Work First Family Assistance, North Carolina's version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, provides crucial financial support to low-income families with children. This program is tailored for families that have children under 18 years of age and for pregnant women in need, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.

Similar to TANF programs in other states, Work First benefits are offered for a limited time. Families participating in the program can receive assistance for a set period, usually up to 24 months, with a lifetime limit of 60 months. However, under certain special circumstances, these periods may be extended. As families approach the end of their benefit period, they are given the opportunity to reapply to continue receiving assistance, if they still qualify.

Families exiting the WFFA program due to employment may be eligible for a job bonus payment for a duration of up to three months.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for North Carolina's Work First program, several eligibility criteria must be met:

Work First Services:

County social services provide a range of services for families with income at or below 150 or 200 percent of the federal poverty level. These services are key for families to remain off assistance and include employment-related services, transportation, short-term child care, skills training, and child/family enrichment services.

Employment-related services can also be provided to non-custodial parents if their income is at or below 150 or 200 percent of the federal poverty level, the child is a recipient of Work First cash assistance, and they meet other eligibility criteria.

Work First Benefits (WFB):

Adults included in the assistance payment must have a Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA)/Outcome Plan that requires them to work or engage in work-related activities.

They must fulfill all requirements of their agreement each month before receiving Work First benefits, unless there is a good cause for not doing so.

WFB follows a “work first, pay later” approach, mirroring the working world. Families receive assistance payments after proving they have met the requirements of their MRA/Outcome Plan, including Core Requirements and Plan of Action Requirements, or have shown good cause for non-compliance.

Focus on Children: Work First cash assistance primarily targets children. In most counties, biological or adoptive parents, as well as stepparents, can apply for a child's assistance and are usually included in the family payment unless disqualified. Other relatives or individuals with legal custody or guardianship can also apply for children but are not included in the family payment. Pregnant women without other dependent children are not eligible for Work First cash assistance.

Children’s Eligibility:

• Children must be 17 or younger at the time of application.
• Benefits are available until the child turns 18.
• For children who are 18, still in high school, and expected to graduate before their 19th birthday, benefits can continue until graduation.

Minor Parents:

• Emancipated minor parents are treated as adults in Work First.
• Unemancipated minor parents (under 18) must stay in school to finish high school or equivalent. If they haven't finished school or are suspended/expelled, they must participate in educational training or other work activities.
• They must live with a parent or in an adult-supervised setting approved by the county director. Payments are made to an adult as a protective payee, not directly to the minor parent.

Residency and Citizenship: You must be a North Carolina resident and a U.S. citizen, legal alien, or qualified alien.

Employment Status: You need to be unemployed or underemployed, and your income should be low or very low.

Family Composition: You must either:

• Have a child who is 18 years old or younger, or
• Be pregnant, or
• Be 18 years old or younger and the head of your household.

The following list outlines the types of proof required for Work First eligibility and how often they need to be presented:

Identity: Passport, ID, or other primary documents are required at application or if your identity is in question.

Address/Living With/Living Arrangement: A valid NC driver's license, lease agreement, or utility bill is needed at application, during reviews, or when there's a change in your situation.

Age: A birth certificate is required at application or when there's a change in situation.

Kinship: A birth certificate or copy of court order documents must be presented at application or when there's a change in situation.

Citizenship/Alien Status: Passport, ID, or other primary documents are needed at application or if your status is in question.

Social Security Number: A valid social security card or number is required at application or until received.

Income: Proof like wage stubs, verification from employer, tax forms, award letters, etc., are required at application, during reviews, or when there's a change in your income situation.

Assets/Resources: Documents like ownership and tax records, bank and court documents are needed at application, during reviews, or when there's a change in situation.

Diversion Program

The One-Time Diversion Payment Program under Work First offers a unique form of assistance for qualifying families. This program provides a single payment, which can be as much as three months' worth of regular Work First cash benefits. The amount of this one-time payment is determined by a county worker, who conducts a needs assessment for each family.

Eligible families can receive not only this lump sum payment, but also additional supportive services, if needed. This can include access to Medicaid, child care assistance, and Food and Nutrition Services, ensuring that families receive comprehensive support beyond just the financial aspect.

This one-time payment is designed to help families overcome specific, short-term challenges that might otherwise hinder their path to stability and self-sufficiency.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In North Carolina, Work First Family Assistance/TANF benefits are conveniently and securely distributed through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Recipients are issued an EBT card, much like a debit card, which they can use to access their monthly benefits. These funds can be used at authorized retailers or withdrawn from ATMs, providing flexibility for essential purchases.

Work First (TANF) Application Instructions

To apply for Work First Family Assistance in North Carolina, you have several options:

Online Application:

• Visit the ePASS website, North Carolina's online portal for social services.
• Complete and submit the Work First application form online.

In-Person Application:

• Go to your local County Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
• Fill out the application form in person.

By Mail:

• Request an application form from your local DSS office or download it from the ePASS website.
• Complete the form and mail it back to the DSS office.

By Phone:

• Call your local County DSS office.
• Request to complete the Work First application over the phone.

Work First Family Assistance in North Carolina serves as a crucial support system for the state's low-income families. Its primary goal is to offer financial aid while also paving the way for self-sufficiency through various employment and training opportunities.

This program not only addresses the immediate financial needs of families but also focuses on equipping them with the skills and resources needed for long-term stability and independence. By combining immediate assistance with developmental tools, Work First plays a vital role in helping families transition towards a more secure and self-reliant future.

North Carolina Office

NC DHHS- Division of Social Services
Dorothea Dix Campus, McBryde Building
820 S. Boylan Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 527-6335