Work First

Work First (WF) helps families in temporary financial crisis achieve self-sufficiency through employment and supportive services. The program uses a strengths-based, family-centered approach.

Program Goals:

Job readiness and employment
Child well-being
Economic self-sufficiency
Improved physical and mental health for families

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Work First, families must provide documentation in the following areas:

Eligibility requirement	What's Needed
Identity	Photo ID, Passport or other primary documents
Address/Living With/Living Arrangement	Valid NC driver's license, rental agreement or utility bill
Age	Birth certificate
Kinship	Birth certificate or copy of court order documents
Citizenship/Alien Status	Passport, ID or other primary documents
Social Security Number	Social Security card or Social Security number
Income: Wages, self-employment, public benefits, private retirement benefits, trust, etc.	Pay stubs, verification from employer, tax forms, or award letter or documents from income source
Assets/Resources	Bank records, ownership documents, tax records or court documents

Work First Maximum Allotment

Work First Maximum Allotment Chart

Assistance unit*	maximum benefit payment
1	$181
2	$236
3	$272
4	$297
5	$324
6	$349
7	$373
8	$386
9	$406
10	$430
11	$448
12	$473
13	$496
14	$521

* The assistance unit includes all individuals who live in the home and will receive the benefit. This may include individuals who are temporarily absent from the home.

How to Apply

Submit all required and completed information using one of the options below:

Apply online through NC ePass.
Email your application to workfirst@unioncountync.gov
Fax your applications to 704-296-6148
Mail your application to: Union County Human Services Agency, 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110
Drop off your application in the drop box in front of the Human Services Agency building
Drop off your application at the drive-thru window past the Human Services Agency building entrance

If you have questions, call 704-296-4300.

Work First Cash Assistance
Work First Employment Services
Refugee Cash Assistance

4 young children Who Can Get Help

Primarily for children and families

Parents (biological, adoptive, or stepparents) can apply and receive payments
Other relatives/legal guardians can apply but do not receive payment
Pregnant women without children are not eligible

Child Age Rules

Must be 17 or younger at application
Benefits continue until the month they turn 18
18-year-olds in high school can get benefits until they graduate

Minor Parents (Under 18)

Must stay in school or participate in training/work programs if not finished with high school or GED
Must live with a parent or adult-supervised home approved by the county
Payments go to an adult caregiver, not the minor parent

Child-Only Cases

For children living with relatives or legal guardians other than parents (grandparents, aunts/uncles, or other approved adults)
Relatives or guardians can apply on behalf of the child
Payments go to the child’s family, not the relative or guardian applying