About WorkFirst and this Handbook

Revised on: April 15, 2026

WorkFirst is Washington's welfare-to-work strategy supporting families eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and State Family Assistance (SFA) with opportunities to move towards economic stability. WorkFirst provides access to training, other work-related activities and supports which help a family stabilize their circumstances and seek employment.

Program Flow

Every participant’s WorkFirst journey is different. A common flow includes orientation, evaluation, assessment, and activity engagement through development of an Individual Responsibility Plan. From there, participants are engaged in activities with a service partner. Not every participant follows the same path with WorkFirst, as the program provides situation specific supports and activity options, where possible. This handbook has information about every possible stage in the program – including all processes and activity options.

WorkFirst Partnership Model

WorkFirst is supported by a partnership between many organizations within Washington. Each contributes to the program by offering services geared toward their area of expertise.

Community Services Division (part of Department of Social and Health Services’ Economic Services Administration) is the entry point and ongoing contact for WorkFirst participants. Once eligibility is established, CSD works towards engaging the participant in activities, leveraging evaluations and assessments to support their pathway plan.
Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) oversees the Working Connections Child Care and Seasonal Child Care programs, which help eligible families pay for child care, including parents who participate in WorkFirst who are working and/or participating in activities that prepare them for work. DCYF also oversees federal and state funded Home Visiting programming as well Child Welfare (including reunification planning) in Washington.
Employment Security Department assists participants throughout its local WorkSource offices to identify work skills, interests and abilities to determine an appropriate employment pathway. Participants can also access other resources like Job Fairs and Employer forums to increase their chances of making the best possible job connection. Skills strengthening workshops such as Strategies for Success, Success Prep and Financial Capabilities are also available through WorkSource offices.
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges assures that training and other education options are available throughout all of Washington’s community and technical colleges for participants. These colleges offer a range of options that support participants engaging in career pathways leading to economic stability and mobility.
Department of Commerce administers work experience activities to support participants in obtaining employment. This includes Community Jobs, a subsidized employment opportunity, that combines issue resolution with work-based learning to prepare WorkFirst families for employment.
Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (part of DSHS) contracts with providers in specific communities throughout the state to provide employment services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) participants in their primary language and in culturally appropriate ways.
At the local level, all relevant and present partners coordinate services and supports through their specific WorkFirst Local Planning Area partnership to support program coordination and service delivery. For contact info, see LPA Statewide Contact List.

WorkFirst Performance

DSHS measures outcomes for WorkFirst. This information is updated quarterly to assist program staff, administrators, and partners in managing program performance. For the latest information, please see the WorkFirst Performance Measures site. Performance Measures focus on Families and Adults Exiting the WorkFirst program. They include:

WorkFirst Families - Reasons for Exit
Number of WorkFirst Families Exiting due to the Earnings
WorkFirst Participants Employed at Exit
WorkFirst Participants Employment and Earnings, 2nd Quarter after Exit
WorkFirst Participants Employment Retention and Earnings, 4th Quarter after Exit
WorkFirst Participants with program Exits Lasting at Least One Year

This report also provides a breakdown of some of these measures by core partner, service pathway, as well as state-level service referral and enrollment counts.

These measures align with WorkFirst’s general performance goal of reducing returns to TANF by:

Increasing the number of participants in unsubsidized jobs.
Increasing the percentage of participants with earnings.
Increasing the earnings and other income of participants (including child support).

Using the WorkFirst Handbook

WorkFirst program staff within the Community Services Division (CSD) wrote this handbook with support from partners. Revisions to the handbook are tracked by program staff within CSD. To see the latest revisions, refer to the Recent Handbook Revisions page.

Each section of the WorkFirst Handbook may have the following:

A legal reference list at the top of each section.
Clarifying information regarding program policies and practices to support service delivery.
Examples, scenarios, and notes in grayed out boxes to reinforce specific practices.
Policy in Practice sections, which provide a step by step look at how CSD or partner staff support a participant through a given program component or requirement.
A list of resources and cross links to other related sections.

