Division of Family and Economic Security, Bureau of Working Families

Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual

1.1.2 W-2 Basic Assumptions

W-2W-2Wisconsin Works agency must collaborate with individuals to identify needed resources, assign appropriate activities, and provide services that are:

  1. Strengths-based;
  2. Family-centered; and
  3. Consistent with the individual’s interests and goals.

The agency must provide all services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner to ensure accessibility for all individuals, including but not limited to:

  • Qualified refugees;
  • Former refugees; and
  • Individuals with limited English proficiency.

W-2 policies are guided by the consistent application of the following Basic Assumptions:

  1. Work is the best way for parents to support their families. Stable employment is a key factor of economic stability. W-2 assists parents with preparing for, securing, and maintaining stable employment. W-2 also provides assistance navigating the SSISSISupplemental Security Income and SSDISSDISocial Security Disability Insurance application process for parents unable to work due to a disability.
  2. Family income should improve when parents work. W-2 is committed to helping parents find the best possible job. W-2 also connects parents with work supports (e.g. EITCEITCEarned Income Tax Credit, FoodShare, BCBCBadgerCare, CSCSChild Support, and Wisconsin Shares Child Care) to help parents stay employed.
  3. Consistent work is essential for parents to achieve economic stability. The path toward economic independence and stability looks different for everyone. W-2 is committed to assisting parents both before and after they secure employment. W-2 also connects interested parents to education and training before or after they find a job, to help parents improve their employability and opportunities for advancement.
  4. W-2 participants are parents as well as job seekers. Working parents have multiple family and work obligations. W-2 collaborates with parents to identify and balance these obligations and assists parents connected to other programs or supports in integrating these activities into their family’s service plan.
  5. Eligible parents must be willing to participate in exchange for W-2 benefits. Parents must participate to the best of their abilities to be eligible for W-2 benefits.
  6. Families benefit from participating in W-2. W-2 supports parents in defining their goals and provides information on available options and resources to meet their family’s individual needs. W-2 works with both custodial parents in a two-parent household and extends services to noncustodial parents when appropriate.
  7. W-2 matches the needs of working parents with the needs of local employers. W-2 families are best served when the skills and interests of W-2 participants are matched with the needs of local employers within the community.