138.5 Moving Allowances

A person may receive an OTI for the costs of transportation and labor associated with a move that is:   55 Pa. Code § 175.23

• Required because of a verified health hazard; or

• Part of a plan to relocate the person to accept employment.

For relocation moves to accept employment, see Section 135.66.

An allowance is available to TANF or SSI recipients for the cost of a move due to a health hazard. The payment amount is limited to a maximum of $200.

NOTE:  If an SSI recipient lives with TANF recipients, the CAO will include the SSI person in the allowance for the cash recipients. If the SSI recipient lives in a household with non-assistance persons, the CAO will base the allowance on the SSI person's proportionate share of the actual minimum cost of the move.    55 PA Code § 297.3(1)

The CAO will authorize an allowance only if all of the following conditions are met:     55 Pa. Code § 175.23

• The person has no other resources available to meet the cost of the move.

NOTE: Count a recipient’s rent escrow refund as a resource available to meet the cost of transportation and other necessary expenses related to moving.

• The person has not received a moving allowance within the prior 12 months.

• The person must move due to a verified health hazard such as, but not limited to:

• Unsanitary plumbing conditions;

• Uncovered wiring;

• A Department of Environmental Resources (DER) certification of polluted drinking water;

• Rat infestation; or

• The property has been condemned or officially declared “unfit for human habitation.”

• The health hazard has been confirmed by a housing inspector, CAO worker observation or other documentation.

• The person has provided a Medical Verification of Residential Health Hazard (PA 594) from a physician. The form must clearly state that the condition of the home is contributing to or causing specific health problems; and

• The person is moving to a location within Pennsylvania.

138.51 Allowable Costs

The CAO will authorize payment, up to a maximum of $200, for transportation of persons and their household effects to their new residence and any necessary expenses related to transportation en route.

NOTE: Cost of storage is not an allowable cost.

Payment may be made for moves by a moving company or by the person with the assistance of friends or relatives. The person must provide written verification of costs associated with the move.

If the move is by a moving company:      55 Pa. Code § 175.23

• The person is required to obtain two bids to determine the lowest cost; and

• The company must be licensed by the PUC.

Exception: A licensed company is not required if the move is made by members of a bona fide association such as the Lions Club, VFW or Elks.

If the person chooses to rent a truck and move with the help of friends and relatives:      55 Pa. Code § 175.23

• The truck must be leased from a commercial rental organization such as U-Haul or Ryder;

• The original lease for the transportation must be between the rental agency and the person or a member of the person’s immediate household; and

• The role of friends or relatives or any other unlicensed persons must be limited to providing labor for moving.

NOTE: The CAO will not require the person to obtain bids for this method.

Reviewed July 30, 2013