WORK FIRST is based on the premise that every family that receives a Work First check is expected to work actively towards and share in the responsibility to support themselves and their children. Workers and recipients work together to utilize a system that discourages ongoing dependency and emphasizes work and personal responsibility. The Work First Family Assistance (cash assistance) and Work First Employment Services (support services) staff work together as a team to provide services.

WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE (WFFA) provides a monthly check and Medicaid which will temporarily assist families who are in crisis. Each monthly payment is based on the number of people in the family as well as available earned and unearned income in the household. WFFA is only available to families that have a minor child in the home under the age of 18 or will graduate before their 19th birthday. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements before the application is approved.

WORK FIRST EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (WFES) connects every family with a Social Worker who works closely with the family to develop a contract which details their plan for getting off welfare. Each family head is required to sign a binding contract known as a Mutual Responsibility contract (MRA) that commits them to 35 to 40 hours of employment, job readiness classes, job search or work experience. If a family does not complete all the requirements of their contract, they will not receive a Work First check.

Our Vision
To empower individuals and families to improve their quality of life by identifying and building on their strengths.

Our Mission
To promote stability, independence and self-sufficiency within families by providing short-term financial assistance, supportive services, networking and advocacy.

I am here to apply for Work First. What do I need to do?
Please take a number and wait to be called. A Customer Care representative (reception desk) will place you on a log to be seen by a Work First Social Worker to be assessed for services based on your situation.

Do I have to come to DSS to apply for service in person?
Yes, you have to come in to apply for Work First Benefits. In order to be screened for Work First Services, you must attend a DART/Up Front Assessment (UFA) session. DART sessions are held only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. A maximum of twelve (12) people will be seen per session in the Greensboro office. A maximum of four (4) people will be seen per session in the High Point office. If the next scheduled session is full you will be scheduled for the next available slot.

Can I see the DART video at any time during those days the sessions are held?
No. You must register for the sessions by going to the Reception Desk prior to the start time of the session that the DART video is being shown. The video is shown at the following times: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

What happens if I come in at the hours listed above? For example, I come in at 10:00 a.m.?
You will have to wait for the following session. In this case, the next available time would be 11:00 a.m.

I have heard about recent changes in the Work First Program? What has changed?
Effective January 1, 2009, Guilford County will become a Pay for Performance County. This means that all work eligible participants will be required complete all required activities on your Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA). The MRA is the agreement that you signed with your Work First Employment Services Social Worker. Again, this change is effective January 2009 and every month thereafter.

I'm already receiving Work First Cash Benefits so how am I affected?
On December 1, 2008, if you remain eligible for the Work First check, you will receive your regular benefits at that time. By the end of December 2008, those who are eligible for the Work First Benefits did receive a Transitional check on or before December31, 2008.

Can I make an appointment to speak with a Social Worker or do I have to come in to apply?
You must come in and register for the DART session in order to be screened for Work First Services.

What are your hours of operation?
The DART video is shown only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 9:00a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

How can I find out if I’m eligible for Work First Services?
You must first attend a DART session to be assessed for services. If it is determined that Work First Family Assistance is the best option for your family based on your current situation, you will be referred to apply for services. There are several eligibility requirements that must be met in order for an application to be approved. Being referred to apply for Work First does not guarantee approval of benefits.

What documents do I need to bring with me to apply for services?
You are not required to bring any documents with you in order to apply; however, in order to process your application, bringing the following items may be required depending on which service you are applying for:
•Valid Picture ID (Valid N.C. driver’s license, passport, other primary document validating who you are)
•Social Security Card(s) for you and your children
•Birth certificate(s) and any copy of court order documents
•Medicaid if receiving
•A copy of your school schedule if applicable
•Verification of income (wage stubs, verification from employer, tax forms, award letter)
•Verification of child support income if applicable

:What is the expected wait time to apply in person?
Once you have registered for the DART video with the receptionist, you will usually be seen within the next 60 minutes or less. Please note that the receptionist desk will be able to notify you of your place on the list, but they will not be able to give you an exact wait time.

Can I apply on-line for service?
No. All applications must be completed at the Department of Social Services.

If I qualify for services, what is the expected time frame from submitting my application to receiving services?
If you have all of the information needed to process your application your application will be approved within 45 days. If you do not provide all the needed information you will be asked to submit all required information prior to approval.

If I have a pending case and need to provide additional information, do I have to wait in the reception line to see someone in your office?
No, you do not have to wait. You may check in with the receptionist located behind the information desk and advise her/him that you need to see your Work First Family Assistance Caseworker or if you are just dropping off information, you may use the agency drop box located in our lobby outside of the waiting area. Place your information in one of the available BLUE envelopes, seal with tape and date stamp the envelope with the date stamp provided.

Do I have to stand in line if I have to speak with my caseworker or social worker regarding an ACTIVE or PENDING case?
You should always try to make an appointment with your Work First Social Worker or Work First Family Assistance caseworker prior to coming in. When you arrive, inform the customer care representative that you have an appointment and they will notify your worker that you are here.

What happens if I miss my appointment or a deadline my Caseworker or Social Worker has given me to provide additional information?
Please call your Caseworker or Social Worker to discuss next steps and rescheduling your appointment.

If I come in to apply but have to leave before I am able to see a worker, do I have to stand in line and start the process over or would I be able to make an appointment?
A: Yes. If you leave before your name is called for a DART session, you must notify the customer care representative (reception) that you left and need to sign in for the next available session.

What is Benefit Diversion?
Benefit Diversion is an optional package of services within the Work First Cash Program that provides an opportunity for families to receive immediate help and preserve their independence from welfare. Under Work First Cash, qualifying families can get a one-time payment equivalent to up to three months of case benefits based on a need assessment by the Social Worker. Medicaid, child care and Food and Nutrition Services may be provided if eligible as well as other supportive services.

Who is eligible for Benefit Diversion?
Families with a caretaker on maternity leave receiving little to no pay. The caretaker is expected to return to the same job within a few weeks and needs help with routine household expenses.
A family with a caretaker who has a solid job offer. The caretaker needs assistance between beginning employment and getting employed up to three months later.
A family with a caretaker who is recently employed; the caretaker will not get his first check in time to cover rent, utilities, and child care costs.
A family with a caretaker who will begin work in three months; the caretaker needs help with rent and car insurance during this time period.
A family who is anticipating the receipt of financial assistance, which may or may not be related to employment that meets their needs. This assistance may include child support, inheritance, or insurance settlement.

What documents do I need to bring with me to apply for services?
You are not required to bring any documents with you in order to apply: however, in order to process your application, bringing the following items may be required depending on which service you are applying for:
•Valid Picture ID (valid N.C. driver's license, passport, other primary document validating who you are)
•Social Security Card(s) for you and your children
•Certified Birth Certificate(s) and any copy of court order documents
•Verifications of Earned and Unearned Income (wage stubs, verification from employer, tax forms, awards letter)
•Verifications of child support if applicable

If I qualify for cash services, what is the expected time frame from submitting my application to receiving services?
If you have all of the information needed to process your application and you are approved, you will be notified within 45 days by mail.

If I come in to apply but have to leave before I am able to see a caseworker, do I have to stand in line and start the process over or will I be able to make an appointment?
You should make an appointment prior to leaving the agency. When you arrive, please notify the customer care representative that you have an appointment. Your Work First Cash caseworker will be notified you are in the agency and will come out to speak with you.