JET - Overview

CCJ monitors proposed and implemented policies, participates in state and local workgroups related to education and training, and advocates for access for low-income individuals on cash assistance to education and training programs that help individuals gain access to better paying jobs and self-sufficiency from all public benefits programs.

Current federal law limits the amount of time FIP recipients can use basic education, GED classes, and language proficiency as part of their work requirement.  CCJ is working to expand those limits and to make sure DHS policy reflects the maximum time limits for basic educational skills under federal law.

CCJ continues to advocate at the state and federal level for greater access and more funds for basic education.

Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Program

Families who receive Family Independence Program (“FIP” formerly AFDC) funds must attend the JET program unless deferred as a condition of receiving FIP.  CCJ is working to make sure that clients, including those with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and work skills, are assigned appropriate activities to help clients achieve long term self-sufficiency.

Basic Skills Programs

Basic Education, GED, and language proficiency: low-income individuals often lack basic skills to compete in the marketplace.  CCJ works with local agencies to advocate for better access to basic education so that FIP recipients will not simply cycle in and out of jobs that they do not have the skills to do.

Current Issues and Activities

1. Issues Related to Persons with Disabilities

Access to appropriate assignments for individuals with disabilities. 

CCJ is monitoring the current JET process to ensure that individuals with disabilities are screened and assigned to the appropriate JET activities and not sanctioned.  Some individuals with disabilites or low literacy skills have barriers to understanding the application process and JET assignments.  Often because of these barriers, individuals with disabilities are often more at risk for being sanctioned off FIP. 

CCJ has been a leader in advocating for state policies that will ensure that DHS and the JET Agencies (formerly Michigan Works) screen for, identify, and accommodate persons with disabilities throughout all aspects of the FIP and JET programs.

2. Access to Post-Secondary Education.

Low-income, non-traditional students often have a more difficult time accessing post-secondary education.  These individuals often lack the funds, child care, transportation, computers, and study time to attend post-secondary education.

CCJ is working with the Coalition for Independence Through Education (CFITE) to pilot a “parents as scholars” program in Washtenaw County.  The pilot will be for parents who are currently receiving a FIP grant and who want to go to college.

CCJ is advocating at the state and federal level for polices that allow for greater access to post-secondary education for low-income and non-traditional students.

Analysis and Resources

CFITE Report

Overview to JET program changes (2007)

Achievements

10-10-10 Program - CCJ helped write and advocate for legislative changes that led to the so-called 10-10-10 program which allowed FIP recipients to combine 10 hours each of work, study time and class time to meet their work requirements.  The program was available to those in their last year of a 2 or 4 year program.  CCJ also won provisions that allowed a required internship or clinical program (e.g. student teaching or nursing) to be counted as a work activity.  This program was superseded by the JET program.