Work First
North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is based on the premise that parents have a responsibility to support themselves and their children
- Agency
- North Carolina Division of Social Services
- Type
- State Resource
- Phone
- 919.560.8815
- Application Period
- Income Limit
North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is based on the premise that parents have a responsibility to support themselves and their children.
North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is based on the premise that parents have a responsibility to support themselves and their children.
Images & PDFs
Work First North Carolina
An overview of the Work First program in North Carolina, which provides short-term assistance and employment services to low-income families.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Addressing Stigma: The Work First Approach
9/10/2020 | Coverage: state
This report discusses the social stigma surrounding welfare programs and how the Work First initiative actively works to mitigate these perceptions.
Source: NC Justice Center
Coverage Area: state
Economic Impact of Rising Costs and the Need for Work First Assistance
3/22/2022 | Coverage: national
This report details how rising costs of living in the U.S. necessitate government assistance programs like Work First to help families cope.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Coverage Area: national
Work First and Economic Resilience: Building Strong Communities
1/18/2023 | Coverage: national
This research illustrates how the Work First program not only assists individuals but also strengthens community economies.
Source: United Way
Coverage Area: national
Work First Program: An Evaluation of Impact on Participants
6/15/2021 | Coverage: state
This evaluation highlights the effectiveness of the Work First program in improving participants' employment outcomes and overall financial stability.
Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Coverage Area: state
Program Timeline
COVID-19 Response Legislation
3/1/2020Emergency legislation passed to adapt Work First requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing more flexibility for recipients.
Change in Work Requirement Regulations
7/1/2013Revisions to the work requirements for TANF recipients, making it more stringent to qualify for assistance.
Work First Program Expansion
1/1/2001Expansion of the Work First program to include additional support services and training programs to help participants secure employment.
Implementation of TANF
8/22/1996North Carolina implements the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, replacing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.
FAQ
The Work First program in North Carolina provides temporary financial assistance and support services to families in need, helping them to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. The program is designed to promote work and ensure that families can access the resources they need to become financially independent.
The Work First program offers a range of support services aimed at helping families secure employment. These services include job training, transportation assistance, child care assistance, and educational resources. The goal is to help participants gain the skills and support they need to achieve and maintain employment.
Reference: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/work-first-north-carolina/services
To be eligible for Work First benefits in North Carolina, applicants must meet several criteria including having dependent children, being a resident of North Carolina, and having a household income below the state's guidelines. Additional factors may also be considered, such as citizenship status and participation in employment-related activities.
If you're considering applying for Work First benefits, make sure to check the following eligibility criteria:
- Have dependent children under the age of 18
- Meet the income guidelines established by the state
- Be a resident of North Carolina
- Participate in employment-related activities
Ensuring that you meet these criteria can streamline your application process.
Here are some action items to prepare for your Work First application:
- Gather necessary documents such as identification and income statements
- Complete the application form available on the NC DHHS website
- Schedule an appointment with your local Work First office
- Prepare to discuss your employment history and future job plans
Completing these steps will help you to be better prepared for the application process.
Reference: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/work-first-north-carolina/eligibility-requirements
Eligibility requirements are subject to change; please refer to the official state resources for the most current information.
