Service Work Experience Vocational Training Work Readiness Employment Job skills Training

Participation = Benefits : 

Participation = Benefits Example*: Your required hours each week may be made up as follows: Community Service 22 hours Job skills Training 11 hours Job Search 7 hours Total up to 40 hours * Required hours is directly related to benefits received.

Program Requirements & Responsibilities : 

Program Requirements & Responsibilities If you do not have a good reason for missing an appointment, not attending an activity, not turning in documentation, or other agreed upon steps, you could lose your cash assistance (and maybe even your food stamps).

What if I am not ready for this program? : 

What if I am not ready for this program? If you feel that you can not meet the weekly work activity requirements, you may elect to OPT OUT of cash and still receive Food stamps and Medicaid. If you opt out of cash, you will not be eligible for services such as childcare. To opt out of cash assistance, see us to complete an OPT OUT OF CASH form – we will notify DCF of your decision.

Opportunities & Obligations : 

Opportunities & Obligations Your opportunities and obligations are included in your packet. This is a very important document that outlines the benefits you are eligible to receive as a participant in this program and what you must do to receive them. This document also outlines the consequences for failing to participate.

Opportunities & Obligations Cont’d. : 

Opportunities & Obligations Cont’d. You will receive your initial appointment after your case has been approved by DCF. It is MANDATORY that you make this appointment. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from participation, see us directly after the overview and you will be provided a medical form. Failing to attend your appointment will start the penalty process.

Services & Incentives : 

Services & Incentives Services are based on participation, funding, and availability. For childcare information, contact School Readiness at 813-744-8941, ext 428. You will have 24 hours to enroll your child or children in daycare after your initial appointment.

Upfront Diversion : 

Upfront Diversion Upfront Diversion can assist candidates who have a documented emergency need that keeps them from starting a job. Upfront Diversion funds target candidates that are currently employed or candidates that will be starting employment in the next few days that are NOT currently receiving Cash Assistance. Upfront Diversion is once in a lifetime. If you receive an upfront diversion and reapply for cash assistance within 90 days, the upfront diversion must be repaid. A Case Manager must review your eligibility for Upfront Diversion, meet with us after the overview, if you feel that this service can meet your needs.

Expectations : 

Expectations It is important that you keep open communication with your Career Manager. Employers visit our center often. It is expected that you act and dress accordingly each day you visit the center. Register at www.employflorida.com for employment opportunities. You may visit the Resource Room for further information on employment opportunities and services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What happens after this mini overview is completed? DCF will be notified of your attendance today. Once your case becomes cash active, your obligation to the WT program begins. You will receive a letter in the mail for your initial orientation & assessment appointment. You are required to attend this appointment. Failing to attend your appointment will start the penalty process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What if I am sanctioned now? Your sanction will be lifted once you have complied and your penalty has been served You may have to reapply through DCF Contact DCF for further details on your sanction status (1-866-762-2237).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) I’m due to have my baby soon. What should I do? If you have your baby prior to your scheduled Orientation & Assessment appointment, contact DCF immediately and notify your Welfare Transition Career Manager as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) I have medical limitations. What are my obligations? Candidates with medical limitations are still required to participate in the program A medical verification form is needed to document your work abilities and any limitations The lifetime time limit still applies A disability is not necessarily an inability to work or participate in work related activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What if I need to see my Career Manager? You may contact your WT Career Manager by: Scheduling an appointment (Recommended) Visiting them on their assigned Walk-In day Phone Email WT Front Desk: (813) 930-7584 or (813) 930-7161

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will I get services today? At this time, you are not eligible for services. A review for services will occur at your initial Orientation & Assessment appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) When will I get my cash/food stamps? You will need to contact DCF at 1-866-762-2237 to determine when you will receive your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How do I report changes? You must report changes to BOTH DCF and TBWA It is important that address and phone number changes be made promptly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What if I become employed prior to my appointment? Do I still need to come? Yes. If you are in need of services (ex: childcare), a review will be completed at your initial Orientation & Assessment appointment. Please call us and we will try to make arrangements around your work schedule. However, it may be necessary for you to make arrangements with your employer so that you can attend your initial appointment.

Conclusion : 

Conclusion This is a WORK FIRST program. Participation is defined as up to 40 hours per week. Initial appointment is MANDATORY. You will be assigned a work activity when you attend your initial appointment. Services such as childcare will be discussed at your initial appointment. You will have 24 hours to secure childcare after your initial appointment. Any changes must be reported to DCF (1-866-762-2237) and your career manager.

Q & A : 

Q & A