(1) In order to prevent some families from developing dependency
on temporary assistance for needy families, the department shall
make available to qualifying applicants a diversion program
designed to provide brief, emergency assistance for families in
crisis whose income and assets would otherwise qualify them for
temporary assistance for needy families.
(2) Diversion assistance may include cash or vouchers in
payment for the following needs:
(a) Child care;
(b) Housing assistance;
(c) Transportation-related expenses;
(d) Food;
(e) Medical costs for the recipient's immediate family;
(f) Employment-related expenses which are necessary to keep
or obtain paid unsubsidized employment.
(3) Diversion assistance is available once in each
twelve-month period for each adult applicant. Recipients of
diversion assistance are not included in the temporary assistance
for needy families program.
(4) Diversion assistance may not exceed one thousand five
hundred dollars for each instance.
(5) To be eligible for diversion assistance, a family must
otherwise be eligible for temporary assistance for needy
families.
(6) Families ineligible for temporary assistance for needy
families or benefits under RCW 74.62.030 due to sanction,
noncompliance, the lump sum income rule, or any other reason are
not eligible for diversion assistance.
(7) Families must provide evidence showing that a bona fide
need exists according to subsection (2) of this section in order
to be eligible for diversion assistance.
An adult applicant may receive diversion assistance of any
type no more than once per twelve-month period. If the recipient
of diversion assistance is placed on the temporary assistance for
needy families program within twelve months of receiving
diversion assistance, the prorated dollar value of the assistance
shall be treated as a loan from the state, and recovered by
deduction from the recipient's cash grant.
[2011 1st sp.s. c 36 § 30; 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 § 27; 1997 c 58 § 302.]
NOTES:
Findings -- Intent -- 2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See RCW 74.62.005.
Effective date -- 2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 74.62.005.
Findings--Intent -- Short title -- Effective date -- 2010 1st sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 74.04.225.