All Programs

People eligible for assistance from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) programs have the right to receive the correct amount of assistance in a timely manner.

Right to apply -- All customers have the right to apply or reapply at any time for any of the assistance programs offered by the DWS.

Customers who need help from Employment Center staff to complete the application process, including the obtainment of verifications, have the right to that help.

Non-discrimination -- No customer will be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, sex stereotyping or pregnancy), religion, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.

Customers have the right to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Customers have the right to receive proper notice if there is a change in the amount of benefits for which they qualify. DWS must follow specific rules about proper notice to a customer concerning actions being taken on the customer’s case.

Notice must explain in writing what the action (change) will be, the reason for the action, the effective date of the change.

Notices must be in compliance with the rules for proper advance notice. For more information about proper notice see policy 770 .

Customers have the right to an agency conference to talk about their case.

Customers have the right to a review of department decisions through the fair hearing process. For more information about the fair hearing process see policy 125 .

Customers have the right to receive clear information about what programs are offered by DWS.

Customers have the right to certain amount of privacy concerning their circumstances and need for assistance. For more information about safeguarding information and release of information see policy 110 .

Customers have the right to Protection from Unreasonable Search and Seizure. A customer’s home will NOT be entered without the customer’s permission.

For Financial and Child Care, an appointment must be made if the home visit is made after working hours.

For SNAP, an appointment is required for all home visits.

Customers have the right to information about the requirements of programs and their own eligibility and assistance as well as the proofs on which the eligibility decision is based.

Customers can see most of the information in their case files. For more information about releasing information to customers see policy 110-2 .

If a customer needs an interpreter, the DWS will arrange for an interpreter. An interpreter should have fluent ability to understand and speak English and the language of the customer.

Customers have the right to receive information about how to register to vote at DWS offices. All customers will be asked if they wish to register to vote at application, review, and when they report an address change.

DWS will assist customers to complete the forms in the same manner as staff would assist in completing an application for benefits.

At no time will DWS encourage customers not to register to vote, to join a particular political party, or to vote in a particular manner. The decision about registering to vote will not affect the customer’s eligibility for assistance or the amount they will receive.

Family Planning Services -- Customers who request information about family planning services have the right to receive information about the family planning services offered by the State and where those family planning services may be obtained. Whether the customer chooses to receive this information does not affect the level of supportive services they receive.