122.11 Declaration of Citizenship

One adult budget group member (age 18 or over) must sign the declaration of the application for benefits ( PA 600 or COMPASS application). This certifies that each applicant household member is a citizen or a noncitizen with lawful immigration status. If there are no adult members, the applicant must sign the statement for all members.

55 Pa. Code § 149.24

Effective as of December 18, 2006, CAOs must ask TANF applicants for proof of citizenship and identity for themselves and other persons for whom they are applying. At renewal , TANF recipients must provide proof of citizenship and identity for themselves and other budget group members if they have not already provided proof.

122.12 Noncooperation

An adult member who refuses to sign the declaration is ineligible for benefits unless another adult member of the budget group signs for all members. If a signature cannot be obtained, each adult who refuses to sign the declaration is ineligible for benefits. The ineligible person’s income and resources will be considered available to any remaining members when determining their eligibility. The CAO must keep the signed declaration in the case record permanently. The declaration needs to be signed only once as long as the original signer remains part of the budget group.

NOTE: TANF applicants or recipients may not be denied Cash Assistance or have Cash Assistance benefits delayed or closed if the person or family cooperates with the CAO in getting acceptable documentation of citizenship and identity but fails to provide documentation of citizenship and identity that meets Medical Assistance requirements. The CAO must use the Citizen and Identity Form ( PA 1809 ) to verify citizenship and identity for TANF cash and Medical Assistance applicants and recipients.

55 Pa. Code § 125.21(b)

Updated September 27, 2024, replacing May 29, 2018