PCA payments may continue to a PCA successor if the following are true:

• The successor was named by the kinship caregiver in the original permanency care assistance agreement or in an amendment to that agreement.
• The successor submits the required background check information to DFPS and that information meets DFPS standards.
• The successor signs a PCA agreement with DFPS.
• The successor submits proof to DFPS demonstrating that the successor has been given legal custody of the child by the court.

The PCA successor cannot begin receiving PCA payments from DFPS until the successor has signed a PCA agreement and assumed legal custody of the child.

If the PCA successor signs the agreement after being given legal custody of the child by the court, DFPS may grant benefits retroactive to the date legal custody was granted. In such a case, these retroactive benefits are granted for a period not to exceed 12 months.

The terms and conditions of the agreement originally signed by the kinship caregiver will also apply to the PCA successor. This means that the following are true for the PCA successor:

• The successor is entitled to a one-time reimbursement of the following:
  • Non-recurring expenses.
  • Reasonable and necessary fees expended toward obtaining legal custody of the child. These fees include things such as the cost of obtaining a home study, health exams, court costs, and others (up to $1,200).
• The successor is entitled to receive the child’s benefits for the same duration determined in the original PCA agreement.
• The successor may exercise the right to a fair hearing if benefits are denied, delayed, suspended, or reduced.
• The successor must abide by the same conditions for continuation of PCA payments, including, but not limited to, annual notification, certification, and documentation requirements.