Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Illegal Lock-Outs – Know Your Rights
In response to the Coronavirus emergency, many courts are closed and no evictions are being processed at this time. As a result, landlords may attempt to remove tenants illegally for nonpayment of rent or other reasons.
Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19 - Frequently Asked Questions
The COVID-19 public health crisis is creating many challenges for immigrant workers and their families. An estimated six million immigrants are in essential jobs at the front lines of the response to this pandemic. This provides answers to frequently asked questions from immigrant workers and their advocates about COVID-19-related topics.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Information on measures in place to combat the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Returning to Work During Coronavirus
Answers to some frequently asked questions from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia about returning to work following a shutdown during the COVID-19 crisis.
Unemployment Compensation
Resources and information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance for Pennsylvanians seeking unemployment compensation.
UC Service Center Busy Signals: What is an Unemployed Person to Do?
Information on options Unemployment Compensation claimants have for dealing with problems reaching the UC Service Centers.
Mistakes and Misinformation from Employers about Unemployment Compensation
There are many misconceptions about unemployment compensation so it is important that workers know their rights and the rules around UC benefits. Many employers are uncertain about information regarding unemployment compensation and may furnish you incorrect information. Here are facts to help you determine if what you are told is correct.
Need Health Insurance and Not Working in Your Prior Job? Act Now!
If you are not working because you are on leave, on layoff, or have lost your job, you should look at the following options for health care for yourself and your family. You should secure coverage within 60 DAYS of when you lose coverage through your employer, or you will lose the opportunity to get affordable benefits through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace until the end of the year.
Immigration and Unemployment Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many comman questions about immigration status and unemployment compensation benefits.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DOESN'T STOP FOR COVID-19! (Southeastern PA)
Information for victims of domestic violence in Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties on how to obtain Protection from Abuse orders (PFAs) during the COVID-10 crisis.
Philadelphia: Proceedings in Philadelphia Family Court during COVID-19
Information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance on how to stay informed and access the Philadelphia Family Court, including how to file pleadings and attend virtual hearings.
Illegal Lock-Outs – Know Your Rights
In response to the Coronavirus emergency, many courts are closed and no evictions are being processed at this time. As a result, landlords may attempt to remove tenants illegally for nonpayment of rent or other reasons.
Information for PHILADELPHIA RENTERS During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Resources and information for renters in Philadelphia relating to COVID-19.
Coronavirus: Protections for Homeowners
Information on protections for all homeowners in Pennsylvania affected by COVID-19 from Regional Housing Legal Services.
Information for Philadelphia Homeowners during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Resources and information for homeowners in Philadelphia.
Utility Assistance for those Affected by the Corona Virus
The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project provides utility assistance information for renters and homeowners in Pennsylvania affected by COVID-19.
More SNAP on your EBT Card - COVID-19 Supplement
If you get SNAP you may get extra benefits on your EBT card to help buy food during the COVID-19 Crisis. Here is information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on the extra benefits and who is eligible to get them.
Coronavirus and Public Benefits: How Pennsylvanians Can Get Help (Video)
This video provides information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for public benefits including SNAP (Food Stamps); Medicaid (Medical Assistance); TANF (Cash Assistance); and LIHEAP (Heating/Cooling/Energy Bill Assistance.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Info Sheet - PA Prisons and Jails
Information for people in prison or jail about how to protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19
If you are employed in Pennsylvania and are unable to work because of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits. The Department of Labor & Industry will continue to provide important employment benefit updates on this page as the situation evolves.
Stimulus Money and Taxes during COVID-19
Information on the stimulus payments, or Economic Impact Payments, issued through the Internal Revenue Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. (April 13, 2021)
Understanding & Challenging PUA Monetary Determinations in Pennsylvania
You’ve applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and received your Monetary Determination. This guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance will explain how your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated for your PUA claim and what you can do if you believe your WBA is incorrect.
Unemployment Compensation Overpayments and COVID-19
Information and answers to your questions about Unemployment Compensation Overpayments.
Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19 - Frequently Asked Questions
The COVID-19 public health crisis is creating many challenges for immigrant workers and their families. An estimated six million immigrants are in essential jobs at the front lines of the response to this pandemic. This provides answers to frequently asked questions from immigrant workers and their advocates about COVID-19-related topics.
Surviving Debt
This fully updated, 50th NCLC Anniversary commemorative edition of Surviving Debt provides precise, practical, and hard-hitting advice from the nation’s consumer law experts on how to deal with crushing debt affecting millions of Americans.
Coronavirus Advice for Consumers
Materials for consumer from the Federal Trade Commission about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Scams.
Learn how to file for unemployment benefits online (Video)
Informative video describing how to file for unemployment compensation benefits online in Pennsylvania.
Unemployment Benefits - Guide
This guide will help you navigate the process of applying for unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania.
What's wrong with my UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM? -- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
This troubleshooting guide explains common issues that many claimants may experience with unemployment compensation claims and offers suggested action steps that can help speed up the process or fix the issue.
Mortgage and Housing Assistance during the Coronavirus National Emergency
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have partnered to launch a new mortgage and housing assistance website to help homeowners and renters during the coronavirus pandemic. The page provides information on what to do now, and what your options are for mortgage and rent payment relief.
CARES Act Mortgage Forbearance: What You Need to Know (Video)
If you are experiencing difficulty making on-time mortgage payments due to the national coronavirus emergency, forbearance may be an option for you. Learn more in this video from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to place 3 orders of 4 free at-home tests (8 tests total) per residential address. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Find out how to place your order.
Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 Victims
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19). This was made available to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. Please note: The COVID-19 incident period will come to an end on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)
The Department of Human Services has launched of live hotline to assist families with the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program. Pennsylvanians who have not received their child’s P-EBT benefits or have an issue with P-EBT can dial 1-877-343-0179, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
Payment/1099G FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry about Form UC-1099G related to unemployment compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
People should be on the lookout for identity theft involving unemployment benefits
Scammers took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made as a result of these fraudulent claims went to the identity thieves. This Tax Tip from the IRS offers advice on what to do if you receive an incorrect form 1099-G regarding unemployment benefits.
Protections for renters
If you’re having trouble making rent payments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, you are not alone. Here are some steps renters can take, as well as many significant protections from eviction that apply in certain situations.
Philadelphia: Proceedings in Philadelphia Family Court during COVID-19
Information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance on how to stay informed and access the Philadelphia Family Court, including how to file pleadings and attend virtual hearings.