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Reapplication for CalWORKs
[EAS 81-215.5]
When a client reapplies for CalWORKS at any time after receiving a Diversion payment, they are considered a new applicant and the beginning date of aid rules apply. Use either the:
- Date of the new application, or the
- Date the applicant meets all CalWORKs program requirements, whichever is later.
The following criteria apply to the Diversion recipient depending on when they reapply for CalWORKs.
Reapplies During the Diversion Period
[EAS 81-215.51]
When a former Diversion recipient applies for CalWORKs and
- They have previously received a Diversion payment, and
- The application is during the Diversion period,
The Intake EW must review the current change in circumstances to evaluate whether the client can be helped with services (including the EAN) other than CalWORKs. All efforts must be made to help the applicant remain self-sufficient.
If it is determined the client must apply for CalWORKs, a new application is taken. The date of the application follows the regular beginning date of aid rules for CalWORKS. The applicant must choose to:
- Pay back the total amount of the Diversion payment and count no months towards the CalWORKs 60-month limit, (Refer to Choice of Diversion Recoupment), OR
- Count the number of Diversion months toward their CalWORKs 60-month total time on aid. Refer to Time on Aid (TOA).
Reminder: Diversion payments are not counted towards the Federal cumulative 60-month time on aid limit; however, one month is counted towards the CalWORKs cumulative 60-month time on aid limit.
In addition, the applicant must sign the “Diversion Recoupment Choice” (SCD 1342) indicating what choice the client made and the “Diversion Recoupment” (NOA NA 1239) must be sent showing the choice. When the client chooses to repay the Diversion payment, the intake EW records the recoupment balance and begins adjustment.
This applicant will not be eligible to receive another Diversion payment because they did not remain off cash assistance through their Diversion/Incentive period.
Reapplies During the Incentive Period
[EAS 81-215.52]
When a former Diversion recipient applies for CalWORKs and
- They have previously received a Diversion payment, and
- The application occurs during the Incentive period,
All efforts must be made to help the applicant complete a successful Incentive period. If it is determined the applicant must apply for CalWORKs, the applicant will not owe the county any money, and one month of aid counts toward their CalWORKs 60-month time limit only. This applicant will not be eligible to receive another Diversion payment because they did not remain off cash assistance through their Incentive period.
Reapplies After the Incentive Period Ends
When a former Diversion recipient applies for CalWORKs and
- They have previously received a Diversion payment, and
- The Incentive period has been successful,
The applicant will not owe the county any money. One month of aid counts toward their CalWORKs 60-month time limit only. This applicant could receive a second Diversion payment (if Diversion eligibility requirements are met) because they were successful and remained off cash assistance through their Incentive period.
Related Topics
Diversion and Incentive Periods
Referral Process to Employment Counselor (EC)
Diversion Candidate Determination