Follow-up is an important part of the AMR process. It provides the CAO with the opportunity to give the person feedback, helps the person resolve problems, and encourages the person to continue improving their situation.
55 Pa. Code § 133.23(a)(1)(vi)
If a person does not respond to a CAO request to talk about mandatory activities listed on the AMR, the CAO must begin action to discontinue assistance. See Cash Assistance Handbook Chapter 135.7. When an AMR is completed, the caseworker and person must set a date by which the person is to contact the CAO to report on their progress. If the person has not contacted the CAO by the agreed-upon date that is listed on page 3, the CAO must contact the person by phone.
NOTE: The caseworker determines whether discussion about necessary changes should take place by phone or in person. If changes involve new goals and activities, a face-to-face discussion is recommended but not required.
The CAO is responsible for follow-up contacts to check the person’s progress in completing the activities listed on the AMR. The caseworker must use the alert system or other control system to track progress.
Follow-up contacts occur when exemption, good cause, exclusion, or temporary disability has ended and to verify if an 18 year old is a full-time student in secondary education. If the AMR needs to be updated for any reason, the CAO should conduct a partial redetermination interview and recommend using the Partial Redetermination Appointment Notice (PA1834) to schedule the interview.
At the follow-up contact, the caseworker must review the status of the person’s plan. If the person has failed to complete the agreed-upon activities, the caseworker must determine the reasons and then take appropriate action, depending on whether the activity was mandatory or voluntary.
Plans on the AMR may be changed, if necessary, depending on the circumstances of the case. Together, the caseworker and the person must discuss future actions that the person and agency must take to meet the goals. The CAO must update the existing AMR to reflect the changes or complete a new AMR. The new or updated AMR must be mailed to the adult along with a PA 1753 AMR Signature Letter explaining that the adult(s) must sign and return the AMR within 30 days.
At renewal, the caseworker and the recipient must review the AMR and assess the progress in the family becoming economically secure. The review includes checking compliance with the responsibilities and obligations in the existing AMR and making necessary changes to the AMR. If the person’s plan on the existing AMR has not changed, the CAO must narrate in case comments that the caseworker reviewed the AMR with the person and the AMR remains valid. This documents that an update was not necessary.
55 Pa. Code § 133.23(a)(1)(vi)
NOTE: Renewal may be done by personal interviews via telephone or face-to-face, depending on the person’s choice.
Updated April 17, 2023; Replacing January 12, 2023