Recent Updates and Memos for Staff

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.

Latest Policy & Handbook Updates

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

Date

Chapter Title

Chapter Revision

Topic
 5/16/25  Individual Responsibility Plan and Stacking Activities  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 2/28/25  Tribal Governments  9.1.4  Remove outdated language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  WFHB 1.2.9. 6.8.8  DVR Referrals
 1/1/2023  2.2 Support Services  WFHB 2.2.18.3  Support service audits

12/1/2022

4.1 Career Scope Phases and Processes

WFHB 4.1.12, 4.1.13, 7.3.6

Strategies for Success Update

12/1/2022

5.1 Pregnancy to Employment

 

WFHB 1.4.6, 3.2.1.8, 5.1

Home Visiting Expansion

11/1/2022

5.2 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway

WFHB 5.2.4

Update PU from PRUCOL to Lawfully Residing Individuals

8/9/22

3.2.3 Pathway Development Tool

WFHB 3.2.3

Clarification on completing the PDT

6/17/22

1.2 Required Participation

WFHB 1.2

Updating Sentencing Alternatives …

Desk Aid Name

5/19/22

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway

WFHB 5.2

Updated RCA time limit reference from 8 to 12 months.

4/18/22

Children with Special Needs

WFHB 6.4

Clarification based on staff feedback.

04/11/22

Time Limit Extensions

WFHB 3.6.1, 3.6.2

Extension of Post-Pandemic TLE through 06/30/23

02/01/22

Ineligible Parent Time Limit

WFHB 3.6.1, 5.2

Survivors of Certain Crimes

01/20/22

Support Services

WFHB 2.2

End of TI and expansion of PETSS statewide, increase of annual support services limit to $5000

12/10/21

Time Limit Extensions

WFHB 3.6.1, 3.6.2

TLE Supervisory/Designee Review Process Automation

12/01/21

IE/TE Counter

WFHB 5.1

IE/TE counter updates, but TE counter not functional.

11/15/21

Personal Pathway Tool

WFHB 3.1, 3.2.2,

Suspension of the use of the PP tool until further notice

09/01/21

PDT and Integrated Interview

 

WF Reengagement

WFHB 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

WFHB 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

WFHB 3.6.1, 3.6.2

Implementation of 6478 (McKinney-Vento) and Post-Pandemic TLE through 06/30/22

03/16/21

Support Services

WFHB 2.2

Expanding DOL online services statewide & mailing of BOA

02/02/21

Career Scope Phases and Processes

WFHB 4.1

Updates to RB Process

01/05/21

Disabilities (physical, mental & learning disabilities.)

WFHB 6.6

Updated Medical Evidence Documents

(no changes to chapter text)