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 Updated/removed outdated content. 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).