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Exploring Eligibility
Diversion services must be explored for every CalWORKs applicant. If the applicant is “Apparently Eligible” (refer to Apparently Eligible [EAS 81-215.31]), the EW determines whether the family would benefit from a Diversion payment. If the individual appears to be a candidate or expresses interest in the Diversion program, Diversion is considered. Refer to Diversion Candidate Determination to make this determination.
Applicants are eligible for a Diversion payment a second time only if the previous Diversion payment was considered a “Successful Diversion” period. Refer to Successful Diversion.
When more than one family resides in the same home, each family is considered for Diversion as a separate unit.
Initial Determination of Diversion
When it is decided the applicant is a good candidate for Diversion, the EW contacts the EC for an employment evaluation, if appropriate to the situation, and indicates “Applied” under the”Diversion” box on the “Application for Cash Aid, CalFresh, and/or Medi-Cal/State CMSP” (SAWS 1) in the “County Use Only” section. Refer to Referral Process to Employment Counselor (EC).
If it is determined at the initial interview that the applicant is not interested in or does not meet the necessary criteria to be a likely candidate for Diversion, the EW:
- Indicates “Refused” or “IE” (Ineligible) under the”Diversion” box on the SAWS 1 in the “County Use Only” section, and
- Proceeds with the CalWORKs application.
There is no denial of Diversion at this point.
Note: While the Diversion program is being explored, there is no eligibility for a presumptive payment or a CalWORKs immediate need. Refer to Immediate Need for further information.
Persons Ineligible for Diversion
The following individuals are NOT eligible to receive a Diversion payment:
- Non-Needy Caretaker Relatives
- Persons with a cash aid IPV
- Persons with a previous unsuccessful Diversion/Incentive period; if both parents signed the “Family Diversion Contract” (SCD 1307), neither parent is eligible thereafter (Refer to Successful Diversion)
- Persons who are not “apparently eligible”, i.e., non-residents, felons, undocumented persons, and sanctioned persons, etc.
- Persons who were previously issued a Diversion payment for which they were not eligible.
The EW must indicate “IE” under the “Diversion” box on the SAWS 1, in the above situations.
Related Topics
Diversion and Incentive Periods
Referral Process to Employment Counselor (EC)
Diversion Candidate Determination