Wyoming's POWER (Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities) program is a key support system for families across the state facing financial difficulties. This program is specially designed to help Wyoming families by not just giving them financial aid, but also by guiding them toward a future where they can stand on their own.

POWER is Wyoming's version of the national TANF program, focusing on job training, education, and building personal responsibility By offering a mix of support, training, and opportunities, POWER shows Wyoming's commitment to helping its people find stable jobs and build a better life for themselves and their families.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for Wyoming's POWER program, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes:

Who Can Apply?

• You must be living in Wyoming and responsible for a child under 18.
• You need to meet citizenship or legal residency requirements.
• Your family's income and resources should be within set limits; for the POWER Caretaker Relative program, only the child's income and resources are considered, not the caretaker's.

Income and Resources:

The amount of POWER benefits you can qualify for depends on how many people are in your family and how much money you make. If someone in your family has a job, not all the money they earn will count against your benefits. Your family can't have more than $5,000 in resources like bank accounts, property that makes money, stocks, or bonds.

Working with the Program:

• If you're part of the POWER program, you have to attend all the meetings and participate in the career activities they set up for you. This might include getting help with resumes, learning about different jobs, planning for short-term and long-term work, improving personal skills, parenting tips, managing your time, getting ready for job interviews, and learning how to budget.
• You might also have the chance to train for a job to improve your skills and help you find work.
• A case manager from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services will work with you to create a Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) to help you find a job or become self-sufficient.

Participation Requirements:

• Just like a job, you need to participate every week to receive benefits. The number of hours you need to participate depends on your family's situation.
• The program includes assessments to figure out your skills and interests, help with solving problems that might be holding you back, keeping time sheets, regular meetings with your case manager, and support with child care and getting to places.
• If you're sick or hurt, the POWER program can still support you with services to help you recover during tough times. This includes therapy, counseling, stress management, and help with budgeting during a crisis.

Wyoming's POWER program is designed to support families in need while encouraging steps toward employment and self-sufficiency.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In Wyoming, POWER program benefits are distributed using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works a lot like a regular debit card. Each month, the program loads the money that families qualify for onto these EBT cards. Then, families can use the card to buy things they need, like groceries and clothes, at stores that take EBT. They can also use the card to withdraw cash from ATMs.

The EBT card system makes it easy and safe for families to access their benefits, ensuring they can efficiently purchase monthly essentials without complications.

POWER Application Instructions

Applying for the Wyoming POWER program is a straightforward process, with a few steps to follow:

Download the Application: Start by downloading the Application for Assistance from the program's website. There's also a Spanish version available if needed.

Contact Your Local DFS Office: Once you've filled out the application, get in touch with your local Department of Family Services (DFS) office to set up an appointment. The staff there will guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you might have.

Call for Assistance: If you need help with the application or have questions, you can call the SNAP/TANF Eligibility Intake line at 307-777-8550 or email snappowerservice@wyo.gov. They're available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm to help.

This process is designed to be accessible, ensuring you can easily apply for the support you need.

The Wyoming POWER program provides financial support and employment assistance to families in need, working to empower them towards self-sufficiency. With a focus on job training, education, and personal development, the program gives participants the necessary tools to secure stable employment and improve their quality of life, reinforcing Wyoming's commitment to strengthening its communities by supporting residents on their path to independence.