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DIVERSIONARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

CHAPTER 800 TANF MANUAL

7/22 APPENDIX 1 PAGE 3

The Carter family's need for rental and utility assistance meets the diversionary assistance requirement of a crisis or emergency situation which can be solved by short-term aid. However, the family did not have copies of the children's birth certificates at the time of application so the agency was unable to immediately establish relationship and approve the diversionary assistance application.

Mr. Carter returned to the agency on August 11th with the children's birth certificates and the agency was able to establish relationship. Mr. Carter told the agency at that time that his wife had begun caring for a neighbor's child after school and would be making $50 a week through the end of the school year. She was paid $50 for one week of work on August 9th.

Since the agency had not yet approved the diversionary assistance application; and since Mrs. Carter has received income which will be ongoing, the agency must re-determine the family's eligibility for assistance.

Mrs. Carter's monthly income of $215 is less than the $1,622 maximum family income for a family of 5 in a Group III locality and the case passes the maximum income screen. The standard of assistance for a family of 5 in a Group III locality is $811. After the earned income disregards are applied to Mrs. Carter's income, the grant amount is reduced to $806. The maximum diversionary assistance payment is determined by multiplying the grant amount by 4, the number of assistance payments the family could receive in a 4-month period. The actual diversionary payment is the maximum amount, or the eligible needs of the applicant, whichever is less.

Earned Income

$ 215.00 (ongoing income) Standard Deduction for 5

- 209.00 Subtotal

$ 6.00 20% Reduction

- 1.20 Total Grant Reduction

$ 4.80

TANF Payment Amount

$ 806.00 (Group III, SOA for 5 - $811;

$811-$4.80 = $806.20) Diversionary Assistance Period x 4 months Total Diversionary Assistance Amount $3,224.00

Applicant Need

$1,225.00 ($875.00 rent + $350 utilities)

Diversionary Assistance Payment Amount $1,225.00

Example 4:

Mr. Lawrence, a former VIEW participant with 22 months on the 24-month clock, applied for diversionary assistance on March 28th for himself and one child. He had not been working steadily for some time but found what he believes to be secure employment one week before he applied for assistance. He makes $12 an hour and will receive his first paycheck in two weeks. He has been living with friends but has been asked to leave now that he has income. He has located an apartment but needs help in paying the rent and security deposit of $575 each. His situation meets the diversionary assistance requirement of a crisis or emergency situation which can be solved by short-term aid.

TANF Transmittal 74