PDFWAC 388-310-0800
WorkFirst—Support services.
(1) Who can get support services?
People who can get support services include:
(a) WorkFirst participants who receive a TANF cash grant;
(b) Sanctioned WorkFirst participants during the required participation before the sanction is lifted or applicants who were terminated while in noncompliance sanction who are doing activities required to reopen cash assistance (WAC 388-310-1600);
(c) TANF/SFA applicants as needed to meet the WorkFirst orientation requirements under WAC 388-400-0005(2) or 388-400-0010(3);
(d) Unmarried or pregnant minors who are income eligible to receive TANF and are:
(i) Living in a department approved living arrangement (WAC 388-486-0005) and are meeting the school requirements (WAC 388-486-0010); or
(ii) Are actively working with a social worker and need support services to remove the barriers that are preventing them from living in a department approved living arrangement or meeting the school requirements.
(e) American Indians who receive a TANF cash grant and have identified specific needs due to location or employment.
(f) Former WorkFirst participants who are working at least 15 hours per week or more, for up to three months after leaving TANF if they need employment-related transportation support services to meet a temporary need or emergency.
(2) Why do I receive support services?
Although not an entitlement, you may receive support services for the following reasons:
(a) To help you participate in work and WorkFirst activities that lead to independence.
(b) To help you to participate in job search, accept a job, keep working, advance in your job, or increase your wages.
(c) You can also get help in paying your child care expenses through the working connections child care assistance program. (Chapter 110-15 WAC describes the rules for this child care assistance program.)
(3) What type of support services may I receive and what limits apply?
There is a limit of $5,000 per person per program year (July 1st to June 30th) for WorkFirst support services you may receive.
The chart below shows the potential types of support services that are available.
Type of Support Service | Restrictions |
Reasonable accommodation for employment | |
Clothing/uniforms | |
Diapers | |
Haircut | |
Personal hygiene | |
Professional, trade, association, union, and bonds | |
Relocation related to employment or safety (can include rent, housing, and deposits) | |
Short-term lodging and meals in connection with job interviews/tests | Same rate as established by OFM for state employees |
Tools/equipment | |
Car repair needed to restore car to operable condition | |
License/fees | |
Mileage reimbursement | Same rate as established by OFM for state employees |
Transportation allotment, including fuel support | |
Counseling | |
Educational expenses | |
Medical exams (not covered by medicaid) | |
Public transportation | |
Testing-diagnostic | |
Housing and utilities | Funding allocated for 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2025 only |
(4) What are the other requirements to receive support services?
Other restrictions on receiving support services are determined by the department or its agents. They will consider whether:
(a) It is within available funds; and
(b) It does not assist, promote, or deter religious activity; and
(c) There is no other way to meet the cost.
(5) What happens to my support services if I do not participate as required?
The department will give you 10 days notice, following the rules in WAC 388-310-1600, then discontinue your support services until you participate as required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and 74.08A.250. WSR 24-19-079, s 388-310-0800, filed 9/17/24, effective 10/18/24; WSR 22-20-016, § 388-310-0800, filed 9/22/22, effective 10/23/22; WSR 22-01-143, § 388-310-0800, filed 12/15/21, effective 1/15/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057. WSR 15-18-024, § 388-310-0800, filed 8/25/15, effective 9/25/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.62.030, 74.09.035, 74.08.090, 74.09.530, 41.05.021, 2011 1st sp.s. c 15, and 2013 2nd sp.s. c 10. WSR 14-10-046, § 388-310-0800, filed 4/30/14, effective 6/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.250. WSR 13-02-048, § 388-310-0800, filed 12/24/12, effective 2/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, and 74.08.090. WSR 10-22-061, § 388-310-0800, filed 10/29/10, effective 12/1/10; WSR 09-06-053, § 388-310-0800, filed 2/26/09, effective 4/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050 and 74.04.055. WSR 08-18-045, § 388-310-0800, filed 8/29/08, effective 10/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.08A.260, chapter 74.08A RCW. WSR 06-10-035, § 388-310-0800, filed 4/27/06, effective 6/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.08A.340. WSR 05-02-014, § 388-310-0800, filed 12/27/04, effective 1/27/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.08A.340, and 2003 c 10 § 207. WSR 03-21-154, § 388-310-0800, filed 10/22/03, effective 10/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 78.08A.340, and [WSR] 99-14-043. WSR 02-11-130, § 388-310-0800, filed 5/21/02, effective 7/1/02; WSR 01-17-053, § 388-310-0800, filed 8/13/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, and 78.08A.340. WSR 00-13-106, § 388-310-0800, filed 6/21/00, effective 7/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.050. WSR 99-14-043, § 388-310-0800, filed 6/30/99, effective 7/31/99; WSR 97-20-129, § 388-310-0800, filed 10/1/97, effective 11/1/97.]