Most eligible welfare leavers do not receive it. Recipients do not know they are eligible. Most child care through ACD is licensed or regulated. Welfare recipients or applications are not referred here. Families who know about this program and apply are put on a waiting list with all low-income working families.
Waits can be several months to a year or more depending on location and child's age.
Food Stamps Food Stamps can significantly improve a working poor family's ability to purchase food. In fact, a family of four with a full-time minimum wage worker can be lifted above the poverty line through the combination of earnings, Food Stamps and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Once a welfare case is closed, Food Stamps stop. Welfare leavers who think they may be eligible must apply at a separate office, resubmitting information and documents already verified by the City. The process is lengthy and often requires return visits.