What is the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) Program?
The MWA program helps Temporary Assistance recipients become ready for a job, get real work experience, find employment, and keep a job. MWA services are provided through community agencies in 10 regions and the City of St. Louis. The MWA program will help you complete an Individual Employment Plan (IEP), which is your personalized roadmap to help you earn money to care for your family on your own. The goal of the program is to help you find and keep employment.
Once you have your plan, MWA can help you:
- Pay for short-term training and certifications
- Create or update your resume
- Decide on your goals and a career pathway
- Get real work experience
- Connect you with employers
- Connect with resources such as childcare and housing assistance
- Buy clothing, books, supplies, or tools required for a training or a job
- Pay for minor car repairs to help you get to training or work
The MWA program is funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant.
Who must participate in MWA?
Temporary Assistance (TA) recipients age 18 or older and teen parents under 18 are required* to participate in the MWA program. Your TA benefits will be cut in half and then stopped if you do not participate in work activities.
*This provision is subject to good cause exemptions on a limited basis.
How do I get started?
To see what MWA services are available to you, contact your local MWA office.
More Information
- Missouri Work Assistance FAQs
- MWA Success Stories
- Learn more about your rights
- Voter Registration Form
- MWA Employment and Training Opportunities video (English) (Spanish)