207.05 Living with a Specified Relative SR 97-09, 03/97 (FAM-A)

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A specified relative is an individual who provides care and parental control to the child. A specified relative must be related to the child in one of the ways described in the Glossary.

A dependent child must physically live, eat, and sleep in a specified relative’s home, unless good cause exists for temporary absence from the home. Temporary absence from the home may be of indefinite duration as long as the return to the home is expected and the specified relative retains care and control.

• Good cause exists when the parent or specified relative retains care and control of the child and the child’s return to the home is expected.

• For a child who is absent from the home to attend school, good cause exists provided the parent or specified relative maintains care and control of the child and child returns home during vacation periods and semester breaks, or intends to return home at the end of the school year.

If good cause for temporary absence does not exist, the child in question must be removed from the assistance group before 45 days if the parent or specified relative knows or becomes aware that the child’s absence will be more than 45 days and good cause does not exist. Close the entire case if there are no other dependent children in the home.

Parent(s) or specified relatives are required to notify the Department within 5 days of becoming aware that the child will be absent from the home for a period of 45 days or more. Failure to provide such notification will result in the parent(s) or specified relative being ineligible for TANF financial assistance for the period in which the child’s absence was unreported. If appropriate, refer the individual to OSI.