Jet is a fundamental change in the way families move off welfare and become self-sufficient. Under this approach, local workforce boards, Michigan Works! Agencies, the Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth and Human Services county offices work together to remove barriers to work and connect Michigan families with the kinds of jobs, education and training that lead to long-term self-sufficiency.

JET provides families receiving cash assistance with the following:

• Joint Planning and Service Delivery Coordination: A joint and coordinated planning process between state and local community partners and the client ensures that the needs of clients are being met with all available resources. This process will result in a mutually-agreed upon plan for delivery of employment and training services.
• Comprehensive Intake Process and Orientation: A preliminary determination of the readiness of family independence program (FIP) applicants and recipients to engage more effectively in employment and training service through an initial screening and assessment. Potential barriers to self-sufficiency will be identified and addressed using an on-line standardized screening tool and interview techniques.
• Family Self-Sufficiency Plan: One plan will be developed for each family. It will outline specific services to be provided, explicit action steps for the family and the case manager(s), and expected time frames for completion of self-sufficiency-related actions. The plan will be shared electronically between DHS, MWA, MRS, and contracted service provider staff and updated as needed by the involved partners.
• Family Strengthening Services: The Family Self-Sufficiency Plan will serve as the basic tool for coordinating all family, employment and training services to be provided. It will be essential that enhanced family support and employment and training related services be provided.
• Post-Employment Services and Support: Enhanced post-employment services will be offered for a minimum of 180 days after the initial job placement. Participants will receive services to increase job-retention and long-term compliance with the self-sufficiency plan. There must also be a process for engaging employers in developing strategies to increase employee retention and advancement.
• Creative Ways for Making Work Pay and for Increasing the Financial Stability of the Family
  • Earned Income Disregards: Disregarding the first $200 of earnings plus 20 percent of the remainder will make work pay and provide for increased financial stability by allowing clients to keep more of their earnings.
  • Short Term Family Support: Families that are normally self-sufficient and facing temporary obstacles to continued self-sufficiency may be better served by a one-time, lump sum payment. The amount will be three times the group's monthly FIP grant.
  • Continued Support after Employment: Families continue to receive a cash payment of $10 each month which allows continued eligibility for child care and other supports for up to six months.
  • Sanctions: Clients who fail to participate in any part of the plan will have an opportunity to make their case, but strict sanctions will be imposed for non-compliance. Once a client has been determined to be non-compliant, FIP benefits will be suspended for a minimum of three months and the length of suspensions will increase with each subsequent incident of non-compliance.