1. Why do I have to participate with the Employment Unit? Due to welfare reform legislation, each and every individual who applies for Temporary Assistance is considered to be employable. Therefore, all adult applicants (and teenaged heads of household) must be assessed by the Employment Unit and participate in employment activities.  2. What is Orientation? Orientation is a brief presentation on welfare reform and its impact on our clients. We discuss the differences between the various assistance programs, the employment requirements and supportive services that are available from the agency.  3. What if I miss the Orientation? Then your application will be denied and you will have to reapply. 4. What is this WRAT test I keep hearing about? WRAT stands for Wide Range Achievement Test. It is a brief math and reading skills assessment. The Employment Unit is required to test all adults who apply so that we may ascertain what their math and reading levels are and recommend remedial classes if necessary. The WRAT test is an eligibility requirement at this time.  5. What if I don't have transportation? Lack of transportation does not exempt you from complying with Employment Unit requirements. You are responsible for finding a way to get to your assignments.  6. What if I don't have child care? Lack of child care does not exempt you from complying with Employment Unit requirements. If necessary, the Dept. of Social Services can help you find child care. In certain specific circumstances, the Department can help you pay the cost of such child care.  7. What if I have very young children? If you are applying for Temporary Assistance, you are considered to be employable if your children are more than 3 months old. You are responsible for arranging child care (see #6, above). 8. What if I have disabled children or household members? If you must be available at any time for disabled children or other household members, you must provide verification from a qualified healthcare professional before you will be temporarily released from your obligations to the Employment Unit.  9. What if I am disabled? You must provide verification of your limitations from a qualified healthcare professional. If you cannot provide verification, we will make an appointment for you with the Department's physician.  10. What if I'm in drug or alcohol treatment? Only in-patient treatment exempts you from complying with Employment Unit requirements.  11. I'm a full-time student. Do I still have to go through with these requirements? Yes. Although we do not wish to discourage you from attending school, you must still comply with the Employment Unit in order to receive Temporary Assistance, and that will include Job Search and could include Work Experience assignments. Your Employment workers can discuss the details with you.  12. I'm working part time. Do I still have to comply? Unless you are making a gross income of $154.50 every week (the equivalent of 30 hours per week at $5.15 per hour), you are not exempted from Employment Unit requirements. You will be required to submit your pay stubs or wage records to the Employment Unit on a monthly basis. In addition to your job, you will be expected to be participating in an active job search and you may be required to participate with a Work Experience placement.  13. What happens when I get a job? Will my benefits end? That depends on what type of assistance you are receiving and how much your job pays. If you are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), you are entitled to a 45% income disregard. What this means is that the first 45% of your gross income will not be counted against your grant. Safety Net recipients are not entitled to this income disregard. If you case is closed due to excess income, there are a number of transitional benefits to which you maybe entitled; your Temporary Assistance worker can give you details of these.  14. What are supportive services? Supportive Services refers to the ability of the agency to cover certain employment-related expenses that you might not be able to otherwise afford. In order to be eligible for supportive services, you must be employed and in danger of losing your job, or have a verifiable job offer, or be actively participating in Employment Unit activities. In certain instances, supportive services can be available on an emergency basis to those who qualify for Temporary Assistance, but do not wish to have an ongoing case. Supportive services are also available to those people whose cases have been closed for 90 days or less. Your Employment workers can give you details.