Family Employment Program

The Family Employment Program (FEP) provides financial assistance and employment services to all eligible parents with dependent children residing in their home. The purpose of the Family Employment Program is to empower families to increase their income and become financially independent through employment, child support, and/or disability benefits. Every parent works with a case manager to develop an employment plan that outlines appropriate activities to help the parent meet the goal of financial independence. In order to remain eligible to receive financial assistance a parent must participate in the activities outlined in their employment plan. Child care services are provided to all Family Employment Program (FEP) participants who need the service to participate. Families can also apply for and receive medical and food stamp assistance at the same time they receive cash assistance.

Financial assistance is time limited for most families. Parents can only receive cash payments for up to 36 months over their lifetime. Any cash payments received are counted towards the 36 months time limit. Additional months may be approved if the parent meets specific criteria for extension. A parent who has a history of working or who is certified as medically unable to work may qualify for additional months of Family Employment Program (FEP) assistance. The time limit does not apply when all parents in the household receive SSI or when assistance is being provided to children living with a relative other than their parent not included on the financial assistance case.

Who is Eligible for FEP?

In order to be eligible for the Family Employment Program, an individual must be a parent with dependent children residing in their home. Individuals must be willing to participate in the employment planning and must pass a gross and net income "test". Only individuals who meet this level of poverty will qualify for assistance in the Family Employment Program (FEP). The chart below gives general guidelines for who may be eligible for Family Employment Program assistance. Participants can receive an additional $40 per month if they are involved in full time training, education or employment at the expected level of participation of 34 hours or more a week.

• Deductions: first $100 of income is not counted. Then 50% of remaining income is not counted.
• Asset Limit: $2,000 per household. $8,000 equity value allowed on first car. One car exempt if disabled
• Other Benefits: Child care assistance when participating satisfactorily in an employment plan .

Contact your nearest Employment Center