~ A Few Words of Wisdom ~

Never say "I refuse to work or participate in WEP".
      Instead, express to the worker that you want to work, but explain, as your circumstances demand, that:

• You need appropriate child care.
• You're in school and prefer a work assignment which is near your school or home and fits with your school schedule.
• You have physical or mental health limitations, which you believe require special consideration and/or a medical exemption (see Fact Sheet No. 15 on Proving Your Entitlement to an Exemption from the Work Requirements Because of Your Illness or Disability).

Always be on time and keep any and all appointments, even if you
      have to bring your child(ren) with you.

If you cannot keep an appointment, make sure you call and explain your circumstances. Make sure to document the phone call.

• Be sure and obtain the name of the person you speak with.
• Write down the date, time, telephone number, name of person, and person's response.
• Document your reason for missing the appointment: for example, if you have a doctor's appointment, ask for a note from your doctor stating that you saw him/her on the date in question.

Document EVERYTHING!

        In preventing sanctions, case-closings, and other welfare problems, documentation is critical.

• Keep copies of any and all notices that you receive from Welfare. Never throw anything away, even the envelope!
• Keep a notebook and log in every situation, incident, and conversation you have with a caseworker or other HRA staff member.

  When in doubt, request a fair hearing.

If you feel that an action has been incorrectly or unjustly taken against your case, you should request a fair hearing immediately (see Fact Sheet No. 2 on Requesting a Fair Hearing). Then call the WE CAN Hotline for further legal advice.

WE CAN Help!

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