108.711 Child Support Referral Codes

The CAO should use caution when choosing the support referral code for each absent relative if domestic violence is an issue in the case or if the individual claims good cause. There are different actions and outcomes depending upon which code is entered. The codes are as follows:

Code 02 – Good Cause Claim Initiated (Not Family Violence)

Code 03 – Good Cause Waiver (Not Family Violence)

Code 06 – Support Action Required (Not Family Violence)

Code 11 – Support Action Required (Family Violence)

Code 12 – Family Violence Good Cause Waiver

NOTE: Codes 02 and 03 are used only for cases of rape, incest and adoption. Codes 11 and 12 are used only for cases of family violence/domestic violence.

At application:

Good Cause Codes 02, 03 and 12 will not trigger a referral to PACSES. However, the CAO must also check PACSES to determine if the individual already has a court order. If the individual already has a court order and decides to claim good cause when applying for benefits, the court order will initially remain in effect because the good cause referral code is not transmitted to PACSES. To stop the support action and reduce the danger to the individual as well as to prevent the possibility of an overpayment, the CAO should immediately contact the DRS to inform them that the individual has requested that the order be stopped. Otherwise, the court order will continue to be enforced, potentially putting the individual in danger, and also potentially causing an overpayment if the individual receives assistance and support at the same time. The DRS will suspend support obligation(s) and support actions until the CAO makes a determination on the good cause claim. If good cause is approved, the DRS must terminate all support enforcement activity, all support obligation(s) and support payments. The CAO must make it very clear to the individual that a good cause determination means the support order will be stopped.

NOTE: To reinstate a support order that has been stopped, the CAO must update both the support referral code and referral date in eCIS. Use support referral code 11 if family violence is a factor or code 6 if family violence is not a factor. U pdate the referral date to match the system date to generate a new referral to PACSES.

Codes 06 and 11 will trigger a referral to PACSES. If the client has a current court order, the individual’s eligibility status is changed in PACSES when the DRS processes the referral to indicate the individual is receiving TANF and support is assigned to DHS. Use of code 11 will automatically update PACSES with the FVI code and create an alert to the DRS advising that the individual has reported family violence. Entry of the FVI code in PACSES will safeguard information in the support enforcement system with safeguarding the individual’s address.

Anytime other than application:

Codes 02, 03 and 12 will not trigger a referral to PACSES. However, if the client has an existing court order assigned to the Department, an alert is sent to PACSES notifying the DRS that the CAO has changed the code on the absent relative screen because the individual has claimed good cause. The DRS will suspend the support obligation(s) and support actions pending the CAO’s determination on the good cause claim. If good cause is approved, the DRS will stop the existing court order and support will no longer be collected. The CAO must make it very clear to the individual that a good cause determination means the support order will be stopped.

Code 11 will trigger a referral to PACSES, but the FVI is entered automatically on the PACSES file to safeguard information about the victim /survivor's address in the support enforcement system.

Occasionally, individuals who have requested good cause for not complying with support requirements file for child support directly at the DRS. DRS staff will be encouraged to check eCIS for an open cash assistance case whenever an individual initiates court action for support at the DRS. If an open case is found, the DRS will contact the CAO liaison. If an FVI is on the case, the DRS will discuss the circumstances with the individual and let the CAO know that the good cause code (12) should be replaced with another code (06 or 11).

NOTE: Neither the CAO nor the DRS shall access a DRS file unless access to the file is needed in the performance of their duties.

55 Pa. Code § 108.16(b)(2)