Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Diversion Assistance Program.

Q1. Does the FSS-C-4 for the lump sum rule also required for DA?

Lump sum form will not be looked at, but you must determine that they are resource eligible for the month of application. Resource limits can be viewed on appendix c-1 schedule XVI.

Q2. What are the required forms for Diversion?

• Request for Benefits, 08MP001E (PS-1).
• Eligibility Information for Benefits, 08MP002E (FSS-1).
• Responsibilities and Signature for Benefits. 08MP003E (FSS-1-B).
• Citizenship Affidavit, 08MP005E when birth certificate is not provided.
• Declaration of Citizenship Status, 08MP022E for non-US citizens.

Q3. Are current TANF clients eligible for this program too if they wish to apply?

TANF and Diversion assistance cannot be received at the same time. If a client obtains employment while on TANF and case closes it would be best to continue with EID or CMB benefits as flex funds could also assist with client’s needs. By signing the Diversion assistance application they are agreeing to not apply for TANF for one year. A budget sheet to determine that they could maintain without TANF for a year is recommended. Family Financial Assessment form 06AC002E can be used to assist in determining client’s budget.

Q4. If you are Native American you have to apply with the tribe, would they be eligible Diversion Assistance?

If families are in the Tribal TANF (TTANF) catchment areas you will need to check with them to see if they are receiving TTANF assistance.

Q5. Do we need to get copies of most recent check stubs or letter showing offer for employment to approve the diversion assistance?

Yes.

• Currently employed: verify income using the most recent paystubs (last 30 days).
• Offer of New Employment: To expedite processing, Worker can call employer to verify offer of employment. Worker may also accept a written and/or emailed statement from employment. Verification should include start date, number hours per week, rate of pay and the date the first check will be received, to anticipate earnings. When the Worker cannot get a written or verbal statement from the employer, an ADM-94 may be given to the applicant to take to the employer for completion.

Q6. Is there a specific way to determine if a client has already received diversion in the past?

Any diversion received prior to February 2022, is not being considered. Therefore if they meet eligibility requirements they will be eligible.

Q7. Since an ADM-92 requires 10 days’ notice, how do we request verification if it is needed?

The ADM-92 10 day notice is a requirement for TANF cases only. Action on Diversion Assistance must be taken within 7 business days. The client is required to provide an email address on OKDHSLive! The most expeditious way to obtain the information is to email the ADM-92 with the interview date and time as well as request any information you may need. Best practice would be to schedule the interview within 24-48 hours after the application is made. Then provide at least 48 hours for them to go and obtain the documentation / estimates needed. The applicant can email the documents or send a photo of the estimates to the worker. Remember to document, document, document, everything – or else it did not happen!

Q8. If a client doesn’t provide us what we need within the seven days and we deny the application, is the application still good for 30 days or do they have to reapply?

To expedite processing, the Worker should make every effort to assist the applicant in obtaining the necessary information. Most vendors and utility companies will assist in providing a caseworker with needed information, estimates, etc. The application is good for 30 days. Should the application be denied after the 7th day, and they come back in requesting DA, a new application is not necessary as long as it is within the 30 day application period – however, the Worker will need to verify the emergency need still exists before processing the application. This means the Worker can use the original application. The worker will use the day they come back in as the new application date. Document in case notes that the client came back in within the 30 day application period. The Worker is allowed 7 days to process. The time frame cannot be extended beyond the initial 30 days period. Any person coming in after the initial 30 days will have to reapply.

Q9. Is the Diversion assistance funding coming out of Flex funds?

No. This funding source is from Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds. (PEAF) through Sept, 2022. TANF Block grant funding will be the replacement funding source beginning October 1, 2022. The flex fund benefits for the county will not be affected by this program.

Q10. If a household can receive payments for up to 120 days from the original certification date up to the max allowable, does a change in HH size since the original certification (reduced or increased) affect the available total benefit amount?

Once the case is certified, household sizes can’t be reduced or increased. When it certifies, the system will automatically close the case.

Q11. What is the FORM number for the OMES form that we use for vendors who are not in our system?

Go to forms and search OMESVendorPayeeForm.pdf

Q12. A vendor that is not currently in our system completes the OMES form is that along with the voucher submitted to Finance?

Yes. Both are then sent to Finance.

Q13. Will there be a Quest article posted?

Yes. Information regarding the Diversion Assistance program will be in Quest.

Q14. If the client drew one month of diversion assistance, could they come back after a year and draw the 60 months of TANF benefits after receiving DA?

