135.31 Medical Exemption (ETP Status Code 53)

This exemption continues unless medical documentation supports a change from exempt to mandatory status. See Section 135.312 When to Review Medical Exemption.

55 Pa. Code § 165.21(c)

Individuals with 12 continuous months of medical exemption will be referred to the Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) for assistance in pursuing Social Security Administration (SSA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. See Supplemental Handbook Section 820.5, The DAP Process the Eligibility Worker. Individuals who are cooperating with the SSA eligibility process do not require additional disability verification and are considered exempt until such time as they:

S top cooperating with SSA

S top cooperating with the DAP or MRT process

P rovide medical documentation that states they are no longer disabled

A physician, licensed psychologist, psychiatrist , physician assistant , or certified registered nurse practitioner must verify a physical or mental disability and employment and training status using the PA 635 , Medical Assessment Form. The PA 635 must be used for TANF for disability verification. See Section Chapter 129.31, Verification of Incapacity for TANF.

55 Pa. Code § 165.22

NOTE: The PA 635 may also be used to verify incapacity to determine deprivation due to incapacity in a two-parent household See Section Chapter 129.31, Verification of Incapacity .

When the CAO is waiting for the return of the PA 635 , or if the PA 635 indicates an individual is able to participat e in employment and training activities for some hours, the individual’s enrollment status is mandatory with good cause. See Section 135.4, Good Cause .