MAINTAINING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Maintaining Health Insurance Coverage
You should speak with your previous employer to ask if you will still be covered by your employer's benefits and, if so, for how long. Some employers may consider employees collecting UC to be in "unpaid with benefits" status, and those individuals may be able to maintain their health insurance coverage through their previous employer.
If you are no longer receiving health insurance through your employer, you may be eligible to enroll in COBRA to continue your current health coverage, or you may purchase health insurance through the health insurance Marketplace. Visit www.insurance.pa.gov and click on the Coronavirus page or call 1-877-881-6388 for more information on these programs. If you believe you are eligible for Medicaid, you can also use COMPASS to sign up for Medical Assistance. COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs like Medicaid and CHIP. Visit COMPASS at www.compass.state.pa.us .
You should act quickly if you do not have health insurance. For many plans, you must enroll within 60 days of a "qualifying event," which may be either your separation from your employer or the last day on which your previous employer covered you under their insurance plan.
If you are no longer receiving health insurance through your employer, you may be eligible to enroll in COBRA to continue your current health coverage, or you may purchase health insurance through the health insurance Marketplace. Visit www.insurance.pa.gov and click on the Coronavirus page or call 1-877-881-6388 for more information on these programs. If you believe you are eligible for Medicaid, you can also use COMPASS to sign up for Medical Assistance. COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs like Medicaid and CHIP. Visit COMPASS at www.compass.state.pa.us .
You should act quickly if you do not have health insurance. For many plans, you must enroll within 60 days of a "qualifying event," which may be either your separation from your employer or the last day on which your previous employer covered you under their insurance plan.
RESOURCES FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES
Resources from the Pennsylvania County Assistance Offices
All County Assistance Offices are temporarily closed to the public due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, but access to these services is still available at www.compass.state.pa.us or by calling your County Assistance Office to receive help over the phone.
Available benefits and services include:
Available benefits and services include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Cash Assistance
- Health Care Coverage (Medical Assistance)
- Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Family Planning Services
- Help with Child Care
- School Meals
- Long-Term Living Services
RESOURCES FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE
Resources for Food Assistance
SNAP Benefits/Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases.
Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' website at www.dhs.pa.gov, or call the Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your county assistance office.
If you or your family are suddenly in need of food, please tell the Emergency Food Task Force how to best serve you, and provide an email address to receive more information. Please click here.
PA Food Banks and Pantries
There are several food pantries across the commonwealth. Please contact your area food bank to find assistance in your community.
Westmoreland County Food Bank
Meals for Senior Citizens
Low-income, eligible seniors can receive a box of nutritious food monthly from local distribution sites through the ElderShare & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). For information about meal programs in your area, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). To find your AAA, please visit www.aging.pa.gov .
Meals on Wheels
Several nonprofits and community organizations across Pennsylvania are affiliated with Meals on Wheels, which offers meals to home-bound older persons. For more information contact your local Meals on Wheels provider or AAA.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases.
Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' website at www.dhs.pa.gov, or call the Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your county assistance office.
If you or your family are suddenly in need of food, please tell the Emergency Food Task Force how to best serve you, and provide an email address to receive more information. Please click here.
PA Food Banks and Pantries
There are several food pantries across the commonwealth. Please contact your area food bank to find assistance in your community.
Westmoreland County Food Bank
- 100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont, PA 15626
- 724.468.8660
- 1 North Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110
- 412.460.3663
- 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501
- 814.459.3663
- 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109
- 717.564.1700
- 6969 Silver Crest Road, Nazareth, PA 18064
- 610.434.0875
- 3616 S. Galloway Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- 215.339.0900
- 185 Research Drive, Pittston, PA 18640
- 570.908.2222
- 117 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608
- 610.926.5802
- 109 S Sharpsville Avenue, Suite A, Sharon, PA 16146
- 724.981.0353
Meals for Senior Citizens
Low-income, eligible seniors can receive a box of nutritious food monthly from local distribution sites through the ElderShare & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). For information about meal programs in your area, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). To find your AAA, please visit www.aging.pa.gov .
Meals on Wheels
Several nonprofits and community organizations across Pennsylvania are affiliated with Meals on Wheels, which offers meals to home-bound older persons. For more information contact your local Meals on Wheels provider or AAA.
UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Utility Assistance
On March 13, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) issued an emergency order prohibiting electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam utility terminations. This order will remain in effect for the duration of Governor Wolf's Proclamation of Disaster related to COVID-19.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider right away. Many utility service providers offer emergency assistance programs.
Learn more about the services offered by the PUC at www.puc.state.pa.us or by calling Customer Hotline 1-800-692-7380.
For information from the federal government regarding help that may be available, please visit http://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills or call 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681).
2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Utility Assistance
The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/ to browse resources in your community.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider right away. Many utility service providers offer emergency assistance programs.
Learn more about the services offered by the PUC at www.puc.state.pa.us or by calling Customer Hotline 1-800-692-7380.
For information from the federal government regarding help that may be available, please visit http://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills or call 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681).
2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Utility Assistance
The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/ to browse resources in your community.
CHILD CARE RESOURCES
Child Care Resources
All child care facilities in Pennsylvania are currently closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with some exceptions. Family Child Care Homes and Group Child Care Homes that operate inside a residence are permitted to remain open.
