Preparing to Apply

1. Gather all required proof.
2. Make a List of All The Places You Have Worked In The Last 2 Years.
3. Make A List of Any Other Money You Got In The Last 2 Years.
   Examples: Social Security, Rental Income, Money From Selling Things, etc.
4. Make a List of All The Places Your Family Members Have Worked In The Last 2 Years.
5. Make A List of Any Other Money Your Family Members Got In The Last 2 Years.
6. Examples: Social Security, Rental Income, Money From Selling Things, etc.

The Application Appointment

At the appointment, you can expect:

1. To spend one to two hours with a case manager.
2. To answer questions about:
   Your family size
   Your work history
   Your family's work history
3. If you are getting help from other agencies
   Your education
4. Other similar questions

To have the case manager listen to you and make referrals to address your immediate needs.

To be treated with respect by people who are here to help you and your family.

What Happens Next?

If Applicant Was Missing Information:

The applicant and case manager will work together to try and get the missing information. After this information is compiled, and proof is provided, then the application can be completed.

When the Application is Completed with all Proof:

The application is submitted to Quality Assurance "QA" for a review. We have to verify the information, double check that all the math adds up, and that the information is not contradictory.

If questions arise or the quality assurance review requires more proof, the case manager will call the applicant again and try to get the questions answered or to get the proof.

If everything is cleared by "QA," then the applicant will be given an orientation and move on with the program.

Sometimes this process takes 2 weeks, and other times it takes up to 60 days to complete. It mainly depends on whether the applicant has all of the information and proof or if we have to get it from other sources.

If the applicant doesn't get all of the required proof before 60 days after the application was taken, then the application expires. The applicant would have to apply again.

Required Documents for Application

To apply for this program, a farmworker must present the following, and complete an application with one of FTT’s case managers:

Requirement:

Valid Forms of Proof: 

• Legal Permission To Work In The U.S.
  U.S. Citizenship
  Legal Permanent Resident Status
  Legal Temporary Resident Status
• Work Permit
• H2-A Visa
• Social Security Number The Applicant's Original, Valid, Signed Social Security Card
• All Income for Everyone in the Household for the 24 Months Before Applying

Note: More than half the time or income for 12 consecutive months must have been farm work

All Household Income Must Be Verified.

• Check Stubs
• W-2 Forms
• A Letter from the Contractor or Farmer 
• Proof of Family Size

Note: If applying as a dependant of a Farmworker, the applicant must be able to show relationship

• Taxes
• Birth Certificates
• Family Bible

Income Limits

All Income From All Sources For Everyone In The Household In the 12 Month Eligibility Period Must Not Exceed:

Amounts designated in the March 26, 2009 Federal Register for 70% of the Lower Living Standard Income Level.  

Application Process Questions

Who can apply for the Utah Farmworker Program?

Anyone who has a legal right to work in the U.S.  & has worked or is the dependant of someone who has worked in Agriculture in the last 2 years.

How many people in one family can apply for services?

There is no limit. We recommend that all family members apply and go through the program together. It creates a solid support system and helps increase the success of each family member.

How old do you have to be to apply?

16

Is there an age limit for participation?

No.

How long does it take to complete an application?

The application itself takes about 2 hours to complete. But, the application cannot be completed without all of the proof, and that takes as long as the applicant may take to gather the information.

What documentation & proof does an applicant need?

click here for a complete list.

Can FTT waive the requirement for any of the application proof?

No. This is a Federal Program & FTT must follow all laws and regulations for the National Farmworker Jobs Program.

Does a Farmworker's live-in girlfriend or boyfriend count as a dependant?

No.

Do the children of Farmworker's live-in girlfriend or boyfriend count as dependants?

Only if they are related by blood, adopted, fostered, or count as dependants on the Farmworker's taxes.

How many times can someone qualify for Emergency Services?

One time a year. The same person can qualify for emergency services two years in a row, but if they apply a third year, they will be required to participate in Training Services if they want services. 

How long does it take to process an application before an applicant can get services?

After all of the application is completed, all proof provided, and any requested information is gathered, it may take as long as 2 weeks to process before financial services are possible.

Agriculture Related Questions

Is the Utah Farmworker Program trying to "steal" the agriculture labor force?

No. We help the agriculture labor force in 2 ways:

• We help stabilize emergencies and other situations to ensure that our Farmworkers are able to continue working in agriculture; and
• We provide training services to help improve  productivity, safety, and the quality of workers.

What kinds of training have been provided for Farmworkers wanting to stay in Agriculture?

• EPA Required Pesticide Safety Training
• English Tutoring
• OSHA Forklift Certifications
• Commercial Driver's Licenses
• Basic Computers & Spreadsheets - one of our clients now makes spreadsheets to track employee hours, crops harvested, etc.

What other kinds of training can be done for Agriculture work?

It all depends on the needs of the industry, farms or farmers. We can pay for training in any number of areas, some examples: 

• Animal Husbandry
• Diesel Mechanic
• Machine Operator
• Farm Equipment Safety
• Heavy Equipment Operator - Track-hoe, Back-hoe, etc.
• Pesticide Applicator
• Farmedic

Can H2A Workers get help through the program?

