What if I miss a deadline or forget to submit requested paperwork?

If a deadline is missed or requested paperwork is not submitted, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services may delay processing, suspend benefits, or close the case, depending on the program and how important the missing item is to the decision. In many situations, the person can still send the paperwork as soon as possible and ask whether the case can be reopened, continued, or reconsidered. The best next step is usually to read any notice carefully, because it should explain what was needed, the due date, and what happens if it is not received. If the deadline has already passed, it is still worth submitting the paperwork right away with a short explanation of why it was late. Some programs may allow good cause or an extension in certain situations, such as illness or mail problems. It can also help to keep copies of everything sent and note the date and method of delivery. If the current web page has a case or program contact section, checking it may help confirm the next step and where to send missing documents.