104.55 Authorizing Benefits

Authorization is the process of completing and processing all data necessary to issue an assistance benefit.

55 Pa. Code § 123.22

If the applicant is eligible for a monthly assistance payment, the CAO must do the following:

Explain the amount of the monthly assistance payment and how it was computed.

Explain that the monthly assistance payment is a money payment that the recipient may use in any way he or she chooses.

Explain that a change in Cash Assistance eligibility may not result in a change of Medical Assistance eligibility.

Explain the medical, dental, pharmaceutical, optometric, and burial services.

Explain that the ACCESS card will be mailed by the contractor. Tell the individual when to expect it and how it is to be used.

Provide an interim Medical Assistance card to anyone who needs a medical service before an ACCESS card will be received from the contractor. See the Medical Assistance Eligibility Handbook, Section 380.4.

Explain that any third-party medical coverage is to be used before Medical Assistance coverage

Upon request, help the person find medical care by accessing MA CARES and giving the person a list of providers who participate in the Medical Assistance program. See the Medical Assistance Eligibility Handbook, Section 338.51.

Explain the SNAP program

Complete a referral to EPSDT, DAP , LIHEAP , or WIC , if applicable.

Explain the availability of other social services.

Discuss the responsibility for reporting changes by the tenth of the month following the month in which the change occurs.

62 P.S .§ 432.19

Explain the purpose of semiannual reporting (SAR) if the applicant is required to submit semiannual reports.

Explain why the applicant must semiannually report.

Give a copy of the Semiannual Reporting form ( SAR , PA 564 ) with instructions for completing the form.

Explain how to complete and submit the SAR form.

Explain what needs to be verified and how the information must be verified.

Explain to applicants and recipients the benefits (for example, the EIC ) of filing a tax return, and encourage applicants and recipients to file

Explain the distribution of assistance benefits through mail delivery or electronic benefit transfer (EBT) .

NOTE : Explain to applicants and recipients that they may not use TANF funds issued through their PA ACCESS card to make electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transactions in liquor stores, casinos (gambling casinos, gaming establishments), or places for adult entertainment. [Title IV of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P. L. 112-96)]

Provide the appropriate identification card to the recipient to use when getting their assistance payment. See Chapter 180, Appendix B .

Explain payment schedules and the meaning of payment day numbers.

Explain special allowances and benefits. See Chapter 138 .

Complete the authorization process.

Complete and send a Notice of Eligibility .

55 Pa. Code § 125.24(c)(7)(vi)