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STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA FFY 2024 STATE PLAN FOR TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

● A one-time-only diversionary cash payment is available to WV WORKS applicants that allows up to the amount of three months of regular cash assistance payments if (a) the family can demonstrate a need which cannot be met with the current or anticipated family resources and there is verified employment or another specific source of income expected to begin within a two month period; and (b) the family meets the income, asset, and dependent minor child provisions of WV WORKS. Financial eligibility for Diversionary Cash Assistance (DCA) is 100% Standard of Need (SON) and $2,000 asset limit. Funds for DCA are Federal TANF funded.

● All parents and caretaker relatives are required to cooperate with the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement in the identification of parents, the establishment of paternity, and securing child support or they may be sanctioned unless good cause is established.

● Redetermination of financial eligibility is conducted at periodic intervals at a minimum of once every 12 months.

● Lifetime family benefits will not exceed 60 months. The 60-month time limit only applies to cases in which the assistance group includes an adult head of household or spouse of the head of household in the cash assistance payment. Minor heads of households and spouses are also subject to the 60-month time limit. WV state law allows the Department to determine extensions to the 60-month lifetime limit on a case-by-case basis. WV WORKS participants may apply for an extension after their 55th month of benefits and the Department renders a decision before their 60th month of benefit receipt.

● Pre-employment support services to cash assistance recipients will be provided to promote participation in activities that lead to self-sufficiency. Examples include, but are not limited to, transportation payments, clothing, vehicle repair and insurance. These supports are intended to remove challenges to participation.

● Post-employment non-cash assistance support services for former TANF families will also be provided up to six months each time an adult household member starts employment and the household’s income stays below the eligibility limit of 150% of FPL. Funds for post-employment non-cash Page 12