Division of Family and Economic Security, Bureau of Working Families

Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual

14.1 Introduction

W-2W-2Wisconsin Works aims to empower families by increasing total family income through employment and supportive services.

This chapter covers the policies related to W-2 Groups that meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household.

Not all W-2 GroupAn adult custodial parent, all dependent children with respect to whom the individual is a legal custodial parent and all minor children with respect to whom the adult individual’s dependent child is a custodial parent. W-2 Group includes any non-marital co-parent or any spouse of the individual who resides in the same household as the individual and any minor children with respect to whom the spouse or non-marital co-parent is a custodial parent. W-2 Group does not include any person who is receiving cash benefits under a county relief block grant program. This is also referred to as the W-2 Assistance Group (W-2 AG) with two adults qualify as two-parent households for the purposes of W-2.

W-2 has specific policies for two-parent households. To qualify as a two-parent household, both adults in a W-2 Group must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a Custodial Parent (CP)With respect to a dependent child, a parent (see definition of parent) who resides with that child and, if there has been a determination of legal custody with respect to the dependent child, has legal custody of that child with a child in common;

(for example, step parents do not meet the definition of a custodial parent but are considered an Included AdultAn Included Adult is an adult who is included in the W-2 Group, but who is not eligible for a paid employment position. for eligibility purposes)

  1. Reside in the same household with their child(ren);
  2. Meet all W-2 eligibility criteria;

(for example, a custodial parent receiving SSI or a custodial parent who is not a qualified non-citizen are not members of a two-parent household for W-2 purposes because those adults do not meet W-2 nonfinancial eligibility requirements and therefore are "included adults," not eligible adults);

  1. Not be a Disabled AdultAn adult parent who: 1.Is receiving or determined in writing by the granting disability organization as eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Veterans or Black Lung Disability Benefits, Railroad Disability Benefits, Public or Private Employers Disability Benefits (e.g. workers compensation), or 2.Has been determined in writing by a medical, mental health, or other qualified assessment agency/professional to have a disability or incapacitation which prevents the person from temporarily or permanently working full-time in unsubsidized employment. When there is a temporary disability or incapacitation, the W-2 disabled adult definition is applicable only for the documented period of disability or incapacitation provided by a qualified assessment agency/professional.; and
  2. Not be caring for a Severely Disabled ChildA child less than 18-years-old who has a physical, emotional or mental impairment which is diagnosed medically, behaviorally, or psychologically. The impairment is characterized by the need for individually planned and coordinated care, treatment, vocational rehabilitation or other services which has resulted or is likely to result in a substantial limitation on the ability to function in at least three (3) of the following areas: 1. Self-care 2. Receptive and expressive language 3. Learning 4. Mobility 5. Self-direction 6. Capacity for independent living 7. Economic self-sufficiency in the W-2 Group.

If one parent in a W-2 Group with two adults does not meet the W-2 eligibility requirements and is considered an "included adult," the W-2 Group may still be eligible for W-2 services. However, the W-2 Group will not be considered a two-parent household for W-2 purposes.

EXAMPLE: Ineesha and Nate have two children and apply for W-2. Ineesha receives disability benefits and Nate has been unemployed for the last six months. The family meets all other W-2 financial and nonfinancial eligibility requirements. The family is eligible for W-2, and Nate is placed in a CSJ. However, because Ineesha meets the definition of a disabled adult, the W-2 Group is not considered a two-parent household for W-2 purposes. Ineesha cannot be required to participate in W-2 activities.