104.1 General Policy

Revised Furloughed Government Employee Applications PCA-22319-104 ( Revised November 14, 2025, Published October 27, 2025)

Any person who wants to apply for cash benefits for their self or on behalf of someone else may contact the County Assistance Office (CAO) to file an application.

55 Pa. Code § 125.1

Under some circumstances, a new application is not required. See Chapter 179.

The CAO must mail or give a Common Application Form ( PA 600 ) to the applicant. Only one form is needed for all persons who are applying at the same time. The applicant must list on the PA 600 all persons who are living in the residence at the time the form is signed.

The applicant must complete the PA 600 to the best of his or her ability and submit it to the CAO. The CAO must help if the applicant needs assistance completing the PA 600 .

The CAO must accept any PA 600 that has the applicant’s name, address, and signature on page 1. The applicant may mail, fax, or give the PA 600 in person to the CAO. A scanned application is acceptable.

NOTE: The CAO must accept a PA 600 from a homeless person without an address listed.

NOTE: The CAO must accept and process any PA 600 that contains the applicant’s name, address, and signature. If the applicant fails to answer the question “What do you want to apply for?” on page 1, it is presumed that the applicant wants to apply for all benefits, and thus the CAO must AP the application for Cash, Medical Assistance, and SNAP respectively and complete a preliminary review for expedited services. Please narrate thoroughly any action taken.

A person may also file an online application for cash benefits using the electronic Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services ( COMPASS ). Both COMPASS applicants and those using the PA 600 must have a personal interview either face-to-face or by telephone.

55Pa. Code § 123.22

NOTE: A person applying for benefits or on behalf of another person is considered an applicant until benefits are authorized or rejected. A person found eligible to receive benefits is a recipient.