Poor not applying for W-2 cash benefits

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new state report shows thousands of poor families haven't applied for cash benefits from Wisconsin Works because they don't know about the program.

Investigators with the Department of Children and Families found that over 14,000 families who had dependent children in October 2009 and no income received food stamps, but did not get cash payments through Wisconsin Works.

The study, completed in December, analyzed written surveys and conducted telephone interviews.

Some people said they were told they wouldn't be eligible, even though staff wouldn't know their status until they applied. Three said they were told the program wasn't in their area, but it exists statewide.

The department began addressing some of the problems before the report was finished, said department spokeswoman Erika Monroe-Kane.

She says front-line workers and supervisors are receiving new training.