Diversion

What is Diversion?

The Diversion Program is designed for potentially eligible CalWORKs applicants to avoid going on long-term aid by offering them a lump-sum of money to help with a specific need that may threaten their current job, or the chances of getting or continuing a job.

When can an applicant receive Diversion?

When the applicant applies for aid, The County worker should tell the applicant about the option of getting a lump-sum payment instead of going on regular CalWORKs. If they choose and are approved for Diversion, they are not officially on CalWORKs. The diversion payment does not count against their time limit unless they reapply for cash aid.

To get Diversion, the applicant must:

• Have a one-time, unexpected and specific problem; 
• Be eligible for CalWORKs, have valid identification, and proof of legal immigration status; 
• Have a steady work history, a good earning potential, or a good likelihood of starting and/or finding a job; 
• Have stable housing and child care (unless that is what the applicant needs help with); and 
• Not have any significant barriers to employment, such as problems with mental health or substance use. 

However, even if the applicant meets all these requirements, the County still makes the final decision whether to grant the Diversion request. Also, keep in mind that if the County worker offers the Diversion option, the applicant does not have to accept it, and may choose to go on regular aid.

What counts as a “need” that Diversion could pay for?

These are some examples of what a Diversion payment could be used to pay for:

• An eviction notice;
• Car repairs or auto insurance;
• Utilities bill;
• Childcare expenses; or
•  Other work-related expenses.

How much help can an applicant receive?

In Los Angeles County, the standard payment for Diversion is $2,000, or three months of what the maximum aid would be. The size of the Diversion payment depends upon the particular need and the number of family members who are CalWORKs eligible. In special circumstances, the applicant can get up to $4,000, or six months of what the maximum aid would be, for a “compelling” need. There are limits on Diversion payments: $4,000 annually and $10,000 lifetime.

How soon can an applicant get the Diversion payment?

• An “urgent need” should be processed within three working days.
• A “non-urgent need” should be processed within five working days.

Some Diversion requests require two estimates for the cost of the service or item needed; i. e. car repair. Within ten working days after receiving the payment, the applicant must provide proof, such as a receipt, that the money was spent as proposed.

If a Diversion payment is issued, is the applicant still eligible for help with childcare, CalFresh and other support services?

Yes, people receiving a Diversion payment are still eligible for other programs, such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal. Diversion payments do not count as income when figuring CalFresh eligibility. Furthermore, participants are eligible for child care for the length of the Diversion period. Domestic violence counseling services will be provided to Diversion participants if requested.

What if after getting Diversion, the applicant still ends up needing to go on regular aid?

If the applicant needs to reapply for cash aid during the Diversion period, the applicant will either have the money deducted from the monthly payment or have the months deducted from the lifetime limit. If the applicant reapplies after the Diversion period is finished, the applicant will have just one month deducted from the lifetime limit.