The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance implementing Executive Order N-59-20 regarding CalWORKs diversion. This guidance expires on June 30, 2020.
Diversion is a cash or non-cash payment or service to resolve the need to apply for CalWORKs. The requirement for apparent eligibility for CalWORKs is waived if the applicant’s gross income is under 200% of the federal poverty level. The applicant must be otherwise apparently eligible for CalWORKs. There is no asset test for this expanded diversion. This expansion of diversion is for a need related to COVID-19. The maximum diversion payment is $5,000. (ACWDL, May 4, 2020.)