As an eligibility condition, the person who is required to sign the Common Application Form (PA 600) is required, to the extent of their ability, to substantiate the information they give to the CAO. The person must disclose information about the age, residence, citizenship, employment, income, and resources of the budget group members, legally responsible relatives (LRRs), stepparents, parents of minor parents, and sponsors of noncitizens .
At application, the CAO must verify conditions of eligibility, need, income, and resources. At renewal, the CAO must verify income, resources, and any other eligibility factors that are subject to change. The CAO must accept scanned documents unless there is reason to doubt that the duplicate is authentic.
A person who is required to participate in Semiannual Reporting (SAR) must submit verification of changes using the Semiannual Reporting Form (SAR Form). See Chapter 171.
Verification sources include:
written evidence.
public records (obtaining vital records).
collateral contacts.
automated sources.
other means showing that the person’s statement is true.
NOTE: Social media is not a source of verification of information and should not be researched. If the CAO does become aware of information on social media that indicates household status is not as reported and/or suspects fraud, this information may be used as a lead. A referral to the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) should be completed for further investigation.
The person is the primary source of information for establishing Cash Assistance eligibility. When necessary, the CAO must help the person get the required verification. For ways to help deaf or hearing-impaired persons, see the Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 880, Section 880.2.
NOTE: Notification of birth is the only verification required to add a newborn child within the grace period to an open Cash Assistance budget. The caretaker/relative or representative may provide notification of birth by a written or oral statement or by an MA 112. See Chapter 168, Section 168.812, Additions of Newborn Children to the Budget Group.
55 Pa. Code § 133.23(b)(4)(v)(A)
Updated September 24, 2025; Replacing September 5, 2018