Dempsey v. Commonwealth

Opinion by

Judge Crumlish, Jr.,

The narrow issue presented by this case is whether the Bucks County Board of Assistance (CAO) committed agency error in denying the request of Elizabeth Dempsey for a retroactive one-time grant of cash assistance benefits for herself and her minor daughter.1

In a case such as this where a petitioner is seeking a retroactive one-time grant of assistance, a finding *123of agency error is required before the hearing officer may authorize a retroactive payment. 55 Pa. Code §227.24(d) (1) (i) (C). The hearing officer affirmed CAO’s denial of benefits and dismissed…