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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 1

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 109 Chapter 1 Application/Redetermination Process

1.5.18 DIVERSIONARY CASH ASSISTANCE (DCA) DCA is a payment method available only to WV WORKS applicants. This method allows a maximum lump sum benefit of an amount equal to the maximum WV WORKS benefit amount, based on family size, multiplied by three. The amount of the DCA payment is based on need and is not automatically issued at the maximum amount. The household becomes ineligible for WV WORKS for three months, regardless of the amount of payment issued. DCA is available to an applicant at the Worker’s discretion only. It is not a program for which the client applies and is found eligible or ineligible. The Worker and/or Supervisor must determine if a DCA payment is appropriate and offer it to an applicant. The applicant may choose to accept or decline without any effect on his eligibility for an ongoing WV WORKS benefit. Supervisory approval is required for all DCA payments. To be considered for DCA, an applicant must be WV WORKS eligible. If an applicant refuses to cooperate with drug testing as a result of a Drug Use Questionnaire, DFA-WVW-DAST-1 or has a positive drug test, he must not be offered a DCA. DCA provides an opportunity to relieve a temporary financial need as an alternative to receipt of ongoing WV WORKS payments. When the Worker and the applicant are confident that a one- time payment will meet the temporary need, DCA is explored. When a case is approved for DCA, the AG must not be required to file a new application for SNAP. SNAP eligibility must be determined based on the information provided on the WV WORKS application. The DCA benefit is deposited into the EBT account. DCA does not count toward the 60-month lifetime limit or the 24-month limit. Transitional Medicaid is available only when all requirements in Section 23.10 are met. Transitional Medicaid eligibility is not based on receipt of DCA. DCA payments are not subject to repayment unless fraud is established. DCA is available only one time for an applicant family. Acceptance of the DCA payment in lieu of ongoing WV WORKS payments is an option for the client.