Yes. Qualifying H2A workers can get emergency services: assistance with clothes, shoes, blankets, food, etc. 

Why are there non-agriculture training options for Farmworkers?

We are funded through the US Department of Labor, and the priority is to ensure that our workforce has year-round, permanent employment. In Utah, livestock  and dairy production tend to be year round, but most crop production is seasonal. Our farmworkers need training to make sure they can do other jobs during the winter. Most commonly, our clients that get jobs outside of agriculture work a permanent job year round, and also work in agriculture during the season.

Training Related Questions

Are there trainings that are required for all clients?

Yes:

1. WPS Pesticide Safety Training, Food Handler's Permit or CPR Certification
2. Basic Computer Training
3. English Tutoring (If not a fluent English speaker)
4. Job Search Skills Training

What other kinds of training are available?

It depends on the desires of the client, the job market for his/her "dream job."  Some examples of training we have helped with include: 

• Computer Training - one client learned basic computer skills and then went on to get more training on making spreadsheets. Now, he uses spreadsheets to track other farmworkers' hours, crop production, and other things for the farm. Another continued to learn more computer skills and now works in a medical clinic. 
• Commercial Drivers License - Many clients have completed CDL training. One uses his for work on a dairy, another works as a long-haul truck driver, and another got a job as a bus driver for a Migrant Head Start.
• Office Work Experience - Several clients have done unpaid internships in FTT and other non-profit offices. Some of our clients have gotten office jobs at places ranging from a Migrant Clinic to the State Tax Commission.
• OSHA Forklift Certification - This is the most popular training, and many of our clients have used their certifications to improve their agriculture jobs, as well as to get jobs in warehouses and factories.
• Entrepreneurial - Two clients have completed training on tax law, business plans, record keeping, marketing, etc. and have created their own businesses: 1 housekeeping business, and 1 internet-based portrait business.

How long can someone be in training with this program?

Depending on the training - anywhere from 3 weeks to 9 months.

Immigration Questions

Is there a difference between an "Immigrant" and a "Migrant?"

YES! An "Immigrant" is someone who moves from one country to another. A "Migrant" worker moves from one place to another following the work; migrating to work in their field. Migrant workers are unable to return "home" every night. Many Migrant workers are Immigrants, but many other Migrant workers are born and raised U.S. citizens. Migrant status is about the work and NOT immigration status.

Is the Utah Farmworker Program a program for immigrants?

This program is to help people who work in agriculture. Applicants must have a legal right to work in the U.S., and that includes U.S. Natives, Citizens and Legal Immigrants.

Can the Documented Dependant of an Undocumented Farmworker apply for the program?

Yes. Only the applicant needs to have a legal right in the U.S.

Do Undocumented family members count in the number of household members for program eligibility?

Yes. Everyone counts.

Does the income of Undocumented family members count in the household income for program eligibility?

Yes. All income from all members of the household counts.

What can this program do for Undocumented Immigrants?

We work with the Utah Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Coalition to ensure that Farmworkers with emergencies will have access to assistance. This program provides referral services regardless of immigration status.

Can FTT staff give immigration advice?

No. We do not have any lawyers on staff, and we are not qualified to give legal advice.

Does FTT report people to Immigration?

No. We are a service agency and we have no dealings with ICE or any other governmental Immigration Agency.

Workforce Investment Act

Workforce Investment Act of 1998

Public Law 105-220

The Utah Farmworker Program is part of  the National Farmworker Jobs Program (Section 167)

Uniform Administrative Requirements

   29 CFR Part 95 

Cost Principles

   OMB Circular A-122

   48 CFR Part 31

Other Requirements

   29 CFR Part 96 & 99 - Single Audit Act 

   29 CFR Part 93 - Lobbying Certification

   29 CFR Part 37 - Nondiscrimination & Equal Opportunity Requirements

   29 CFR Part 98, Debarment & Supervision; Drug Free Workplace

   20 CFR Part 652 et al Workforce Investment Act

   Wagner-Peyser Act

Federal Links  

• US Department of Labor - ETA Services to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
• US Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration
• Income Guidelines for 2009

Utah Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Coalition Links

Education

• Utah State Office of Education - Migrant Education 
• Centro de la Familia de Utah - Migrant Head Start Centers
• Ogden-Weber Applied Tech College

Health

• Utah Poison Control Center  1-800-222-1222
• Pregnancy Risk Line
• Clinica de Buena Salud
• Community Health Centers 
• Community Health Connect
• Utah Department of Health - Baby Watch Early Intervention Program

Legal

• Utah Legal Services - Migrant Farmworker Program  

Agriculture

• USDA - Utah Office
• Utah State Department of Agriculture - Pesticide Safety Program
• Utah State Department of Agriculture -Pesticide Applicator
• Utah Farm Bureau - Farm Safety and Rural Health Program 

Other

• Utah Labor Commission - Workplace Safety Program
• Utah Labor Commission - Occupational Safety & Health
• Utah Health & Human Rights Project

National Links

The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs

Other Agencies with the National Farmworker Jobs Program Throughout the United States

National Center for Farmworker Health

Migrant Clinicians Network