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DIVERSIONARY ASSISTANCE 801.1 - 801.4 PROGRAM 7/ 17 Page 1

801.1 PURPOSE

The diversionary assistance program was established by HB 2001, passed by the 1995 General Assembly. Authorized by Section 63.2-617 of the Code of Virginia, this program is intended to prevent potential TANF recipients from becoming ongoing TANF recipients. If immediate intervention with short-term aid will resolve a one-time emergency or crisis situation and prevent the need for ongoing TANF, the assistance unit may be granted diversionary assistance.

It is anticipated that the applicant's emergency or crisis situation will be related to basic needs such as food, shelter, medical expenses, child care expenses or the costs associated with getting or keeping employment, including transportation costs. Local agencies shall strive to provide the most cost- effective, appropriate solution to the one-time crisis or emergency situation. (This may include referrals to other community organizations for assistance when the receipt of diversionary assistance will not resolve the situation.)

801.2 SCREENING

The worker must explain the diversionary assistance program to all TANF applicants. The worker must screen all TANF applicants for eligibility for diversionary assistance at the time of application. The applicant will declare if she has a one-time emergency or crisis situation. The worker will determine whether diversionary assistance can resolve it.

801.3 VOLUNTARY

The eligibility worker and the applicant must discuss the appropriateness of diversionary assistance to the applicant's situation. If the applicant meets the eligibility factors for diversionary assistance, he may decide whether or not to receive diversionary assistance rather than TANF. Receipt of diversionary assistance is voluntary. In every case, an Acceptance of Terms of Issuance for Diversionary Assistance must be provided to applicants and a copy retained in the VaCMS Forms History.

801.4 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PERIOD

Local social services agencies must determine eligibility for diversionary assistance within five working days of the receipt of the final verification that substantiates eligibility, or within 30 calendar days following the date of receipt of the signed application, whichever occurs first. If the applicant fails to provide all needed verifications by the 30th calendar day after application, the application will be denied. (Note: When the 30th calendar day falls on a weekend or holiday, the worker must provide a decision on the application on the last working day prior to the 30th day.) The applicant may file a new application for TANF or diversionary assistance at a future date.

TANF Transmittal 62