131.63 CAO Determination and Notice of Good Cause

The CAO must determine whether there is good cause within 45 days from the date the applicant/recipient began the claim. The CAO may approve an extension for completing the determination if the CAO needs more time to investigate the verification provided or if the CAO grants the applicant/recipient an extension to obtain documents .

55 Pa. Code § 187.27(c)

For an applicant, the CAO must authorize assistance no later than 30 days after application when the applicant is claiming good cause and verification is not easily available or is waiting to be received from a third party.

For a recipient, the CAO must continue assistance if verification is not given within 30 days and the delay is due to a third party.

After making the determination, the CAO must:

Give the applicant or recipient oral notice of the determination

Give written notice using the PA 162, Notice to Applicant/Recipient

Record the decision and supporting verification in the case record.

If the claim is denied, the notice must include:

The right to appeal and request a fair hearing;

What further evidence or information is needed to support the good cause claim

The dates when information can and needs to be provided

The choice to withdraw the application for assistance

The choice to ask that assistance be closed

The choice to cooperate in establishing paternity and getting support.

If the claim is approved, the DRS must not try to establish paternity or get support.

If the claim is denied, neither the Department nor the BCSE must try to establish paternity or get support for at least 30 days after the client has been told orally and in writing that the good cause claim was denied.

Give the BCSE a copy of the completed Good Cause Determination Based on Factors Other than Domestic Violence for Child Support or Paternity PA/CS 173-GC if good cause is not based on domestic violence . If good cause is based on domestic violence, forward a copy of the Domestic Violence Verification Form PA 1747 . See Appendix E, Bureau of Child Support Enforcement Area Offices .