1 Up-Front Diversion Agency for Workforce Innovation Statewide Training Spring 2005

2 Overview Not all TCA applicants need on-going monthly cash assistance Not all TCA applicants need on-going monthly cash assistance – The family may have an emergency or unexpected need that can be resolved through a one-time payment or short-term services – The applicant may have a job or the confirmation of a job that (s)he can begin if the emergency is resolved – The applicant may be able to avoid on-going emergencies through planning and income The RWB is responsible for determining eligibility The RWB is responsible for determining eligibility An Up-Front Diversion payment of up to $1,000 is a once in a lifetime payment An Up-Front Diversion payment of up to $1,000 is a once in a lifetime payment

3 Four Prioritized Steps Step 1: Linking applicants with job opportunities which includes: – Verifying the individual is a TCA applicant and not currently a recipient of TCA – Beginning the WT Work Registration process – Engagement in a work activity and job search

4 Four Prioritized Steps Step 2: Offering services, such as childcare or transportation Step 3: Screening applicants to respond to the emergency situation Step 4: Offering a once in a lifetime payment of UP TO $1000 PER FAMILY

5 Determining if the Applicant is Appropriate for Diversion Would the applicant be more appropriately served with applicant support services or a payment of up to $1,000 rather than cash assistance? Would the applicant be more appropriately served with applicant support services or a payment of up to $1,000 rather than cash assistance? Does the applicant have a history of retaining employment? Does the applicant have a history of retaining employment? If the emergency or unexpected situation is resolved, would the applicant gain employment and/or retain employment? If the emergency or unexpected situation is resolved, would the applicant gain employment and/or retain employment?

6 Eligibility Requirements The RWB must: The RWB must: – Verify that the individual is an applicant for TCA – Document the identity and citizenship of the applicant Use the Eligibility Form for TANF Funded Services (AWI WTP 0005), Use the Eligibility Form for TANF Funded Services (AWI WTP 0005), Review the FLORIDA system for citizenship data Review the FLORIDA system for citizenship data

7 Eligibility Requirements The RWB must document that the household meets the definition of family – Use the Eligibility Form for TANF Funded Services, AWI WTP Form 0005 – Use FLORIDA system to verify data The RWB must document the household composition, including names and Social Security Numbers – Use the Eligibility Form for TANF Funded Services – Use FLORIDA system to verify data – Update information in OSST, if appropriate

8 Eligibility Criteria The RWB must document the emergency or unexpected situation, that if resolved, would eliminate the need for on-going assistance The RWB should document that the family has the means to meet their on-going needs if Up-Front Diversion assistance is provided

9 RWB Provided Diversion Services Intended to meet emergency needs, not on-going basic needs Are considered “non-assistance” Must be recorded in OSST Utilize local RWB TANF funds rather than DCF funds

10 What is “Non-Assistance”? Non-assistance cannot provide for on-going needs; examples include: Non-assistance cannot provide for on-going needs; examples include:  Non-recurrent short term benefits (no more than four months) designed to deal with an emergency need  Support services for employed families  Work subsidies (paid through a third party)  Resume’ development, use of resource room, case management

11 Applicant’s Responsibilities Sign an agreement to receive a diversion payment INSTEAD OF on-going cash Sign an agreement to receive a diversion payment INSTEAD OF on-going cash Understand that the entire TANF eligible household cannot receive TCA for three months after receipt of a diversion payment unless an emergency exists Understand that the entire TANF eligible household cannot receive TCA for three months after receipt of a diversion payment unless an emergency exists Understand that the family is responsible for meeting their on-going needs Understand that the family is responsible for meeting their on-going needs

12 DCF Issues the Payment Enters information in the FLORIDA system Enters information in the FLORIDA system Must process the request within five working days Must process the request within five working days Counts as a lump sum asset in the month of receipt for Food Stamps and Medicaid Counts as a lump sum asset in the month of receipt for Food Stamps and Medicaid Does not count as income Does not count as income

13 Up-Front Diversion Payment Does not count against individual’s TCA time limit Does not count against individual’s TCA time limit Can withdraw request to receive an Up-Front Diversion payment anytime before the money is released Can withdraw request to receive an Up-Front Diversion payment anytime before the money is released May receive transitional childcare, if eligible and if funds are available May receive transitional childcare, if eligible and if funds are available

14 Child Care During the Up-Front Diversion Process The applicant must participate in the WT Work Registration process during diversion approval process The applicant must participate in the WT Work Registration process during diversion approval process – Applicant should be given 30-day childcare referral to participate in applicant activities – If employment is not secured and started within 30 days, the applicant childcare ends If employment is secured within 90 days of the start of the Up-Front Diversion process, the family is eligible for transitional childcare – Use the date on the bottom of the Up-Front Diversion Screening form [AWI 2073(a)] to determine this date

15 Reapplication If an Up-Front Diversion payment is received, the family cannot re-apply for TCA for 3 months after receipt of payment unless they meet a qualified emergency If an Up-Front Diversion payment is received, the family cannot re-apply for TCA for 3 months after receipt of payment unless they meet a qualified emergency – The RWB must determine if a qualified emergency exists – The RWB must approve or deny the emergency request for reapplication

16 Qualified Emergency Hospitalization or illness that results in a loss of work or income Hospitalization or illness that results in a loss of work or income Loss of housing Loss of housing Natural disaster Natural disaster Other situations that impact employment Other situations that impact employment

17 Repayment After Reapplication If an approved emergency exists and the family is re-approved for TCA, DCF must pro-rate the diversion payment over an eight month period and deduct from any TCA the family is eligible to receive If an approved emergency exists and the family is re-approved for TCA, DCF must pro-rate the diversion payment over an eight month period and deduct from any TCA the family is eligible to receive Will be deducted for eight months or until the end of their time limit, whichever comes first Will be deducted for eight months or until the end of their time limit, whichever comes first

18 Up-Front Diversion (UFD) Flow Chart Individual applies for TCA RWB engages applicant in WT Work Registration process. If considered a good candidate for diversion begin the screening process using the UFD Screening Form 2073(a) RWB determines if citizenship and family income eligibility requirements are met using the Eligibility Form for TANF Funded Services (AWI 0005) RWB uses the income reported by the applicant on the date of application to determine income eligibility using the Diversion Services Eligibility Screening Tool [AWI 2073(b) ] If potentially eligible, applicant will document household information, emergency need, etc. Applicant and RWB provider must complete and sign the Agreement for UFD Payment/Services form (AWI 2075) RWB provider approves or denies the services and/or payment and forwards copy of the AWI 2075 and AWI 2073(b) to DCF

19 Questions or Comments An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.