About WorkFirst
Governor Gregoire knows that “work is the best way to break the cycle of poverty for families.”
WorkFirst is Washington's welfare reform program designed to help low-income families prepare for and go to work. WorkFirst is a partnership between state agencies and communities working together to provide the necessary services and resources families need to be successful.
There have been many changes to the WorkFirst program over the years, but Washington continues to be a leader in providing families what they need to go to work and become self-sufficient. The federal Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 changed many of the requirements of the program. To learn more, visit about DRA changes.
WorkFirst Sustainability Cover Letter and Plan (January 2008)
WorkFirst at a Glance (updated February 2007)
WorkFirst Program History (updated February 2008)
The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Program Briefing Book is your reference guide to our programs, client demographics, caseloads, and expenditures. The book is updated annually and highlights information for each State Fiscal Year (SFY), the period of July through June, and provides you with some historical data as well.
Opportunities Available to WorkFirst Families
- The Comprehensive Evaluation
- Employment Services
- Education & Training Programs
- Community Work Programs
- Limited English Proficient (LEP) Pathway Services
- Child Care
- Child Support
- Support Services
- Career Services Program
For more information on these and other WorkFirst programs, visit the Program Briefing Papers.
Work Pays Chart — Shows how WorkFirst provides an incentive to work by increasing household income as a family makes the transition from welfare to independence.
