127.71 Temporary Absence of the Child

A specified relative may receive TANF for a minor child who is absent or expected to be temporarily absent from the home for not more than 180 consecutive days. The child’s absence will not affect the child’s TANF eligibility if one of the following applies:

55 Pa. Code § 151.43(d)(1)

The absence does not affect the relative’s basic responsibility for care and control of the child.

The specified relative retains legal custody and control of the TANF child while they are attending a school.

NOTE : If the child is living in a school and the specified relative has turned over control of the child to the school, the child is not eligible.

The specified relative is responsible for care and control of the child when the temporary separation ends.

55 Pa. Code § 151.43(d)(2)

NOTE : During the separation, the CAO will decide whether or not the child is in need. The monthly assistance payment is computed as though the child were living in the specified relative’s home.

Examples:

A child is temporarily living away from home under terms of the best plan for his or her education through the first 12 grades, undergraduate college or vocational training.

A family is temporarily separated because of a fire, a flood, the sudden illness of a parent or a similar reason.

The child is making a court-ordered parental visit in another county or state.

The specified relative is not eligible for TANF if they do not report within five days (but not later than the 180th day) of the time it becomes clear that the child will be absent beyond the consecutive 180-day period.

NOTE : Failure to report this change results in:

Assistance ineligibility for the specified relative for 30 days.

Overpayment of the child’s portion of the grant for the entire 180 days if the family consists of other eligible dependent children.

Overpayment of the entire grant for the 180-day period if the family consists of only the specified relative and the child who was temporarily living away from home.

NOTE : The 180-day criteria does not count as consecutive if the child comes home for the holidays.