104.44 Applicant Cooperation

The applicant is the primary source of information in establishing eligibility for cash assistance.

55 Pa. Code § 125.21(a)

In addition to the specific requirements of the chapters listed under Section 104.43 , the applicant must also do the following:

Provide required verification to establish eligibility.

55 Pa. Code § 125.21(b)

Provide information for third-party liability coverage to determine medical coverage carried by another person or organization.

55 Pa. Code § 141.21(k)

Sign an Authorization for Release of Information ( PA 4 ) form consenting to the disclosure of information from third parties when requesting the CAO to obtain the verification on the applicant’s behalf.

55 Pa. Code § 201.4(2)(ii)

NOTE: The above applied to a ny person applying for assistance who is 18 years old or older or under age 18 and emancipated. See Chapter 178 .

NOTE: The PA 4 is only verification of the applicant’s agreement to allow release of information. The signed application meets the requirement of giving consent to allow the release. However, if a third-party source refuses to provide collateral verification without a signed PA 4 , persons who do not sign a PA 4 will be responsible to provide the CAO with all required verifications. The inability to provide all required verifications within 30 calendar days may cause benefit ineligibility for individuals or entire budget groups.

Cooperate in establishing eligibility for state and federal benefits. An applicant who does not cooperate without good cause in establishing eligibility for federal programs is ineligible for Cash Assistance as follows:

55 Pa. Code § 141.21(n)

55 Pa. Code § 183.13

Reminder: Eligibility for unemployment compensation (UC) must be explored. Cash Assistance may be authorized pending verification of the UC application. However, CAO follow up will be necessary to ensure the individual person has applied for possible benefits. If UC benefits are expected, complete the OIG 176-U . See Supplemental Handbook, Section 915.531 .

For TANF, the applicant is ineligible until they comply .

55 Pa. Code § 183.13(c)(1)

For Extended TANF , the applicant and the applicant’s family are ineligible until the applicant complies. See Section 150.1 for noncooperation of recipients.

55 Pa. Code § 183.13(c)(3)

NOTE: If the person reapplies, states that they will cooperate in applying for potential state or federal benefits, and signs the required forms, then they are in compliance. If the person again does not follow through with the application and benefits are discontinued, this establishes a pattern of noncooperation. If the person reapplies, they must actually complete the application for state and federal benefits before they are considered to be in compliance. TANF may not be authorized until that time.

Cooperate in establishing paternity and a court order for support, unless good cause exists.

Repay any assistance payment received during a period for which federal or state benefits were awarded. See Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 915 .

55 Pa. Code § 141.21(c)

55 Pa. Code § 141.21(d)

NOTE: The CAO must not deny assistance because an applicant has not repaid assistance received in the past.

Give true and complete information on everything that may affect eligibility.

55 Pa. Code § 141.21(n)(3)