Pennsylvania Code
Title 55 - HUMAN SERVICES
Part II - Public Assistance Manual
Subpart A - Assistance Policies and Procedures
Chapter 105 - SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
Section 105.3 - Requirements

(a) The records and files of the Department will be used only by those employees properly concerned with them in performing their duties. Case records and other information relating to a client will be forwarded to the State Office upon request. The use of information by county board members is governed by the same rules as govern employees.

(b) The use of information in the possession of the Department concerning applicants and recipients is restricted to purposes directly connected with the following:

(c) Disclosure to a committee or legislative body, whether Federal, State or local of information other than that specified in § 105.4(a)(1) (relating to procedures) is prohibited.

(d) Certification of the receipt of TANF to an employer for the sole purpose of claiming tax credit under the Tax Reduction Act of 1975 (26 U.S.C.A. §§ 3, 11, 12, 21, 42-48, 50A, 50B, 56, 141, 214, 243, 535, 613, 613A, 703, 851, 901, 902, 951, 954, 955, 962, 993, 1034, 1551, 1561, 3402, 6012, 6096, 6201, 6401 and 6428) is considered to be for a purpose directly connected with the administration of the public assistance program. The employers tax credit has been extended through December 31, 1979 by the Tax Reform Act of 1976, Pub. L. No. 94-455, 90 Stat. 1520. Upon written request by the employer, the CAO will complete a PA 132 certifying that the client received assistance immediately prior to the date of hire and continuously for 90 days prior to the date of hire. In non-WIN counties, three signed copies are required; for the employer, county assistance office central file, and the the case record. In WIN counties, four signed copies are required; for the employer, county assistance office central file, case record and the local WIN office.

(e) When seeking additional information or proof from further sources, the Department will use only that information in its possession that is strictly relevant to the purpose. The basis for this use of information is that every client understands what is involved in determining eligibility and has, therefore, given consent to this use of information. Further reference should be made to § 121.1 (relating to policy).

(f) Information may be used to provide a service the client has asked for, or to answer inquiries made on the behalf of the client, if the Department has valid grounds for concluding that the client has asked the inquirer to act on his behalf. Information thus used must be strictly relevant to the particular service requested. In getting information for other agencies, the Department will tell the person interviewed that the information given will be sent to the inquiring agency.

(g) Information may be released to law enforcement officials, and the Pennsylvania State Police and the Board of Probation and Parole, in compliance with State and Federal law relating to release of information as provided in § 105.4.