The use of participant and parent/caregiver/individual are interchangeable throughout this handbook.

The use of WorkFirst staff is used interchangeably throughout the WorkFirst Handbook to refer to either CSD Case Planners or Social Service Specialists, as many major program components are supported by both. For situations when a program component is handled solely by the Social Service Specialist, the term Case Manager is used.

eJAS is the case management system which supports the WorkFirst program within Washington. The eJAS WorkFirst Component Codes list is a resource available to staff and partners providing case management and service delivery support. For ease of reference, this list is linked at the bottom of every WorkFirst Handbook section, under “Resources”.

Resources

Related WorkFirst Handbook Sections

WorkFirst Handbook Table of Contents

Other Resources

Recent Handbook Revisions

Over the next year, the WorkFirst Handbook will undergo modernization to improve consistency and flow by removing operational procedures and internal controls. All revisions will continue to be listed here, however, we anticipate that as we navigate these changes, hyperlinks may become broken. We appreciate your patience as we complete this effort.

Recent Handbook Revisions

Contact Sarah Garcia at Sarah.Garcia@dshs.wa.gov for any revisions prior to January 2021.

Date	Chapter/Section	Revision	Description of Revision
4/15/26	All Resource subsections	Inclusion of eJAS WorkFirst Component Codes list (no revision page).	Added the eJAS WorkFirst Component Codes list to every Resource subsection within the Handbook.
4/15/26	About the Handbook, About WorkFirst Handbook (deleted)	About WorkFirst and this Handbook	Combined content of both "About ..." pages into a single page now titled "About WorkFirst and this Handbook" for clarity and ease of use. Updated/removed outdated content.
4/13/26	Disabilities	6.6.9	Updated consent and release of information options
3/19/26	7.1 Education and Training - Overview, 7.3 Basic Education, Skills Enhancement, High School Completion and High School Equivalency, 7.4 Other Education	7.1, 7.3, and 7.4	Clarifies that job skills training may include enrollment in a four-year bachelor's program when paired with 20 hours of core activities.
3/17/26	3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Adds two-parent High Unemployment Rate TLE examples to support clarity in application of policy.
3/10/26	8.5 Voluntary/Court Ordered Community Services	8.5	Removes process for DSHS facilitation of L&I coverage and incorporates updated CSD staffing references.
3/9/26	3.3.2 Stacking Activities	3.3.2	Updates to ensure policy accuracy and clarity, removes redundancy, and incorporates updated CSD staffing references.
2/25/26	6.7 Substance Use Disorder	6.7	Updates appropriate consent form references.
2/23/26	3.2.1 Comprehensive Evaluation	3.2.1	Supports clarity around comprehensive evaluation policy, in alignment with workflows.
1/26/26	2.2 Support Services	2.2	Restructuring section to focus and enhance policy elements, and remove technical procedures.
1/6/26	Disabilities and Exemptions	6.6 and 6.8	Updated language and desk aids related to WorkFirst disabilities and exemptions.
1/6/26	LEP Pathway	5.2	Updated LEP referral pathway flow.
9/24/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Clarified TLE full time self-employment hours using eJAS calculator.
9/19/25	Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1	Updated statewide ESD life skills classes.
8/20/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1.16	Updated reference to CSD procedure when pending TANF for TLE.
7/29/25	Entering NCS Sanction, Ending NCS Sanction	3.5.1, and 3.5.2	Updating text for sanction letters.
