The Eligibility Process – LaneyWORKs
To ensure program efficiency, compliance and successful student learning outcomes; Laney CalWORKs cordinates with Alameda County DSS and CCC Chancellor’s Office – CalWORKs to determine eligibility and coordinate services, per state, federal & county guidelines. Eligibility is always determined at the beginning of each term (semester). Laney CalWORKs is responsible for determining and tracking student eligibility for all CalWORKs/TANF funded services. Services are coordinated and provided through the campus-based CalWORKs office, and all other collaborating departments on-campus must coordinate with the program administrator to verify a student’s on-going eligibility for services, academic progress, program expenses and data reporting.
Laney CalWORKs can help students meet the “New WTW Rules” that stipulates a 60 month time limit for CORE/ NON-CORE and direct work-related activities; please contact our office TODAY for an appointment. We’re here to help you make a smooth transition from Welfare to Work.
Who Is Eligible:
- TANF/CalWORKs recipients who are receiving cash aid and had or are developing a Welfare-to-Work (WTW) plan that refers them to the college for education and training
- Self-Initiated Participants (SIPs)
- Must be in good standing
- Exempt CalWORKs Recipients (must have an educational plan developed with clear goals for completion)
Who Is Not Eligible:
- Sanction Students
- Sanction Student Policy: If a student has been sanctioned during a semester, services can be provided until the end of the semester; sanction must be cured by the end of the semester to continue for the next semester.
- CalWORKs students who are not receiving cash aid – only their children are receiving cash aid
- CalWORKs students who are not receiving cash aid for themselves, only receiving food stamps
- CalWORKs recipients who have “timed-out” of the welfare system (60-month time limit has been reached) and are no longer eligible to receive cash aid
- Tribal TANF
- Individuals on SSI (not receiving CalWORKs/TANF cash assistance)
What’s Expected of A CalWORKs Student:
- Maintain a 2.00 GPA or “C” average in all their classes
- Meet the 32/35 hour requirement within a county approved program of activities
- Comply with county and CalWORKs guidelines
CalWORKs Assessment Services & County Eligibility
CalWORKs Assessment services are now provided by Alameda Department of Social Services (ACDSS) for all CalWORKs participants who cannot find employment after Job Search. All Alameda County residents receiving aid through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, formerly Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), unless exempt or deferred for just cause, are required to participate in CalWORKs. The program is designed to provide opportunity, choice and support to TANF recipients in their efforts to obtain permanent and unsubsidized employment that is designed to be more than just another government program.
Shortly after orientation and appraisal, a case worker is assigned to each participant. They are assigned to 4 weeks of Job Search, including the following:
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- Job Club/Job Readiness
- Supervised Job Search
- Job Placement
- Job Development
- Employment Counseling
Participants who cannot find employment after Job Search are referred to participate in CalWORKs where assessment and the development of an employment plan (WTW) is designed based on the participant’s abilities, interests, the results of a variety of achievement and interest inventories, work history, and education. An agreement on an appropriate employment plan is made between the Vocational Counselor and participant. It is signed by both parties and the participant returns to his/her assigned case worker for completion of a contract. Upon completion, the participant is then referred to Laney CalWORKs to expedite the “plan.”
