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Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual |
While the goal for W-2 Two-Parent Households is to increase both parents’ earning capacity, only one parent in a W-2 two-parent household can be placed in a W-2 position at any one time. Because only one parent can be placed, the FEP must determine which parent is “most employable” and place that parent in the appropriate W-2 placement.
Note: The other parent is not required to participate in W-2 activities unless the family receives Wisconsin Shares. (See 14.3)
The “most employable” parent is the parent who is best able to most quickly increase the family’s income by getting and keeping employment. Below are some examples:
· In a W-2 two-parent household where neither parent is working, the FEP must place the parent who is best able to find the highest paying job the quickest.
· In a W-2 two-parent household where one parent is working, the FEP must place the parent who is best able to increase the family’s income the quickest.
· If the parent who is working is unable to increase the family’s income by increasing his or her work hours or wages, the FEP must place the non-working parent.
In situations where one or both of the parents in a W-2 two-parent household are not able to get and keep employment due to a disability that would qualify for SSI, SSDI or other disability benefits, the FEP must place the parent who is best able to most quickly increase the family’s income from either disability benefits or employment.
The FEP determines which parent to place in close consultation with each of the parents by carefully assessing all of the following factors:
· The short and long-term employability of each parent;
· The wages each parent is able to earn based on his or her skills, abilities and the jobs available in the workforce;
· The activities needed to prepare each parent for unsubsidized employment;
· Total family strengths and barriers, including the need for child care and other supportive services; and
· The amount of income a parent who is unable to work due to disability will receive in the foreseeable future from SSI, SSDI or other disability benefits.
The FEP assesses these factors by meeting with each parent in a W-2 two-parent household and by completing an informal assessment of each parent. The FEP must complete the WWP Informal Assessment with each parent at application and at other times as required by the informal assessment policy. (See 5.2) Unless both parents request the WWP Informal Assessment be completed with the other parent present, the WWP Informal Assessment must be completed with each parent separately. An applicant or participant must never be asked to complete the Domestic Abuse Screen while his or her partner is present.
EXAMPLE 1: Kaileigh and Cole Jackson apply for W-2 and meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household. Kaileigh and Cole are both unemployed. In the past, Kaileigh has worked as a waitress and Cole has worked at the local factory on the line. Although Cole has better long-term earning potential, there are not currently any jobs in the area that match his skills. Kaileigh, on the other hand, has many jobs available to her at least part time. Both have barriers to employment but Kaileigh’s are easier to address. With this in mind, the FEP determines Kaileigh is the most employable as she is able to get a job more quickly than Cole. The couple agrees that their best plan is to focus on getting Kaileigh a job as quickly as possible. The FEP places Kaileigh in a CSJ and encourages Cole to volunteer for activities and services.
EXAMPLE 2: Kimberly Hetto and Jason Lee apply for W-2 and meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household. Both parents are unemployed and have significant barriers. Jason has more of a work history than Kimberly but he has an uncooperative attitude and does not do well in his mock interviews conducted by the W-2 agency. The FEP determines that Kimberly is most employable because she is best able to prepare for employment and more motivated to work than Jason. The FEP places Kimberly in a CSJ and encourages Jason to volunteer for activities and services.
EXAMPLE 3: Gerri and Jeff Kast apply for W-2 and meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household. Jeff has significant disabilities that prevent him from working and he wants to apply for SSI. Gerri has worked in the past but she currently has a drinking problem and other barriers to employment. She has not worked for several years. Although Gerri says she wants to work on her drinking and other problems, it will likely take her some time to address her issues and prepare for employment. However Jeff would be able to receive SSI in the foreseeable future. The FEP determines Jeff is most able to most quickly increase the family’s income by getting SSI. The FEP places Jeff in a W-2 T and encourages Gerri to volunteer for activities and services.
EXAMPLE 4: Jim Reed and Brandy Carter apply for W-2 and meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household. Brandy has a verified medical condition limiting her hours of employment to 2 hours per day or less. She currently works 10 hours per week at Goodwill Industries. Jim and Brandy reside with both of their children who are in high school and do not need child care. In the past, Jim has been the family’s primary financial provider. He is currently unemployed and wants to work full-time but has some barriers. The FEP determines that because of Brandy’s medical condition, she is unable to increase her hours or her wages. As a result, Jim is the most employable because, after Jim addresses his barriers, he is best able to increase the family’s income by working full-time. The couple agrees that Jim should try to find a job. The FEP places Jim in a CSJ and encourages Brandy to volunteer for activities and services in addition to her 10 hours working at Goodwill.
EXAMPLE 5: LaKeisha and Marcus Clayton apply for W-2 and meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household. Marcus works 15 hours per week delivering newspapers and LaKeisha is unemployed. Marcus wants to find another job but has not been able to find one on his own due to his criminal record. LaKeisha struggles with depression. As a result, the FEP determines Marcus is the most employable because he is able to increase the family’s income by increasing his hours of work and/or finding a better paying job. The couple agrees that their best plan is for Marcus to get a new better paying job. The FEP places Marcus in a pro-rated CSJ and encourages LaKeisha to volunteer for activities and services.
EXAMPLE 6: Natasha Filbert and Anthony Marques apply for W-2 and meet the definition of a W-2 two-parent household. They have five children. Although Anthony is working full-time, the family still meets financial and nonfinancial eligibility for W-2. Anthony is not able to increase his hours or his wages. Natasha has some barriers but once they are resolved, she is able to work at least part time. The FEP determines Natasha is the best able to increase the family’s income and places Natasha in a CSJ. The FEP encourages Anthony to volunteer for retention services provided by the W-2 agency.
History: Release 19-02.