Work First Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance is designed to assist with families’ sporadic emergency needs, such as a utility cut-off or an eviction notice. All counties are required to operate Emergency Assistance programs.

To be eligible for Emergency Assistance:

• The family must have a child who lives with a relative as defined for Work First Cash Assistance and who meets the age requirement for Work First Cash Assistance.
• Total gross family income must be at 150 percent or 200 percent of the federal poverty level as specified in the County Work First Plan.  
• The caseworker may accept the family’s statement regarding U.S. citizenship unless it is questionable. If in doubt the caseworker may request appropriate verification from the individuals applying for benefits.
• Families must meet the resource limits as defined for Work First Cash Assistance. Caseworkers may accept the family’s statement unless the statement is questionable.
• The applicant(s) must meet all other eligibility requirements for Emergency Assistance that are included in the County Work First Plan to receive benefits.

Benefits provided through Emergency Assistance must not meet the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) definition of assistance. Emergency Assistance is limited to nonrecurring, short-term benefits and is designed to deal with a specific episode of need. It is not intended to meet recurring or ongoing needs and cannot extend beyond four months.