Work First Family Assistance (WFFA)

Provides temporary monthly assistance to families with children. All families are required to sign a Mutual Responsibility Agreement that details their plan to become non-dependent on public assistance. Most families that include an adult are subject to a federal 60-month time limit and a state 24-month limit on receipt of this assistance.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for Work First Family Assistance (WFFA): 

• There must be a child age 18 or younger in the home
• The child(ren) must live with an adult relative who is within a certain degree of kinship or with a non-relative who has legal custody or legal guardianship
• The family must meet income and resources limits
• Unless exempt, adults in the household are subject to work requirements
• All family members need to provide or apply for Social Security number
• Must meet citizenship and residency requirements
• Must cooperate with Child Support requirements when applicable

Through Work First, parents can receive training and other services o help them become employed and self-sufficient. 

In lieu of a monthly WFFA check, families may receive Benefit Diversion. 

• The benefit amount is determined based on eligibility and need.  The family must be employed or soon-to-be-employed to be considered. 
• Benefit Diversion is an optional short-term benefits package that may be provided to families instead of Work First Family Assistance benefits.  It is intended to be a one-time service for families who are experiencing a short-term crisis situation and is not designed to meet ongoing and continuing needs. 
• The benefits packet includes a one-time lump sum cash payment, Medicaid, Food and Nutrition services, referrals to child support, child care assistance, and other community resources.  
• Call 828-452-6620, option 3 for more information about Benefit Diversion
• The family must meet all of the eligibility requirements for Work First Family Assistance in order to be considered for Benefit Diversion. 

Benefits provided to specified relatives who are providing a home, supervision and primary care to children who are not their own can call 828-452-6620, option 3 for more information about Child Only Services. 

• Child must be under the age of 18 and living in the specified home full-time.
• Children who are U.S. Citizens living in a home where neither parent is a U.S Citizen and therefore no eligible for public assistance. 
• Household income is not considered in the eligibility determination.
• The parent of the child cannot be residing in the same home with the child. 

Call 828-452-6620, option 3 for more information about Job Retention Assistance

• Designed for temporary immediate assistance
• The family must be at or below 150% of the poverty level
• There must be at lease one family member working
• There must be a barrier to employment that needs immediate attention
• Applicants must meet income and reserve guidelines
• Assistance may be provided for temporary shelter, transportation to maintain employment, to prevent eviction, etc. 
• Assistance will be limited to $300 within a 12-month period

Call 828-452-6620, option 5 for more information about Community Crisis Management Fund

• Provides short term assistance during an immediate crisis to eligible applicants within the community
• The assistance is paid directly to the vendor, and the maximum amount is $100 per person/household per fiscal year
• Funds may be used for assistance such as food, vehicle fuel, bus tickets, emergency shelter and prescriptions needed for a life threatening illness

The General Assistance Program is designed to meet the essential needs of an individual or household who is in an emergency or crisis situation. 

Helpful Links

ePass Fact Sheet

Submit information regarding your Application or Recertification by email to dss.mail@haywoodcountync.gov

Additional Information

Contact Jill McCracken, 828-452-6620 ext. 2368, Coleman Hudson, 828-452-6620 ext. 2358, or Emily Sosebee, 828-452-6620 ext. 2439 for more information.