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Diversion Component This initiative provides funds to certain eligible families to meet a specific crisis situation or episode of need that is intended to eliminate a family’s need for ongoing cash assistance. To be eligible for a diversion benefit the applicant family must meet income/resource requirements and definitive conditions (minor child, specified relative and deprivation) for receipt of TANF. The Diversion component provides a one-time non-assistance payment to eligible families. The adult in the family must have an expectation of receiving income and must have a recent work history or job skills training. A recent work history is defined as having worked within the 90-day period immediately preceding the date of application, or within 180 days of the date of application in areas qualified as waived areas for time limited SNAP benefits. The Diversion payment is equal to the FSA for one, two or a maximum of three months, depending upon a family’s need. A family will be eligible for only one payment in a 12-month period. Examples of a crisis situation or episode of need are:  The threat of homelessness, eviction, or utility shut off.  Employment, school, or training related needs.  Car repairs, inspections, payments, insurance premium payments and other transportation cost.  Costs to relocate to secure employment.  Child care costs. This initiative meets TANF purpose number one, which is to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives and number two, to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. This initiative is funded with 100 percent federal funds. TANF Catastrophic Emergency Contingency Plan TANF eligibility procedures during a catastrophic emergency due to a public health emergency or natural disaster may be modified while maintaining compliance with existing federal TANF requirements. Procedural modifications may be required to provide access to and avoid loss of eligibility for benefits during an emergency crisis that places limits or restrictions on an individual’s ability to interact with the Department. The Department’s response to the 2020 coronavirus public health pandemic identified several areas within our procedural processes that become barriers to establishing and maintaining eligibility. The Department may implement some or all the measures below in the event of a public health emergency or natural disaster.