6/10/25	Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1	Updated RI from 7-10 days.
5/19/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Corrected letters when requesting additional information for a TLE.
5/16/25	Individual Responsibility Plan	3.3.1.2	Added clarifying information for when IRPs are completed.
4/18/25	Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Extension Reviews	3.6.1 and 3.6.2	Updated to include recent high unemployment and IE/TE/PD exemptions.
3/14/25	WorkFirst Orientation	1.4	Updated for procedures project and staffing terminology.
3/14/25	Required Documentation and Documenting and reporting Participation	1.6 and 3.7.2	Updated for procedures project and staffing terminology, updated redaction policy.
3/14/25	Paid and Unpaid Employment Overview	8.1	Updated for procedures project and staffing terminology.
2/28/25	Tribal Governments	9.1.4	Remove outdated language.
1/31/25	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1.14	Updated PWA language.
1/14/25	Family Violence	6.5	Clarifying language when coding XF actual hrs vs documenting hours.
1/3/25	BFET	5.3	Updating step transitioning from BFET to TANF.
12/12/24	Substance Use Disorder	6.7	Removing reference to sunset form 14-310.
11/21/24	Assessments PWA	6.2.6	Adding link to PWA CSD procedure.
11/1/24	Case Staffings	4.4.3	Clarifying language when case staffings are mandatory.
10/18/24	Support Services	2.2	Removing support service categories; work, safety and other.
10/11/24	Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Extension Reviews	3.6.1 and 3.6.2.6	Updating TLE and SEP process.
9/17/24	Participating While Resolving Issues	6.3.9	Updating criteria for FSC.
9/17/24	Community Jobs	8.3	Updated budgeting to include Family Earnings Disregard and WFPS to Case manger or WorkFirst staff.
9/6/24	Disabilities and Exemptions	6.6 and 6.8	Updating WorkFirst staff references and updating links to updated desk aids.
6/5/24	Career Scope	4.1.13	Updating step-by-step for life skills.
5/31/24	Substance Use Disorder	6.7	Updated WorkFirst staff references.
5/9/24	Time Limit Extensions, Time Limit Reviews, Pregnancy to Employment	3.6.1, 3.6.2, 5.1.19	Updating new infant, toddler and post partum TLE exemptions.
5/03/24	Support Services	2.2	Updating WorkFirst staff references and Resources.
4/30/24	Entering Non-Compliance Sanction (NCS)	3.5.1	Updating WorkFirst staff references.
4/26/24	Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) referral and assessment process	6.2.6	Updating PWA process.
3/25/24	Participation While Resolving Issues	6.3.11	Adding new section 6.3.11 Coordinated Entry.
3/15/24	Support Services	2.2.1	Adding reference to OAR program.
3/7/2024	Participating While Resolving Issues	6.3	Updating language removing for Case Planner and Case Manager, updated FCS language.
3/7/2024	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1	Updating language removing WFPS and updating developing FVSP.
3/7/2024	Time Limit Extension Reviews	3.6.2	Updating language removing WFPS and updating developing FVSP.
2/1/2024	About the Handbook, Comprehensive Evaluation, Pathway Development Tool	About the Handbook, WFHB 3.2.1, WFHB 3.2.3	Updating changes to support transition for WorkFirst reorganization.
1/01/2024	2.1.2 Supports Overview	WFHB 2.1.2	Expanding Transitional Food Assistance to sanctioned families.
11/1/2023	7.2 Vocational Education	WFHB 7.2	Updated HWHD step by step.
10/18/2023	3.6.1.5 What are the time limit extensions categories?	WFHB 3.6.1.5	Update examples of mixed households, ineligible parent and recipient parent.
10/2/2023	6.5.12 What is the Address Confidentiality Program	WFHB 6.5.12	Updates information related address confidentiality program.
9/8/2023	3.6.2.1 Time Limit Extensions	WFHB 3.6.2.1	Updating examples related to no longer qualifying for a TLE.
