Work First applicants who are not exempt, are required to register for the First Stop Employment Assistance Program with the Employment Security Commission (ESC). Failure to register results in the family’s ineligibility for Work First Family Assistance.

In all counties, individuals with children under age six who demonstrate that necessary child care is not available are also exempt from participation.  Single parents must participate an average of 35 hours per week in approved work activities. The following list is an overview of federally-countable work activities.

• Unsubsidized employment – an unlimited, paid work activity. Employment may occur in any for-profit, non-profit, public, or private setting. Wages earned in this activity are not subsidized.
• Work experience – an unpaid work activity (subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act). Work Experience may occur at any non-profit, public, for-profit, or private organization.  Participation in this activity may provide an intensive training experience, enhance participants’ employability, offer exploration in a new career, or strengthen their existing work history.
• On-the-job training – a subsidized work activity. Each individual county based on the circumstances locally will determine the amount of subsidy. On-the-job training may occur in any non-profit, for profit, public or private setting. Participation in this activity offers the opportunity to learn a new trade, in a supportive environment, while transitioning into a regular, unsubsidized employee status.
• Job search and job readiness – provides skills to enhance overall employability. Participation in this activity includes, but is not limited to, exposure to job-seeking skills, improved job retention, conflict management, substance abuse counseling/treatment, goal-setting, and household budgeting.
• Community service – an unpaid work activity (subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act).  Community service is generally performed in a government or non-profit agency. The length and type of community service is determined locally with required hours set by the court.
• Vocational educational training – a short-term educational activity that leads to preparation for a specific vocation. Likely providers of vocational educational training include, but are not limited to: community colleges, post secondary institutions, and non-profit organizations.  Participation and support in graduate and post-graduate programs is not counted.
• Providing child care for Work First participants in community service – an unpaid work activity. Providing child care to individuals in Community Service must adhere to established rules and statutes. Participation in this activity provides an excellent venue for individuals desiring to open their own, for-profit, child care operation.
• Completing high school or a GED – a traditional educational activity that leads to a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Subsidized employment – an employment opportunity in public, private, for-profit, or not-for-profit situations where the participant’s wage is not paid entirely by the employer. The employment may be subsidized from any source. Counties may include wage supplementation in their plan.
• Job skills training directly related to employment.
• Education directly related to employment.