Latest Policy, Memos, Reminders & Handbook Updates
Revisions and Updates to the WorkFirst Handbook, TANF and associated WACs – As of 1/1/12
Upcoming changes may be found on the Policy Proposal Comment Page.
Memo Chapter
Memo Title Topic
Date Revision
Effective February 1, 2012, there is a $750
AREN Lifetime Limit (February
12/9/11 lifetime limit for AREN. This includes all
2012)
AREN dating back to April 2001.
Effective January 1, 2012, through June 30,
Elimination of CEAP Availability
12/21/11 2012, CEAP will be suspended due to lack
(January 1, 2012)
of state funds.
Effective January 1, 2012, Washington
State’s minimum wage will increase to
Minimum Wage Increase January
11/28/11 $9.04 per hour. All CJ/JC cases must have
1, 2012
their EARN screens updated prior to
12/22/11.
Effective December 1, 2011, individuals
Permanent TANF Disqualification will be permanently disqualified from
9/12/11
(September 2011) TANF/SFA if they have three or more NCS
terminations.
Effective November 1, 2011, non-parental
Non-needy Child-only Means
8/12/11 “child-only” grants will be subject to means
Testing (August, 2011)
testing.
Effective November 1, 2011, a non-
Ineligible Parent TANF/SFA Time
8/8/11 recipient parent will be subject to the 60-
Limit Effective 11/1/2011
month time limit.
Effective July 1, 2011, all ACES vendor
payments must have an AFRS number.
7/22/11 ACES Vendor Payments
eJAS already uses this system but ACES
has been updated to meet IRS requirements.
Effective July 1, 2011, adults with a child
under the age of two or at least two children
WorkFirst Participation Suspension
6/29/11 1.2.14 under the age of six may request temporary
(July 1, 2011)
suspension of participation requirements
from 7/1/11 through 6/30/12.
Department of Commerce Program Effective July 1, 2011, Dept of Commerce
6/27/11 8.3 – 8.5
Update (July 2011) is revising their WF program activities.
Effective July 1, 2011, the definition of
Expanded Definitions of “Work “work activities” has been expanded.
6/24/11 8.6
Activities” (July 1, 2011)
Effective July 1, 2011, certain individuals
6/20/11 Upcoming Changes (July 1, 2011) may be exempt from participation. Also,
WCCC applicants must seek support
enforcement services as a condition of
eligibility.
Reminder that payment year 2010 is ending
6/30/11 and all vouchers issued before
Support Services Program Year 7/1/11 must be: 1) received by 6/30/11 and
06/16/11
2010 Closing 2) paid by August 29, 2011 or the voucher
will have to be reissued out of 2011 funds
and the old voucher cancelled.
Grant Maximum Changes for Cash Effective May 1, 2011, the grant maximum
4/18/11 EAZ Manual
Assistance (May 1, 2011) will be reduced from $941 to $726.
Effective April 1, 2011, copayments will
increase for non-TANF households and
April 1, 2011, Changes to Working See WCCC
3/25/11 WCCC will be required to verify a child’s
Connections Child Care Handbook
legal residence (in the US) if not
documented in ACES or WCAP.
Effective April 1, 2011, a full Pregnancy to
Revising the Pregnancy to Employment assessment has been
3/22/11 Employment Assessment WFHB 5.1 eliminated for the other parent in a two-
Requirements (April 2011) parent household. A partial assessment is
still required after the child is born.
Reduced Participation Effective March 1, 2011, single parents
Requirements for Single Parents with a child under the age of six (6) are only
3/18/11 WFHB 1.2
with a Child Under Age 6 (March required to participate 20 hours per week.
2011) The 20 hours must be a core activity.
Memo clarified that kinship caregivers who
TANF/SFA Time Limits and Child WAC 388-
3/18/11 have received 60 months or more of TANF
Only Cases (March 15, 2011) 484-0005(5)
may qualify for a child-only grant.
Effective May 1, 2011, DCS will suspend
DCS Pass-Through Payments
3/2/11 EAZ Manual child-support pass-through payments to
Suspension (May 1, 2011)
TANF families.
Effective March 1, 2011, WCCC is
authorized for families with pending TANF
March 1, 2011 Working applications due to curing sanctions and
See WCCC
3/1/11 Connections Child Care (WCCC) children with special needs. Additionally, a
Handbook
Changes waiting list will be implemented due to
limited funding and may affect some WF
parents that do not have IRPs.
Immediate Suspension of Gift Card Effective February 18, 2011, CSO’s may no
2/18/11 Purchasing – see 3/4/11 follow up longer purchase gift cards w/o getting
email from Carla Reyes approval from HQ.
Effective March 1, 2011, SSI will be
SSI Changes for TANF/SFA & included in determining eligibility for cash
1/31/11 EAZ Manual
Desk Aid programs. This change has been
withdrawn.
Elimination of CEAP Availability Effective February 1, 2011, CEAP is
1/26/11 EAZ Manual
(February 1, 2011) suspended due to lack of funds.
Effective February 1, 2011, individuals
TANF 60-Month Rule and
EAZ and SW terminated on TANF for the 60-month rule
1/20/11 Disability Lifeline Eligibility &
Manuals may qualify for DL if pregnant or meets
Desk Aid
incapacity criteria.
WFHB
eJAS Sanction Enhancement 3.6.1.16, Effective January 21, 2011, supervisors may
1/14/11
(January 2011) Attachment 3.6.2 & now make NCS termination decisions.
3.6.3.8
5.2.2, 5.2.6, Effective January 18, 2011, the WFHB has
Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
1/14/11 5.2.7 & been updated for LEP service changes that
Pathway Changes (January 2011)
5.2.16 were effective 11/1/10.
Effective February 1, 2011, newly applying
WCCC families must be on TANF or
eligible for TANF to receive WCCC
Working Connections Child Care
See WCCC assistance. Change went into effect
1/12/11 Changes Effective February 1,
Handbook February 1, 2011, consumers with income
2011
at or below 175% of FPL remained eligible
for WCCC but WCCC co-pays did go into
effect for families above 82% FPL
WACs 388-
15% Grant Reduction – TANF, 478-
Effective February 1, 2011, all TANF
1/7/11 SFA, RCA and CEAP Effective 0020/0035 &
funded grants will decrease 15%.
February 1, 2011 388-436-
0050
3.7.1 &
Release of Revised WFHB Chapter 3.7.2; WACs
388-484- Effective February 1, 2011, families must
3.7.1 – Time Limit Extension
1/5/11 0005/0006/ individually qualify for time limit
Decisions and New Chapter 3.7.2
0010 & 388- extensions.
Approved Time Limit Extensions
310-0350
Minimum Wage Increase January Effective January 1, 2011, Washington’s
1/1/11 1, 2011, for Community Jobs minimum wage increased to $8.67 per hour
Clients thus effecting CJ income.
Mileage reimbursement decreased WFHB to be updated later to match state
1/2/11
to $.51 a mile reimbursement rate.
Diversion Cash Assistance WAC 388- Effective January 1, 2011, DCA maximum
12/29/10
Reduction (January 1, 2011) 432-0005 payment decreased to $1000.
Community Jobs (CJ) Income WAC 388- Effective February 1, 2011, CJ income will
12/24/10
Budgeting for Basic Food Benefits 450-0050 be budgeted as earned income.
On October 1, 2010, two-parent
participation was revised. Effective
Two-Parent Participation
11/24/10 1.2.3 December 1, 2010, two-parent participation
(December 2010)
of 35 hours per week may now be split be
between parents.
Release of Revised WF Handbook Effective November 22, 2010, the WFHB
11/18/10 Chapter 3.7.1 - Time Limit 3.7.1 has been updated on time limit extension
Extension Decisions (November decisions.
2010)
On October 19, 2010, a mass mailing to all
TANF/SFA households provided general
60-Month Time Limit Mailer Goes
10/15/10 information on the proposed 60-month time
out to all TANF/SFA Clients
limit changes proposed for February 1,
2011.
WAC 388- Reference to the sanction review panel
10/1/10 WF Sanction - Participation
310-1600 removed.
Clients are required to verify lack of utility
Additional Requirements for WAC 388-
10/1/10 assistance from community providers and
Emergent Needs (AREN) 436-0002
supervisors must approve AREN over $500.
WAC 388-
10/1/10 Diversion Cash Assistance DCA reduced to $1250.
432-0005
Effective October 1, 2010, the following
services/policies were amended:
Post TANF support services
2.2 – the eliminated
October 1, 2010, WF Policy Sanction Review Panel eliminated
handbook is
9/23/10 Changes to Implement Budget
being Career Services Program suspended
Reductions
updated Diversion Cash Assistance reduced
WCCC income limits reduced
Two-Parent participation reduced
AREN updated
Effective July 1, 2010, DOC is
implementing Sentencing Alternative –
Sentencing Alternative – Offenders
6/25/10 1.2 Offenders with Minor Children. Some
with Minor Children
parents will be eligible for TANF and be
required to participate in WF activities.
Effective June 30, 2010, family planning
6/22/10 Family Planning 1.3 nurses will no longer be co-located in the
CSOs.
