Pennsylvania Good Cause Waiver: How to Avoid Child Support Enforcement on a TANF Application

Why TANF Triggers Child Support Enforcement

When you apply for child-only TANF on behalf of a grandchild or relative's child in Pennsylvania, the County Assistance Office is required by law to refer the case to the local Domestic Relations Section. That office then works to identify the absent parent, establish paternity if needed, and pursue child support payments.

The money the state collects goes toward offsetting the cost of the TANF grant — not into your pocket. And if the absent parent is located and ordered to pay, that contact can create real problems for families dealing with domestic violence, substance abuse, or ongoing safety concerns.

This is where the Good Cause waiver comes in.

What the Good Cause Waiver Does

Filing a Good Cause claim tells the County Assistance Office that cooperating with child support enforcement would put you or the child at risk. If the CAO approves it, the state suspends all Domestic Relations referrals — no parent contact, no enforcement actions — while the child keeps their full TANF grant.

The child's eligibility and monthly payment amount stay exactly the same whether you file Good Cause or not. The waiver only changes whether the state pursues the parent for reimbursement.

When Good Cause Applies

Pennsylvania approves Good Cause claims under specific circumstances. The CAO will grant the waiver when child support cooperation would result in:

• Physical or emotional harm to the child — including situations where the parent has a history of violence, abuse, or neglect
• Physical or emotional harm to the caregiver — particularly when domestic violence or threats are involved
• Pending adoption proceedings — the child is in an active adoption process before a court
• Conception through rape or incest — cooperation would force contact with the perpetrator

Describe the risk on the Good Cause claim and attach any supporting evidence you have — such as protective orders, police reports, hospital records, or a letter from a domestic violence advocate. Ask the CAO what evidence it requires for your claim.

How to File Form PA 1747

The Good Cause claim is made on Form PA 1747 (Good Cause Notice). Here is the process:

1. Request the form from your County Assistance Office caseworker when you submit your TANF application, or ask for it at any time while receiving benefits
2. Complete the form describing why cooperation with child support enforcement would cause harm — be specific about the type of risk (violence, threats, substance abuse creating danger)
3. Attach supporting documents if you have them — a Protection From Abuse order, a letter from a shelter or counselor, medical records, or prior CYS reports
4. Submit to the CAO — the caseworker forwards it for a Good Cause determination
5. Wait for the decision — the CAO evaluates the claim and notifies you in writing

While the Good Cause claim is being evaluated, ask the CAO to confirm what will happen to any Domestic Relations referral. If your claim is approved, DHS suspends referrals while maintaining the child's full TANF grant eligibility.

What Happens If Good Cause Is Denied

If the CAO denies your Good Cause claim, you can appeal the decision through the DHS Bureau of Hearings and Appeals within 30 calendar days. You also have the right to cooperate with Domestic Relations as required — the denial does not affect the child's TANF grant amount.

If circumstances change later (a new threat, a new incident), you can file a new Good Cause claim at any time.

How This Connects to the Bigger Picture

Many grandparents hesitate to apply for child-only TANF because they assume it will trigger a confrontation with their adult child — the child's parent. The Good Cause waiver exists specifically for these situations.

The Pennsylvania Kinship Financial Help Guide walks through the full TANF application process, including exactly when to raise Good Cause, what to write on PA 1747, and how the income exclusion rules work so your own retirement or pension is never counted against the child's grant.

If you are unsure whether Good Cause applies to your situation, the SeniorLAW Center's Grandparents Legal Line (1-877-727-7529, for caregivers 60 and older) can provide free legal advice. Younger caregivers can reach the PA Legal Aid Network at 1-800-322-7572.

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