103.33 CAO Responsibilities

The CAO must:

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(a)(2)

Work with the individual to establish a plan for independence.

Make application forms readily available to anyone who wishes to apply.

55 Pa. Code § 121.3(a)(2)(i)

Provide help as needed to complete the application process.

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(i)

Provide information about DHS and other agency services, including Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), family planning, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(vi)(B)

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(vi)(D)

Respect the personal dignity and right to privacy of each individual.

55 Pa. Code § 101.1(c)(2)(ii)

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(a)(1)(ii)

55 Pa. Code § 121.3(a)(2)(ii)

Provide verification of TANF and SNAP benefits when requested by the school district for Free/Reduced Cost School Meals, see DHS Publication 567 3/13 (available on Docushare) .

Provide information to applicants and recipients about their potential eligibility for reduced telephone costs through Lifeline Services, and offer these services at application and renewal interviews.

55 Pa. Code § 101.1(b)

Note: See details and participating phone companies on the PA 1799 , available on Docushare and the following websites.

PA PUC .

F ederal Communications Commission Lifeline Link-up

For CAO inquiries only, call the Pennsylvania Telephone Association ( http://www.patel.org ) at 717-238-8311.

Explain the support requirements, the right to claim good cause and the sanctions for failure to cooperate without good cause.

55 Pa. Code § 187.23(b)

55 Pa. Code § 187.23(c)

55 Pa. Code § 187.27(a)

Determine eligibility within 30 calendar days, and authorize benefits to eligible applicants.

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(v)

Provide a written notice of any eligibility decision.

55 Pa. Code § 125.1(k)

55 Pa. Code § 133.4(a)

Give each individual the opportunity to appeal if the individual is dissatisfied with any agency action.

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(6)

Give each individual the opportunity to register to vote.

42 U.S.C. § 1973gg-5(a)(2)(A)

Provide information about special cash allowances available to individuals and families with special needs, such as medical transportation and allowances for childcare and relocation.

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(vi)(B)

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(vi)(D)

Discuss TANF Diversion with TANF applicants who meet diversion criteria. See Chapter 137.5 .

Explain that deaf and hearing-impaired individuals may use family or friends as interpreters or transliterators, with one exception: At a fair hearing, the CAO must arrange for an official interpreter or transliterator.

The CAO must not:

55 Pa. Code § 121.1(b)(3)(i)–(iv)

Enter a home by force, without permission, or under false pretenses.

Search a home, rooms, closets, drawers, or papers for clues of possible deception.

Question an individual based on a presumption of guilt.

Make unannounced home visits.

Exception: Unannounced home visits are allowed to get information that may not be available if the individual knows the visit is to be made, such as when there is suspected fraud or reason to believe that submitted verification (for example, verification of a parent’s continued absence) is false.

Improperly disclose confidential client information.

55 Pa. Code § 105.1

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(4)

Updated October 21, 2024, replacing September 17, 2014.