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NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance- TA and SNAP Employment Policy Manual

Section 385.4 – Page 6

Rev. 4/2025 • TA recipient with a child who needs protection because parent/caretaker is physically or mentally incapacitated or has family duties requiring their absence from home; • A parent/caretaker who is at risk of becoming dependent on TA to be engaged in work; • A family experiencing homelessness to seek housing and seek employment, be engaged in work, attend educational/vocational activities, or participate in counseling services programs. c.) District option, if included in Child and Family Services Plan and funds are available, to a family receiving TA or one that has income of up to 200% of the State income standard and needs childcare for a child under 13, or a child 13 years old or older who has special needs or is under court supervision, for the following reasons (the district's selected options can be viewed at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/plans, see 18 NYCRR 415.2 for complete list): • Parent/caretaker to attend substance abuse treatment program(s); • TA recipient to participate in a work activity in addition to another required activity; • TA family when child care services are necessary for a sanctioned parent or caretaker relative to participate in unsubsidized employment; • In an emergency situation of short duration; • Family with income up to 200% of the State income standard is seeking employment or participating in educational or vocational activities (no more than 4-year post-secondary). Note: While this section of the regulations authorizes dependent care as a supportive service, dependent care payments are funded through the Child Care Development Block Grant. Please refer to Office of Children and Family Services regulations at 18 NYCRR section 415 for policy on provision of dependent care. Contact the Division of Child Care Services at 518-474-9454 for information and guidance. Diversion Payments Diversion is the actions that a district takes to assist an applicant in finding ways to meet their needs without receiving ongoing TA benefits. Districts screen applicants to see if they can be diverted from receiving ongoing cash assistance by helping them identify other services and resources that might be available. Available services and resources include programs, such as, SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, Women's, Infants and Children (WIC), Child Care Assistance and State and local employment services. In addition, districts can utilize community resources such as food pantries, charitable organizations, family and friends. When community resources are