Workfare for People with ABAWD Designation

This page outlines general information regarding Washington’s workfare activity for people identified as ABAWD customers and what the participation requirements are in order to maintain eligibility for Basic Food assistance. 
 
Topics: 

What are the ABAWD requirements?

If you are person designated as ABAWD and you live in a non-exempt area, you will only receive three months of Basic Food benefits unless you do one or more of the following:

  • Work at least 20 hours per week averaged monthly (80 hours per month).
  • Volunteer in the community through Workfare monthly (the number of volunteer hours is determined based on the benefit amount divided by state or local city minimum wage).
  • Participate in state-approved employment or training programs. Please see a list of approved programs. This page will be updated as new programs are added. 

What is Workfare? 

Workfare is an opportunity to meet participation requirements by volunteering with a contracted agency or nonprofit. Some main points of Workfare are: 

  • Workfare sites are only in the counties with ABAWD participation requirements.
  • Workfare host agencies are nonprofit organizations, religious organizations or existing employment and training providers contracted with DSHS.
  • Workfare sites allow people to work under supervision and direction to gain valuable work experience and meet work requirements.
  • Workfare sites do not place participants on an assignment that is a result of a labor dispute.
  • Workfare provides a safe working environment free of health and safety hazards. 

What will Workfare participants do?

The workfare agency site determines and communicates with DSHS on the type of activities a client can participate in. Upon referring customers to Workfare sites, DSHS will review the general scope of duties and consider the customer's current skills and work history. Workfare sites may have additional requirements such as getting a background check. In consideration of these referrals, activities should be geared to enhance participants' skills, whether it’s customer service, warehouse/logistics, food distribution, etc.

 

If you are a customer who would like to participate in workfare, please contact the Customer Contact Center at 877-501-2233.
Please not contact the agency until you have a referral.

 

List of  available ABAWD Workfare worksites:

Includes the number of placements available at each site.

County

Organization

Number of Sites

King

Evergreen Goodwill of NW WA

1

King

University District Service League

3

King

Human Link DBA 21 Acres 

1

King

Family Law CASA

1

King

Aurora Commons

2

King

Books to Prisoners

1

King

Weed Warriors

1

King

Food Lifeline

1

King

Seattle Mennonite Church

3

King

Earth Corps

Vary

Workfare Providers           

Why should an organization apply to be a Workfare host agency?

Workfare sites provide a meaningful work experience for a participant and improve their employment prospects. Sites can ensure a participant can regain or maintain their Basic Food benefits and gain additional volunteers and increase the capacity of your organization.

What are the steps for becoming a Workfare host agency?

  1. Send an inquiry to ABAWD@dshs.wa.gov.
  2. Provide required contract documents and information about the volunteer opportunities you can provide customers.
  3. Execute a contract.

After the contract is executed:

  • Begin accepting referred customers as volunteers.
  • Verify participation and contact DSHS for any customer mediation as needed.
  • Respond to monitoring questionnaire as required by the contract.

If you are interested in becoming a Workfare activity provider, please contact us at: