Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Berks County Assistance Office - Diversion Cash Assistance
Program is designed for people with dependent children (or a pregnant women) who have a break in employment or other income for some reason, i.e. layoff, waiting for Unemployment to start, waiting for another job to start (an interruption in income, rather than no income to support self or family). This program eliminates the need to go on public assistance or TANF on an ongoing basis.

The applicant must have a self-supporting income within the past 90 days of application and must be expecting income that would eliminate the need for ongoing TANF. This is a one-time payment program to bridge a gap in income. Payment is usually around $600-$1500 depending on household size and financial responsibilities.
625 Cherry Street
3rd Floor
Reading, PA 19602
Eligibility: Pregnant women or families with children under 18 or 18 attending secondary school; Head of household must meet specified relative requirements (related to child) and must have a financial need that if met would eliminate the need for cash assistance

View Eligibility Website >
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
(610) 736-4211
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Phone/FAX Numbers
  • (610) 736-4211
  • (866) 215-3912 - Hotline/Toll-Free
  • (610) 736-4004 - Fax
Fee Amounts: None
Intake Procedure: Apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us, walk-in or call for application; Eligibility can't be determined by phone; Case worker assigned will send out face-to-face appointment notice
Geographical Area: Berks
Helpful Tips: Financial needs include but are not limited to: Work expenses (such as uniforms and tools); transportation expenses (such as car repairs/inspections, car payments, car insurance premiums); child care costs; housing expenses (such as mortgage payments, rent, home repairs, or utilities); costs to relocate to secure employment.
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Berks County Assistance Office - Diversion Cash Assistance
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