Only one individual in each applicant/recipient group can be the specified relative to a child. 55 Pa. Code § 151.44(a)(1)
NOTE: There may be different specified relatives responsible for the care and control of different children in the same household. 55 Pa. Code § 151.43(c)
Exception: When both parents of the opposite sex, including adoptive parents, of a dependent child are included in the applicant/recipient group, both parents are named as specified relatives. 55 Pa. Code § 151.44(a)(1)
If the child is living with more than one relative who could be designated the specified relative, other than both parents (including adoptive parents), the CAO must name one individual as the specified relative.
Examples:
Donald, age 18, lives with his mother and stepfather. His mother applies for MA for the entire family. Because Donald does not live with both parents, the mother is named as a specified relative. She qualifies for category PC or TC. The stepfather qualifies for PD or TD or another category if he meets one of the GA conditions.
Holly, age 11, lives with her aunt and uncle. The aunt hands in an MA application for the entire family. Since Holly does not live with both parents, only one individual can be named as a specified relative and qualify for category PC or TC.
Updated February 14, 2012, Replacing July 8, 2008