Philadelphia Legal Assistance "Make Your Case" Video Series

Philadelphia Legal Assistance has launched Make Your Case, a legal self-help video series. With a grant from the Legal Services Corporation, PLA attorneys developed three self-help videos for people who represent themselves in custody, support, and protection from abuse cases in family court. The video series is available in English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, and Indonesian, providing a valuable legal resource to people with limited English proficiency.

Videos from the Make Your Case series are also available on PaLawHelp.org under the Custody and Guardianship of Children, Child Support and Paternity and Domestic Violence & Protection From Abuse topics under the main heading Children and Families.

Information on Rent and Utility Assistance

Pennsylvanians needing assistance with rent or utility costs have several options available to them.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created to help renters dealing with financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For eligible households, the program helps with paying rent, past-due rent balances, utility and home energy costs. Learn what the program offers or find your county program to apply. 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay their heating bills. LIHEAP is a grant. You do not have to repay it. The program is open from Oct 8, 2021 through May 6, 2022. You can apply online using Compass or through your local county assistance office.