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TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

3 Key changes implemented in W-2 Contracts beginning with 2013 include: • Payments are structured to incentivize W-2 Contractors to prepare and place participants in sustainable jobs. • Contractors are paid for specific outcomes, as well as for allowable costs. • Longer contracts between DCF and W-2 Contractors create sustainable and stable long- term program outcomes and strengthen contract relationships. • Management and oversight of participant cash payments are administered directly by DCF so W-2 Contractors can focus on job activities without the fear of liability for cash payments. • DCF divided the state into ten geographical areas: four geographical areas in Milwaukee County, and six geographical areas in the Balance of State (BOS). These larger service areas for W-2 Contractors have been established to achieve economies of scale in operations and more cost-effective and efficient program administration.

In 2018, DCF identified funding for BOS W-2 Contractors to fund a 1.0 full time equivalent for a W-2 Child Support Liaison position, responsible for creating direct communication, coordination, and cooperation between the W-2 agencies and the local Child Support agencies with the goal of ensuring that low-income noncustodial parents receive the services they need to find work and support their children. A W-2 Child Support Liaison position was added for the four W-2 Contractors in Milwaukee in 2019. The 2013-2025 W-2 Contractors for each geographical area are: • Ross Innovative Employment Solutions in Milwaukee Northern area; • UMOS, Inc. in Milwaukee Southern area; • America Works of Wisconsin, Inc. in Milwaukee East Central area; • MAXIMUS Human Services, Inc. in Milwaukee West Central area; • Equus Workforce Solutions in BOS Southeast area; • Forward Service Corporation in BOS Southwest area; • Forward Service Corporation in BOS Northeast area; • Forward Service Corporation in BOS North Central area; • Workforce Resource, Inc. in BOS Northwest area; and • Workforce Connections, Inc. in BOS Western area.

W-2 Program Goals and Assumptions The primary goals of the W-2 program are to: help eligible parents prepare for, obtain, and keep unsubsidized employment; help parents provide for their families; and become self- sufficient members of the community in which they live. For eligible parents who cannot work for a long period of time due to significant disability, the W-2 program helps the parents apply for and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

W-2 policies are guided by the following basic assumptions: • Work is the best way for parents to support their families. • Family income should improve when parents work. • Consistent work is essential for parents to achieve economic stability. • W-2-eligible participants are parents as well as job seekers. • Eligible parents must be willing to participate in work or work-like activities in exchange for W-2 payments.