123.73 Temporary Absence from Pennsylvania

A recipient who continues to meet the eligibility requirements stays eligible during a period of temporary absence from Pennsylvania. The CAO must consider any of the following to be a temporary absence:

An absence of less than 30 days;

An absence of 30 days or more if the recipient verifies that they are prevented by illness or other good cause from returning and that they have not acted to establish residence elsewhere;

An absence of 30 days or more if the recipient provides proof that they intend to remain a resident of Pennsylvania and will return to Pennsylvania when the purpose of the absence is accomplished.

55 Pa. Code § 147.23(c)

When a recipient notifies the CAO of a plan to reside temporarily out of Pennsylvania, the CAO must send a Confirming Notice to confirm the address change. The notice reminds the recipient that an absence of 30 days or more will be considered permanent unless they can verify that the absence is temporary.

55 Pa. Code § 147.24(a)(1)

The worker must set an alert for 30 days. On the 30th day, if the recipient has not returned or has not verified continued Pennsylvania residence, the CAO must send an Advance Notice to stop benefits on the next payment date for which advance notice can be met.

If the recipient reports that the temporary absence will continue beyond 29 days and provides proof of continued Pennsylvania residence, the CAO must do the following:

Review the case at least once every 30 days to make sure the recipient continues to meet the temporary absence requirements.

If the recipient does not meet the requirements for temporary absence, close the budget and send an Advance Notice and end benefits. Benefits end on the day before first payment date allowing Advance Notice .