Employment First
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Employment First is the State of Nebraska's welfare reform program which aims to help families and individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency through job training, education, and employment preparation. Employment First is designed to assist persons through the transition from welfare to the work force.

Self-Sufficiency Contract
Under Employment First, the individual and their case manager jointly develop a self-sufficiency contract. The contract outlines the activities, services and responsibilities of the individual and the State so that the individual can achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Time Limit
Once an individual signs a self-sufficiency contract, the family may receive up to 24 months of financial assistance within a continuous 48-month period.. At the end of the 24 months, the family may continue to receive assistance if there is no job available to the family, the Department has not fulfilled its obligations under the contract, or the termination would result in an extreme hardship for the family.

Transitional Assistance
Once an individual becomes employed and has received cash assistance for at least three out of the last six months, the family is offered continued Medicaid coverage and child care subsidy payments. The Medicaid coverage is available to the family for up to12 months if the family's income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. If the family's income is between 100% and 185% of the federal poverty level, the family may be required to pay a monthly premium that does not exceed 3% of the family income. Child care is available to the family if their income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. The family is required to pay a portion of the child care costs based upon a sliding fee scale; the fee must not be more than 20% of the family income.

Children Born While on Assistance
No additional assistance is paid for children who are born more than 10 calendar months after the date the Self-Sufficiency Contract is signed. However, these children may receive medical assistance, food stamps, and child care