WELFARE TRANSITION PROGRAM (TANF) For Applicants

Applicants

Please note: You will have access to the OSST Client site once you have completed an interview with the Department of Children and Families and are referred to CareerSource NEFL.

Complete the following work registration steps:

Up Front Diversion

What is an Up-Front Diversion?

An Up-Front Diversion is a one-time payment up to $1,000.00 in lieu of receiving on going cash assistance benefits to provide assistance with an immediate emergency or unexpected circumstance that may be a barrier to gaining or retaining employment.

To quality for an Up Front Diversion, you must:

• Be a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) applicant and not currently receiving TCA benefits.
• Be employed or have a job offer letter that indicates self-sufficiency.
• Provide an explanation of the unexpected circumstance or emergency and what may be needed to resolve it will be required. (You will need to submit proof such as car repair estimates, utility bills, or notice of evection with the amount owed, etc.) Some examples of unexpected circumstances or emergency situations that may be considered short-term barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment are:
  • automobile repairs.
  • catching up on shelter payments to prevent eviction.
  • uniforms, work shoes, tools, or equipment necessary for employment.
• Complete all documentation including a budget analysis and return it to CareerSource NEFL by the date provided.
• Complete the Career Ladder Identifier and Financial Forecaster (CLIFF) Dashboard tool
• Complete the OSST Budget Planner
• Complete an exit survey

Once all steps listed are completed the CareerSource NEFL Staff will review and submit to management for approval within 3 business days from date the upfront application is submitted. Management will send to DCF for processing. DCF has 10 business days to process the Up-Front Diversion.

Once approved you will be provided a document indicating that you:

• Understand the amount the family is potentially eligible for.
• Understand that the family is declining to receive TCA for three months once the up-front diversion payment is received.
• Understand the family may apply for Medicaid or food stamps anytime in the future.
• Understand the up-front diversion payment up to $1,000 is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit.

Questions?

If you need to speak to a Department of Children and Families representative about your benefits, please call 1-866-762-2237 or sign-in to your MyACCESS account.

Go to MyACCESS Account

If you have additional questions or need to speak with a CareerSource NEFL Welfare Transition Career Coordinator, please call (904) 213-3900.