Yes. After the one-year TANF ineligibility period, the client could apply for TANF benefits and if eligible, receive any remaining months of TANF benefit up to the 60- month lifetime limit.

Q15. If the client receives any Diversion Assistance in years prior to 02-01-22, does that count?

Any Diversion assistance that was received prior to 02/01.22 is not being considered as the current DA program is coming out of different funding.

Q16. Should be require clients to provide receipts when they use the voucher?

Yes, receipts should be provided for TANF Flex Funds, Support Services and Diversion assistance. This is how we know the funds are being used for the intent they were given. When funds are spent on unapproved items it will lead to an overpayment.

Q17. Would another AFS supervisor be allowed to sign a voucher other that the TANF supervisor?

Only the TANF supervisor or the Field manager can sign the vouchers which must be signed in red. Supervisors supervising other caseloads aren’t familiar with the family situation or family needs. As supervisor and Field Managers are responsible for overseeing this caseload, they should be signing the vouchers.

Q18. Is SASSI along with CASC assessments required for Diversion assistance?

The SASSI and CASC assessments are requirements for TANF not Diversion Assistance. Remember, TANF and Diversion Assistance are two separate programs. Household will not be required to complete these assessments for DA program.

Q19. My client received a MasterCard in the mail. If the benefits are received by voucher, why was debit card issued?

MasterCard’s are automatically initiated by the B section. When the case is placed in application status a card is generated. You will need to advise your Diversion Assistance clients that a card will be issued but no cash benefits will be received, they will need to destroy the card.

Q20. Will Diversion assistance show on the BN1 screen?

We are requesting it to be added to BN1/BNMENU but they do not have a date of when that will begin.

Q21. How long will it take for take for a vendor new to the system to get paid?

Once the Vendor Payee form and the voucher is submitted to finance, they are processed as soon as possible but could take up to 45 days.

Q22. Do clients need to provide two estimates for car repairs?

Yes. Unless there are no other alternatives, and the client is unable to get their vehicle to a shop outside of the area. You will need to explore with the vendor if they can provide the services at a low or reduced cost and document case notes in detail.

Q23. Can face to face interview be on Teams or Zoom?

Yes. First choice would be to be completed in person whether county office or other approved location or home visit. With original signature being required it is best practice to be completed in person. If client has availability for Teams or Zoom these are options but signatures will still need to be obtained.

Q24. Are birth certificates required on all household members?

Birth certificates are not the only way to verify citizenship. The fastest way is for the worker to verify if they have received benefits on another case. In addition, citizenship can also be verified by passport, certificate of naturalization, CDIB card, Tribal membership card with photo, final adoption decree, military records showing a US place of birth (DD-214), Oklahoma voter registration card, or by signing form 08MP022E Declaring citizenship.

Q25. Do receipts from purchases of Diversion Assistance go into case record?

Yes. Copy of the receipt and file copy of the voucher must be uploaded to imaged record.

Q26. What form number for the Budget sheet can be used as a guide?

Family Financial Assessment form 06AC002E.

Q27. How do we know they will not apply for Tribal TANF (TTANF) the month after they get a DA payment?

We are looking at current receipt of benefits. When a client applies for TTANF the tribe will contact us to verify receipt of assistance through our programs.

Q28. What if a vendor is refusing to accept our vouchers?

Currently vouchers are our only payment source. If the vendor will not accept our voucher, we will not be able to use that vendor. We are working on another payment method that all vendors will be able to use, but isn’t available at this time. We will update you when that source becomes available.

Q29. What is the timeline for Electronic Payment System to be working?

We are hoping by the end of the year.

Q30. What happens if client obtains employment but loses it before the goods and services are purchased or the case is certified?

If the services are in progress, we would honor the request. If the service has not started, you can deny the request.

Q31. What reason code is used when the vendor will not take the voucher?

98D = No Immediate Need Determined for DA. The worker sends a hand generated notice to the client that the reason for denial is the voucher is not accepted by the vendor. Document case notes that, “the voucher is not accepted by the vendor and a hand generated notice was mailed to the client.”

Q32. Can vouchers be printed same day that the case is certified?

No. The system is set that vouchers must be printed the following day of certification. Once we go to the new EPS this will no longer be issue.

Q33. Diversion assistance cases are certified by 7 business days. Is the application date day zero or one?

The application date for DA is considered day zero. Following day will be considered as day one.

Q34. Is ID required?

Yes.