Many working families are eligible for help with food, health insurance, and child care to support their families and stabilize their employment. Applying for support, though, can be confusing and time intensive, leaving some eligible families without key supports. This brief examines the experiences of clients applying for work supports: what they go through, what they care about, and how experiences differ for different clients. We find that state social service agencies and local social services office can help families access supports by using fast, efficient processes; offering a range of options for how to apply, including online systems; interacting with clients respectfully; and providing clear information on how to apply for and maintain supports.