3.6.1, 3.6.2 & Effective July 1, 2010, sanction period
3.6.3 WAC shortened to four months, a new form and
6/16/10 Sanction Changes
388-310- mandatory 4-week participation after NCS
1600 closure regardless of when clients reapply.
Effective July 1, 2010, we will no longer
6/16/10 Career Services Eligibility Changes 4.5
enroll BF parents.
Good Cause for Non-Cooperation Effective June 1, 2010, changes to Good
5/12/10 6.5
with Division of Child Support Cause process.
Sanction Changes Mailer & On July 1, 2010, the department is changing
5/6/10
Attachment the rules regarding WF sanction.
Effective April 1, 2010, procedures are
WFHB: Children with Special changing for approving deferrals and
3/23/10 Needs and Exemptions (April 6.4 & 6.8 exemptions for WorkFirst parents who are
2010) needed in the home to care for children and
adult relatives.
EJAS 2-Parent Monthly Customer
Accountability Report (MCAR) Effective 12/18/09, new MCAR and DCAR
12/15/09
and Daily Customer Accountability reports will be available.
Report (DCAR)
Effective 8/14/09, dependent teen will no
Elimination of WF Dependent
8/19/09 1.2 longer be require to participate in WF
Teen Participation Requirements
activities. No changes to teen HOHs.
On 8/30/09, eJAS will auto-close all open
8/11/09 CE Transition Plan
CE tools.
Social
Division of Vocational Effective 9/1/09, guidelines for
8/6/09 Services
Rehabilitation (Sept 2009) collaboration with DVR have been updated.
Manual
Chapters Effective 8/31/09, changes are implemented
Changes to the Comprehensive
8/6/09 mentioning to limit the number of handoffs and move
Evaluation (August 2009)
CE parents quickly into work activities.
Effective 9/1/09, WFHB will promote
Strengthening WF Deferrals & 6.3; 6.6 &
7/30/09 consistent, evidence-based decision for
Exemptions (Sept 2009) 6.8
parents with disorders.
eJAS Enhancement – Degree Effective 7/16/09, eJAS will allow monthly
7/14/09 7.2.16
Completion (July 2009) reporting of actual hours for DC.
Effective 6/1/09, if a parent qualifies for the
Pregnancy to Employment Infant IE, is no longer participating as required,
5/27/09 5.1
Exemption (June 2009) and if no issues identified for CD or MH do
not pursue sanction.
Effective 6/1/09, ESD will document and
WF Temporary Employment (June
5/18/09 4.2 & 8.1 verify temporary employment hours for
2009)
parents in JS.
Support Services Program Year Reminder on closing and paying for support
5/12/09 2.1
2008 Closing services by 6/30/09.
Increase in WF Bulk Purchases Effective 5/15/09, increases bulk purchase
5/12/09 2.1
Attribution Amount (May 2009) attribution amount from $25 to $100.
Changing Support Services Rules Effective 4/1/09, Career Services will no
3/17/09 for Career Services (February 4.5 longer provide support services to DCA
2009) parents.
Effective 4/1/09, the WFHB will be updated
4.1, 4.2 & to provide guidance on stacking of CJ and
3/17/09 Stacking CJ with JS JS.
8.3.12
Missing WAC - on 1/20/09 an ACES
update accidently caused the WF sanction
Sanction WAC Missing from AOL ACES.online
3/6/09 WAC 388-310-1600 to be left off the
008-01 letters
“Change in Cash/Food Assistance (008-
01)” letter for cases facing sanction.
2/18/09 School Breaks 7.2.6 Clarification on school breaks.
2/18/09 eJAS Changes eJAS Update to assessment tool and reports.
3.9.1.5,
Unexcused Absences (February 3.9.2.8, 4.1, Effective 2/9/09, a CAP will occur when a
2/3/09
2009) 4.2.16, 7.1 & parent has two unexcused absences.
8.4
February 2009 Changes in Co- Effective 2/1/09, Family Planning and
1/20/09 Located Providers (Family DASA WorkFirst Contracts will be ending
Planning and DASA) for direct services in the CSO.
Effective 1/16/09, Career Services is
1/16/09 Career Services (February 2009) 4.5 expanding to include Non-Assistance Food
Stamps parents.
eJAS System Enhancement
Effective 1/16/09, eJAS has been updated to
1/16/09 Regarding Excused and Unexcused eJAS
support excused/unexcused absences.
Absences
Effective 1/1/09, DSHS staff will be able to
Counting Homework Hours for
capture some homework hours from non-
12/24/08 Non-Contracted Providers (January 7.1
contracted/non-partner educational
2009)
providers.
