Work First is designed to establish and maintain a connection to the labor market for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, Non-Custodial Parents (NCPs), and recipients of non-cash assistance such as Child Day Care, Medicaid, and Food Stamps. To make this connection, participants are placed into employment and occupationally relevant education and training programs.

Description
The 25 local Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) operate the Work First Programs throughout the state. The funds allocated to the MWAs for Work First Programs are used to provide job search services, education and training programs, and employment-related supportive services such as transportation allowances, uniforms, tools, and automobile repairs.

Eligibility
Eligible individuals include those receiving Family Independence Program cash assistance, non-cash assistance (Child Day Care, Food Stamps or Medicaid) or NCPs who are referred by the Friend of the Court who have child support arrearages or who are in imminent danger of becoming in arrears on their child support payments due to the lack of employment or being underemployed.

Procedure
The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) distributes federal TANF funds to the 25 local MWAs for use in the operation of their Work First Programs. The local MWAs must submit annual plans to the MDCD for approval. Funds are allocated on an annual basis starting in October of each year. Additional funding is also distributed for special projects, such as performance-based incentive awards and transportation initiatives.

Additional Information
For general information, contact Michigan Works! at 1-800-285-WORKS (9675) or the local MWA. For technical program questions, contact:

Department of Labor & Economic Growth
Office of Workforce Development
201 N. Washington Square, 5th Floor
Lansing, Michigan 48913
Telephone: (517) 335-5858
FAX: (517) 335-5945