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Education and Welfare
Just Harvest’s Welfare Justice Project believes that education should count as a work activity and we currently have a campaign that is working on making the state count education as a work activity. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved with this campaign, contact Just Harvest at (412) 431-8960 and ask for Rochelle.
Can I use education to meet the work activity requirements?
- If you are a parent under age 22, you can meet the work activity requirements by being in high school or in a GED program for your first 24 months on welfare as a head of household.
- If you are older than 22, you can use education to meet the work requirement for only 12 months. After 12 months on assistance, you have to do some work activity (the law does not say how many hours), and you cannot use education to count for that. After 24 months, you have to do 20 hours of work a week, and education does not count for work.
You can still be in school or training at any time, even if it can’t count as your work activity.
Just Harvest's Welfare Justice Project is working to try to make education count as a work activity for longer.
Education and your Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR)
- Make sure that your educational plans are written in your AMR the way you want them.
- Also make sure your AMR says welfare will help you pursue your education by taking care of your childcare needs.
The welfare office may make it difficult for you to get childcare to go to school or training. Be persistent!
Don’t give up!
Caseworkers may discourage you from pursuing education as your chosen path to a better life. They may tell you that you will be better off going after a job as quickly as you can, instead of spending time in class. These are things you should consider. The time limits are real and you will need to get a job sooner or later.
| TIP: If you believe you will get a better job and have a brighter future if you continue your education as long as possible, be persistent in demanding the help you need to continue with your education or training program. |
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