55 Pa. Code § 123.22

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 123.22 - Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter and Chapters 125, 133 and 141 (relating to application process; redetermining eligibility; and general eligibility provisions), have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

AMR-Agreement of Mutual Responsibility-

(i) A written individualized document that, based on an assessment of the individual's skills and abilities, sets forth the responsibilities and obligations to be undertaken by the individual to achieve self-sufficiency, including participation in approved work and work-related activities.
(ii) The AMR includes the time frames within which each obligation is to be completed, the penalties for failure to comply, and the services to be provided by the Department to support the individual's efforts.

Applicant-An individual who submits an application for cash assistance for himself or on behalf of another. The individual remains an applicant until a decision on eligibility or ineligibility is made.

Application-A signed form approved by the Department which contains the name and address of the applicant, unless the applicant is homeless, and is filed with the CAO. The applicant applying for himself or others shall sign and file the application for himself or through a representative authorized by guardianship or power of attorney. If an individual is unable to apply for himself, he may apply through an authorized representative or another person who has authority to act for him. An application will continue in effect until a decision on eligibility is made. The transfer of a budget group from GA to TANF is an application. The addition of a person who is not required to be a member of an existing budget group is an application.

Application interview-A face-to-face interview between an applicant and an eligibility worker which is scheduled within 13-calendar days after receipt of an application. The purpose of the application interview is to gather and record information and to secure verification needed to establish eligibility.

Authorization date of cash assistance-The date on which a decision of eligibility is made.

Inquiry-An inquiry differs from an application in that the person is seeking information only, and does not wish to file an application for cash assistance. When a person asks for cash assistance or some other service on behalf of a competent adult, the Department will consider the request an inquiry unless it is known that the person asking for cash assistance on behalf of another is doing so with the knowledge and consent of the latter.

Monthly assistance payment-The amount of money issued monthly that is based on the family size allowance plus, if applicable, a special need allowance, reduced by the net income of the budget group.

Reapplication-A completed, signed form approved by the Department which is filed with the CAO by a recipient and used for a complete redetermination of continued eligibility of a budget group.

Redetermination-A periodic review by a CAO worker of eligibility factors subject to change. If all factors subject to change are reviewed, the review is a complete redetermination, otherwise the review is a partial redetermination.

Screening interview-A face-to-face or telephone interview between the applicant and a CAO worker which includes a review of the filed application form to assure that information necessary to determine eligibility is provided on the form prior to determining a person ineligible or prior to scheduling an application interview.

55 Pa. Code § 123.22

The provisions of this § 123.22 amended through July 16, 1982, effective 7/17/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2286; amended October 4, 1991, effective 10/5/1991, apply retroactively to November 1, 1989, 21 Pa.B. 4643; amended September 13, 2002, effective 9/14/2002, 32 Pa.B. 4435; amended April 22, 2022, effective 4/23/2022, 52 Pa.B. 2548.

The provisions of this § 123.22 amended under sections 201(2), 403(b), 405, 405.1, 405.3 and 432 of the Human Services Code (62 P.S. §§ 201(2), 403(b), 405, 405.1, 405.3 and 432); Titles I and III of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub.L. No. 104-193) (PRWORA), creating the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, and amending 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 601-619, 651-669(b) and 1396u-1; and the Federal TANF regulations in 45 CFR 260.10-265.10.

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 108.17 (relating to Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR)); 55 Pa. Code § 121.2 (relating to definitions); and 55 Pa. Code 125.1 (relating to policy).