Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 178.165 - Educational savings accounts(a) For GA categories of MA, an educational savings account established by an individual at a bank or other financial institution to pay for education expenses, including tuition, books and incidental expenses related to attendance at a vocational school, community college, college or university is not counted in determining eligibility.(1) The account shall be clearly identified as having been established for or restricted to payment of educational expenses.(2) The savings account, its ownership, the account balance and the fact that the account is restricted for payment of educational expenses shall be verified by written documentation. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, a copy of the passbook or a copy of a current account statement from the bank or other financial institution.(3) Moneys deposited in an account plus interest earned on the account shall be exempt in determining eligibility for GA as long as the funds remain on deposit.(4) Moneys withdrawn to pay for educational expenses are exempt. Documentation shall be provided that verifies the expenses were incurred and related to attending school.(5) Moneys withdrawn from an educational savings account that are used for a purpose unrelated to education shall be added to the budget group's resource amount and used to determine eligibility beginning with the date of withdrawal.(b) For GA categories of MA, savings accounts established and bonds purchased under the Tuition Account Program and College Savings Bond Act (24 P.S. §§ 6901.101-6901.701) are not counted in determining eligibility.The provisions of this § 178.165 adopted July 28, 2000, the provisions under Act 49 effective 9/1/1994, 30 Pa.B. 3779; amended September 13, 2002, effective retroactively to March 3, 1997, 32 Pa.B. 4435.The provisions of this § 178.165 amended under sections 201(2) and 403(b) of the Public Welfare Code (62 P.S. §§ 201(2) and 403(b)); Titles I and III of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub.L. No. 104-193) (PRWORA), creating the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, and amending 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 601-619, 651-669(b) and 1396u-1; 1902(a)(10)(A) and (C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.A. § 1396a(a)(10)(A) and (C)); and the Federal TANF regulations in 45 CFR 260.10-265.10.