17.5.3  In-Kind Community Service Repayment

JALJob Access Loan recipients can repay up to 75% of the loan through in-kind community service.

FEPFinancial and Employment Planners are responsible for informing JAL applicants that in-kind community service repayment:

• Is available to all JAL recipients;

• Is valued at the higher of federal or state minimum wage; and

• Must be scheduled and reported to the W-2Wisconsin Works agency each month until the loan is paid off or until a new repayment plan is in effect.

JAL recipients are responsible for finding a supervised in-kind service opportunity. Examples of community service include, but are not limited to, volunteering at a:

• Food pantry;

• Senior meal site;

• Habitat for Humanity site;

• Blood drive organization;

• Nonprofit organization;

• Community garden;

• School; and/or

• Church.

JAL recipients who choose to repay a portion of their JAL through in-kind community service are responsible for arranging child care during their volunteer hours. W-2 agencies may not reimburse for expenses incurred for in-kind work, including transportation and child care.

FEPs must remind JAL recipients that missing three payments, including both in-kind community service and cash repayment, will result in loan default and collections. (See 17.5.5)

Documentation of in-kind work received by a local agency must be entered into CARESClient Assistance for Reemployment and Economic Support by PACSThe Public Assistance Collection Section within five days of receipt.

History: Release 24-10.