135.34 Caring for a Disabled Family Member (ETP Status Code 54)

A TANF parent providing care for a disabled family member living in the phoe is exempt from work participation requirements when documentation to support the need for the disabled family member to have a caregiver is provided.

To meet the medical documentation requirement, the Caregiver Review Form (PA 1820) must be used.

A TANF parent may also be exempt if their child with disabilities receives full-time instruction in the home AND a parent is required to be present.

NOTE: A TANF parent may qualify for caregiver exemption regardless of whether the disabled family member attends school on a full-time basis.

A TANF non-parent who is the specified relative of a disabled child living in the home does not qualify for this exemption, but may be granted good cause. See Section 135.4, Good Cause .

Review ETP 54 at each renewal.

Individuals who are no longer eligible for ETP 54 should be encouraged to begin participation as soon as arrangements can be made for the disabled family member, but no later than four weeks from the date of the renewal interview.

Update the AMR and refer the individual to an appropriate program .

An exempt caregiver may volunteer to participate in an approved E&T activity and receive subsidized childcare , if they are employed or has an activity indicated on an open ETP Project Enrollment screen. See Section 135.5 Volunteering to Participate in RESET .

COMPLETING THE CAREGIVER REVIEW FORM (PA 1820):

The CAO will complete the first section of the form including caregiver's name, address and record number.

The caregiver must complete the second section of the form.

The third section of the form must be completed by a licensed medical provider familiar with the medical or psychological needs of the individual with the disability.

The completed form must be maintained in the case record for a period of six years from the date it is created or from the date it was last in effect, whichever is later.

REVIEWING THE CAREGIVER REVIEW FORM (PA 1820) FOR FEDERAL EXEMPTION:

The CAO will ensure the fields of the PA 1820 have been completed appropriately. The caregiver must describe in detail what they do to care for the disabled family member living in their home.

The third section must be completed by a licensed medical provider.

The CAO must ensure the disabled family member lives in the same home as the TANF parent requesting the caregiver exemption.

The continued need for the caregiver exemption should be reviewed every 12 months at renewal; this does not mean a new PA 1820 is required if the diagnosis is not likely to change or improve. Review the most recent PA 1820 in the record, and if necessary, consult a DAP worker, if you are uncertain if a new PA 1820 is required.

NOTE: Only TANF parents are eligible to request and receive a caregiver exemption. If the specified relative is not a TANF parent, good cause should be explored if they are needed in the home to provide care for a disabled child or adult living in their home. See Section 135.4, Good Cause .

Updated January 20, 2026, replacing September 21, 2021,