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Date of Last Review: 10/18/2023 Effective Date: 11/01/2023 Date of Next Review: 10/18/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 1 of 5 Families First Work Diversion Payments Policy 23.23 Effective: November 1, 2023 Introduction The Tennessee Department of Human Services shall provide a Diversion payment option to Families First eligible assistance units who are experiencing an immediate and compelling financial need. Scope The purpose of this policy is to outline the process for allowing eligible assistance units the opportunity to request a lump sum Diversion payment in exchange for Families First benefits, thus reducing their reliance on monthly Families First payments. Policy Diversion Payment Requirements 1. Must address an immediate and compelling financial need that will help an applicant secure or maintain employment. 2. Are only available to eligible Families First assistance units (AUs). 3. Can be more than once in a lifetime. 4. Are based on the monthly Families First benefit according to AU size. 5. Will range from one (1) to twelve (12) months of temporary cash assistance depending on the determination of the AU’s immediate and compelling financial need. 6. Will count towards the AU's sixty (60) month lifetime limit as outlined in policy 23.21 Families First Time Limits. 7. Will not cover the same type of immediate need met by a previous Diversion payment, unless it is determined, beyond doubt that the applicant has a new and verified emergency. 8. During the months of assistance covered by the Diversion payment, the AU is ineligible for another Diversion payment or Families First cash benefits. There is no early re-entry after Diversion issuance.