9/1/2023	3.2.1 Comprehensive Evaluation	WFHB 3.2.1.3, WFHB 1.6.4	Updating partner access note for PDT.
8/8/2023	3.5.1 Entering NCS	WFHB 3.5.1.9	Updating lack of childcare clarification.
8/7/2023	3.5.1 Entering NCS	WFHB 3.5.1.11, 3.5.1.12, 3.5.1.17	Mandatory text on staffing results letter.
7/31/2023	2.2 Support Services	WFHB 2.2.10, 2.2.17, 2.2.18	Updates to remove BOA card process.
7/25/2023	3.6.1Time Limit Extensions	WFHB 3.6.1.16	Clarifying information on letter for individuals that waived TLE notice.
7/21/2023	3.5.1 Entering Non-Compliance Sanction (NCS)	WFHB 3.5.1.10	Adding information related to undefined hardships that would reasonably prevent participation.
6/29/2023	3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions, 3.6.2 Time Limit Reviews	WFHB 3.6.1, WFHB 3.6.2	Removing time limit requirements for ineligible parents.
5/18/2023	6.2 Assessments	WFHB 6.2.2, 6.2.3	Assessments for In Loco Parentis caregivers.
5/1/2023	3.6.1 Time Limit Extensions	WFHB 3.6.1	Updating the new high unemployment TLE and sup approval process.
5/1/2023	3.6.2 Time limit Reviews	WFHB 3.6.2	Updating the new high unemployment TLE and sup approval process.
4/7/2023	2.2 Support Services	WFHB 2.2.11 - 2.2.15	Updating support services, removing Pearson Vue and DOL.
3/30/2023	6.8 WorkFirst Exemptions	WFHB 6.8.1, 6.8.9, 6.8.10, 6.8.11	Updating WorkFirst exemptions and mandatory activities.
2/1/2023	1.2 Required Participation & 6.8 Exemptions	1.2.9. 6.8.8	DVR Referrals.
1/1/2023	2.2 Support Services	2.2.18.3	Support service audits.
12/1/2022	4.1 Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1.12, 4.1.13, 7.3.6	Strategies for Success Update.
12/1/2022	5.1 Pregnancy to Employment	1.4.6, 3.2.1.8, 5.1	Home Visiting Expansion.
11/1/2022	5.2 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway	5.2.4	Update PU from PRUCOL to Lawfully Residing Individuals.
8/9/22	3.2.3 Pathway Development Tool	3.2.3	Clarification on completing the PDT.
6/17/22	1.2 Required Participation	1.2	Updating Sentencing Alternatives …Desk Aid Name.
5/19/22	Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway	5.2	Updated RCA time limit reference from 8 to 12 months.
4/18/22	Children with Special Needs	6.4	Clarification based on staff feedback.
04/11/22	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1, 3.6.2	Extension of Post-Pandemic TLE through 06/30/23.
02/01/22	Ineligible Parent Time Limit	3.6.1, 5.2	Survivors of Certain Crimes.
01/20/22	Support Services	2.2	End of TI and expansion of PETSS statewide, increase of annual support services limit to $5000.
12/10/21	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1, 3.6.2	TLE Supervisory/Designee Review Process Automation.
12/01/21	IE/TE Counter	5.1	IE/TE counter updates, but TE counter not functional.
11/15/21	Personal Pathway Tool	3.1, 3.2.2,	Suspension of the use of the PP tool until further notice.
09/01/21	Pathway Development Tool, Integrated Interview, WorkFirst Reengagement	About the Handbook, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.6.1, 3.6.2, 3.7.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 7.2, 7.3, 9.3	Implementation and launching of the Pathway Development Tool and the Integrated Interview. Return to pre-COVID participation requirements.
07/01/21	Non-Compliance Sanctions	1.2, 1.6.3, 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4, 3.7.2.8, 5.1, 7.6.2, 8.4.2, 9.4.6	Implementation of 2441 effective 07/1/21.
07/01/21	Time Limit Extensions	3.6.1, 3.6.2	Implementation of McKinney-Vento and Post-Pandemic TLE.
03/16/21	Support Services	2.2	Expanding DOL online services statewide & mailing of BOA.
02/02/21	Career Scope Phases and Processes	4.1	Updates to RB Process.
01/05/21	Disabilities (physical, mental & learning disabilities.)	6.6	Updated Medical Evidence Documents (no changes to chapter text).