the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Pregnant women not eligible for Medicaid may be eligible for CHIP coverage of prenatal care, as well aslabor and delivery services, if <strong>the</strong>y meet eligibility criteria. You can do an eligibility screening or apply online at www.chipmedicaid.org. You can apply over <strong>the</strong> phone by calling toll free to 1-877-543-7669.Women, Infants and Children (WIC):WIC is a program providing nutrition education, food, formula and o<strong>the</strong>r services for low-incomepregnant women, new mo<strong>the</strong>rs, infants and children under five. WIC clients receive vouchers for certainfood items <strong>the</strong>y can use at grocery stores throughout <strong>the</strong> state. Food packages vary depending on <strong>the</strong>needs of <strong>the</strong> client, but may include infant formula, milk, cheese, cereal, juice, eggs, peanut butter andbeans. Call <strong>the</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> WIC Program at 1-800-942-3678 for local WIC clinic locations. Visit http://txhealth.ziplocator.com/ to locate <strong>the</strong> nearest WIC clinic.Child SupportInformation about accessing child support was covered in some detail in Chapter 3.Parents may apply to receive child support through <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>the</strong> Attorney General. In some cases,survivors may apply to <strong>the</strong> OAG for child support enforcement to receive payments already ordered in adivorce, child custody suit or Protective Order. Visit www.getchildsupportsafely.org for information written to help survivors safely navigate <strong>the</strong>child support system.<strong>Texas</strong> Workforce Commission (TWC)TWC offers career development information, job search resources, training programs and unemploymentbenefits.Workforce Solutions Offices: Job search support and career development services are available through<strong>the</strong> Workforce Solutions Offices.Workforce Solutions Offices also administer additional support services and program for those whoqualify:Choices (TANF Employment and Training Program)Choices are a mandatory program for adult TANF recipients unless <strong>the</strong>y are exempted for Good Cause oro<strong>the</strong>r reasons. Choices may be able to provide childcare and transportation assistance as well as o<strong>the</strong>rwork-related support to participants.Workforce Investment Act (WIA)WIA is an employment support and training program that can provide job search assistance, job training,childcare and transportation assistance, as well as o<strong>the</strong>r work-related support to those who qualify.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE38 | P a g e