Decrease of WorkFirst Support
Effective 1/1/09, the mileage
12/18/08 Services Mileage Reimbursement 2.2
reimbursement rate will decrease.
Rate
Updated ACES Employment Hours ACES Employment Hours Coding &
12/16/08 Coding & Verification Training eJAS Verification Training will be available in
(January 2009) January at the DSHS Learning Center.
Minimum Wage Increase January Effective 12/15/08, the state minimum wage
12/10/08 1, 2009, for Community Jobs will increase and CJ client’s income must
Clients be budgeted prospectively.
Effective 12/15/08, staff are required to
Historical Coding of Employment
12/1/08 8.1 & 8.3 update ACES EARN screen a minimum of
Hours in ACES (December 2008)
two historical months.
Coding Historical Employment
12/1/08 ACES See above
Hours in ACES Step-by-Step
Release of Revised WorkFirst Effective 12/1/08, clarifies participation for
Handbook Sections and Social 1.2.2, 1.2.8, dependent teens and pregnant or parenting
11/24/08
Services Manual Chapters 5.1.17 minors’ and provides information on First
(December 2008) Steps services.
Effective 10/1/08, change in policy on
5.1, 5.2, disabled family members; unsupervised
Release of WorkFirst Handbook
9/23/08 6.4, 6.8, study time; degree completion, and
Sections (October 2008)
elimination of the third trimester partial
7.1-7.4, 7.6
assessment.
Career Services and Support 2.2 Effective 10/1/08, DCA parents are eligible
9/16/08
Services Expansion (October 2008) 4.5 for Career Services and Support Services.
Customer Accountability Report Effective 8/15/08, Customer Accountability
8/15/08 eJAS Reports
(CAR) Modifications Report has been modified.
Life Skills And Summer School Effective 7/11/08, Life Skills and Summer
6/27/08 7.2 and 7.3
Breaks Changes (July 2008) School Break changes.
Comprehensive Evaluation Fast Effective 7/1/08, CE fast track changes
6/24/08 3.2.1
Track (July 2008) reducing applicant requirements.
Citizenship Verification Program Effective 7/1/08, eJAS instructions and
6/17/08 Impacts and Staff Process coding for participants failing to provide
Instructions citizenship verification.
Excused and Unexcused Absences Effective 6/1/08, excused and unexcused
5/20/08 3.9.1.5
(June 2008) absences policy updated.
Effective 5/19/08, CJ options and access to
Changes to the Community Jobs
5/19/08 8.3 activities increased and outlined ESA and
Program
CJ implementation of changes.
Reminder on closing and paying for support
5/15/08 Closing eJAS Program Year 2007 2.2
services by 6/30/08.
Updated Support Services Effective 4/1/08, ESD increased its
5/9/08 2.2
Directory (May 2008) transportation allotment.
Equal Access (formerly NSA) Effective 4/21/08, NSA becomes EA and
4/9/08 Mandatory WF Participant other EAZ Manual clarifies screening of all mandatory WF
than the Head of Household participants.
Effective 4/1/08, CLMR sections have been
3/31/08 eJAS Enhancement (April 2008) eJAS
updated.
Effective 3/21/08, eJAS will automatically
eJAS Enhancement – automations
update the DSHS Responsibility Dates
3/18/08 of DSHS Responsibility Dates and eJAS
when a contractor enters the Actual Start
Hours (March 2008)
Date.
Effective 3/7/08, eJAS will track the actual
eJAS Excused Absences Hours
2/29/08 3.9 number of hours and the date of each
Enhancement (March 2008)
excused absence.
Effective 3/1/08, the directory clarified that
Updated Support Services
2/21/08 2.2 car repairs and licenses/fees are only for the
Directory (March 2008)
participant’s vehicle.
Effective 2/1/08, WorkFirst Pregnancy to
Release of Revision to WF
Employment Pathway participants will be
Handbook: Section 5.1 –
1/30/08 5.1 required to participate in treatment if mental
Pregnancy to (Employment
health and/or chemical dependency
January 2008)
treatment is needed.
Release of Revision to WF
Handbook: Family Violence 3.5, 3.6.1 and
3.6.2, Clarification of family violence activities
12/7/07 Participation Verification and NCS
and case staffings.
Participation and Documentation 6.5
Guidelines
Effective 11/2/07, eJAS has been enhanced
10/24/07 eJAS Assessment Enhancement eJAS
to update CE notes.
Non-Compliance Sanction Review Effective 10/29/07, eJAS was modified to
10/19/07 Criteria and Sanction Review Panel 3.6.2.6 include extra NCS questions and added a
Decision eJAS Enhancement decision drop down field.