Child care centers that have received a waiver to provide services to healthcare workers and employees of life-sustaining businesses are permitted to remain open. To see a list of child care programs operating on a waiver, visit the Department of Human Services' COVID-19 Resources Child Care Centers Map at www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Coronavirus-Child-Care.aspx or contact DHS at 1-800-692-7462.
Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) can help working families find open child care centers with waivers in your area. ELRCs can assist families with applying for CCW (child care subsidy) or finding other community resources they may need during this time, such as food pantries.
Locate your closest ELRC at www.raiseyourstar.org
Child care centers that have received a waiver to provide services to healthcare workers and employees of life-sustaining businesses are permitted to remain open. To see a list of child care programs operating on a waiver, visit the Department of Human Services' COVID-19 Resources Child Care Centers Map at www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Coronavirus-Child-Care.aspx or contact DHS at 1-800-692-7462.
Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) can help working families find open child care centers with waivers in your area. ELRCs can assist families with applying for CCW (child care subsidy) or finding other community resources they may need during this time, such as food pantries.
Locate your closest ELRC at www.raiseyourstar.org
HOUSING RESOURCES
Housing Resources
If you are unable to make your rent payment, contact your landlord immediately and try to work out an agreement.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Pennsylvania has a variety of housing programs and services that can help older adults and people with disabilities, individuals and families with low incomes, or those who are at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's housing search tool helps people search for housing by topics such as rent amount, area of interest, accessibility, or availability of public transportation. A bi-lingual, toll-free number is also available.
To search for housing visit www.pahousingsearch.com or call Toll-Free: 1-877-428-8844.
HUD Resources
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can offer rental assistance and counseling. Visit www.hud.gov to learn more or contact a housing counseling agency toll-free by calling 1-800-569-4287.
2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Housing Assistance
The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/to browse resources in your community.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Pennsylvania has a variety of housing programs and services that can help older adults and people with disabilities, individuals and families with low incomes, or those who are at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's housing search tool helps people search for housing by topics such as rent amount, area of interest, accessibility, or availability of public transportation. A bi-lingual, toll-free number is also available.
To search for housing visit www.pahousingsearch.com or call Toll-Free: 1-877-428-8844.
HUD Resources
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can offer rental assistance and counseling. Visit www.hud.gov to learn more or contact a housing counseling agency toll-free by calling 1-800-569-4287.
2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Housing Assistance
The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/to browse resources in your community.
ASSISTANCE PAYING A DEBT
Assistance Paying a Debt
If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Explain your situation and ask about hardship programs that may be available. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus.
Trouble Paying Credit Cards
Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like ATM, over payments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.
For more information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding credit cards, mortgages, and more, please visit www.consumerfinance.gov .
A credit counselor may be able to assist you with your debt. Find one near you by contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) at 1-800-388-2227 or by visiting www.nfcc.org .
Trouble Paying your Mortgage or Rent
If you can't cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you're behind on payments.
Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan, or offer loan forbearance.
For mortgage information visit www.consumerfinance.gov. Find a housing counselor near you by visiting www.hud.gov.
For rental assistance visit www.hud.gov .
Student Loans Deferment
If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for a deferment or a forbearance. With either of these options, you can temporarily suspend your payments. Visit the Federal Student Aid Office website at www.studentaid.gov for further guidance, and contact your loan servicer to learn more about your options.
Short Term and Emergency Loans
Consider your options before taking out a high cost short term loan. Talk with your creditors to negotiate more time to pay bills, borrow from friends or family, or explore low interest loans offered by local banks and credit unions.
If you do take out a short-term loan, make sure the lender is licensed with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and borrow only what you can afford to pay back. Find out more at www.dobs.pa.gov, or by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS.
Trouble Paying Credit Cards
Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like ATM, over payments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.
For more information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding credit cards, mortgages, and more, please visit www.consumerfinance.gov .
A credit counselor may be able to assist you with your debt. Find one near you by contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) at 1-800-388-2227 or by visiting www.nfcc.org .
Trouble Paying your Mortgage or Rent
If you can't cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you're behind on payments.
Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan, or offer loan forbearance.
For mortgage information visit www.consumerfinance.gov. Find a housing counselor near you by visiting www.hud.gov.
For rental assistance visit www.hud.gov .
Student Loans Deferment
If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for a deferment or a forbearance. With either of these options, you can temporarily suspend your payments. Visit the Federal Student Aid Office website at www.studentaid.gov for further guidance, and contact your loan servicer to learn more about your options.
Short Term and Emergency Loans
Consider your options before taking out a high cost short term loan. Talk with your creditors to negotiate more time to pay bills, borrow from friends or family, or explore low interest loans offered by local banks and credit unions.
If you do take out a short-term loan, make sure the lender is licensed with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and borrow only what you can afford to pay back. Find out more at www.dobs.pa.gov, or by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Mental Health in PA offers resources from the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) for mental health and substance use disorder. Resources include:
Mental Health/Warmline: The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has partnered with the Center for Community Resources to offer a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person's needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494.
SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Crisis Text Line: Text "PA" to 741-741
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Mental Health/Warmline: The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has partnered with the Center for Community Resources to offer a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person's needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494.
SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
