R986-200-216. Diversion

(1) Diversion is a one-time financial assistance payment provided to help a client avoid receiving extended cash assistance.

(2) In determining whether a client should receive diversion assistance, the Department will consider the following:

(a) the applicant's employment history;

(b) the likelihood that the applicant will obtain immediate full-time employment;

(c) the applicant's housing stability; and

(d) the applicant's child care needs, if applicable.

(3) To be eligible for diversion the applicant must;

(a) have a need for financial assistance to pay for housing or substantial and unforseen expenses or work related expenses which cannot be met with current or anticipated resources;

(b) show that within the diversion period, the applicant will be employed or have other specific means of self support, and

(c) meet all eligibility criteria for a FEP financial assistance payment except the applicant does not need to cooperate with ORS in obtaining support. If the client is applying for other assistance such as medical or child care, the client will have to follow the eligibility rules for that type of assistance which may require cooperation with ORS.

(4) If the Department and the client agree diversion is appropriate, the client must sign a diversion agreement listing conditions, expectations and participation requirements.

(5) The diversion payment will equal three times the monthly financial assistance payment for the household size. All income expected to be received during the three-month period including wages and child support must be considered when negotiating diversion.

(6) Child support will belong to the client during the three-month period, whether received by the client directly or collected by ORS. ORS will not use the child support to offset or reimburse the diversion payment.

(7) The client must agree to have the financial assistance portion of the application for assistance denied.

(8) If a diversion payment is made, the client is ineligible for FEP for the three months covered by the diversion payment and must reapply at the end of the three month period.

(9) Diversion assistance is not available to clients participating in FEPTP. This is because FEPTP is based on performance and payment can only be made after performance.

(10) A household can only receive one diversion assistance payment in a 12 month period.