CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

• Rent and/or utilities; and
• Other reasonable expense determined on a
case basis.
A diversion payment will not cover:
• Traffic/parking tickets, or other legally imposed
penalties that restrict or prevent operation of a
vehicle or renewal of drivers’ license;
• Child support payments;
• Employer’s background investigation pending
an offer;
• Union dues; or
• Start-up costs of self-employment. (This
program will pay for some costs involved in
continuing a self-employment business that
has established a record of success.)
Can a diversion payment cover the full costs of
the need?
The amount of a diversion payment will vary based
on documented need and the number of persons in
the Assistance Unit (AU). The amount of payment
may be for a single need or for a combination of
needs. In most instances, the diversion payment will
be made to cover the full costs of the identified need,
regardless of the income received by the applicant,
which must be within CalWORKs eligibility limits.
What is the form W-9 and why is it needed?
Verification of the need(s) and completion of the form
W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and
Certification, if applicable, is required before a
diversion payment is authorized. The W-9 must be
forwarded to the district cashier prior to issuing a
diversion payment.
The W-9 is completed by a business that is providing
a service (i.e., auto shop, auto mechanic, etc.).
NOTE: It is critical that all businesses receiving
payment for any of these types of services
are required to complete a W-9 regardless