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.
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.
Guide on Applying for Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment Compensation benefits help you replace your income when you have lost work through no fault of your own. Generally, you must be a W2 worker and have enough work history from the last 18 months to qualify for unemployment compensation benefits. However, after a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision, app based gig drivers are also now eligible for state unemployment compensation. This guide explains how to apply for benefits.
How to Choose your Reason for Separation on the UC Application
When you apply for Unemployment Compensation you have to state a "reason for separation" Here are common scenarios during the coronavirus crisis to help you figure out what to select under "reason for separation".
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Pennsylvania.
Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19
Resources and information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance for Pensylvanians seeking unemployment compensation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unemployment Compensation in Pennsylvania FAQs
Answers to common questions about Unemployment Compensation, including issues arising during the COVID-19 crisis from Philadelphia Legal Assistance.
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.
How to Appeal Unemployment Compensation Denials
Information on how to file an appeal if your application for Unemployment Compensation is denied, including information about denials during the COVID-19 Crisis.
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.
Health Law: COVID-19 Federal and State Updates
The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) is monitoring the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and posting information to ensure that those with Medical Assistance (MA) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage have services, and to securing insurance coverage for the uninsured.
Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19
Information on the rights of immigrant workers relating to COVID-19.
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.
Utility Shutoffs & Help During COVID-19
Information on your rights under new COVID-19 rules for electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication & steam utilities.
How to Access Benefits During Coronavirus: SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, TANF & LIHEAP
If you lost a job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, cash assistance (TANF) or heating bill assistance (LIHEAP).
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.
Status of Various Benefit Programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services during COVID-19
Information about the status of public benefit programs during the COVID-19 Crisis.
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.
COVID-19 Testing & Treatment: A Resource Guide for Uninsured Philadelphians
Information on COVID-19 testing and treatment for uninsured residents of Philadelphia.
How to Unfreeze Your PUA Benefits: Use ID.Me (Video)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claimants: have your benefits stopped or gone ‘In Progress’ because your account was flagged for fraud? Watch this video from Philadelphia Legal Assistance to learn how to unfreeze your benefits using ID.Me, a website where you can verify your identity to the PA government.
Income Tax: Hardship Refund/Offset Bypass Refund
The IRS normally takes people’s refunds if they already owe taxes for other years, which includes stimulus payments in 2020. But, if you have an urgent financial hardship, you might be able to get the IRS to give you your 2020 refund, including the stimulus payments, even if you do owe for past years.
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.
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.
Utility Shutoffs are Coming Soon. Do These Things to Prevent Your Utilities from Being Shut Off!
The Pennsylvania ban on utility shutoffs due to COVID-19 was recently updated, meaning some utility customers may start getting shutoff notices. However, many low-income customers should be protected from utility shutoffs as long as they follow certain steps.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program
This online resource includes general information about the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program and Frequently Asked Questions about how to appeal FEMA’s determination if an applicant has been denied financial assistance or awarded an amount that’s not enough to cover funeral expenses.
COVID-19 School Closures and Students With Disabilities
Five things Students with Disabilities should know about school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic from the Education Law Center.
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. Surviving Debt is available to all for free during the COVID-19 emergency.
Tenant Rights of Domestic Violence Survivors During COVID-19
The current COVID-19 epidemic has created a public health crisis, including increased reports of the incidence of domestic violence in the midst of shelter-in-place orders. This advocate resource provides a brief overview of the housing rights of survivors in the context of COVID-19.
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 and connect you with additional resources available as part of the federal and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
How to transfer money from your EIP debit card to your bank account
Some people have had trouble getting money off the Economic Impact Payment debit card issued by the Department of Treasury and into their bank account, without visiting an ATM. Here are some clarified steps for how to do that.
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.
COVID-19 Guidance and Answers to Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about education issues and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FILE AN INITIAL CLAIM - Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
With the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal CARES act, there are federal unemployment programs available to assist in the event you have exhausted regular unemployment or typically ineligible. Here is information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on applying for regular unemployment benefits and the the special pandemic-related programs, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
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.
Guide to Second Round of COVID-19 (Stimulus) Economic Impact Payments
Information on the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) extended by the federal government at the end of December 2020.
PA Department of Human Services: COVID-19 Response, Guidance and Actions
Document issued by PA Department of Human Services outlining the Department's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and actions and guidance issued to assist the general population deal with the crisis.
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.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits. PUA benefits are only for individuals who are unemployed due to COVID-19 reasons, it does not cover individuals without an attachment to the labor market or individuals who are unemployed for non-COVID-19 reasons.
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.
Help for Getting Your Stimulus Check from the IRS - Campaign for Working Families
Don’t leave this money sitting on the table! Get your $1,200 stimulus check from the IRS. Stimulus checks, also known as EIP (Economic Impact Payments), help reduce your financial burden from COVID-19. Pay bills and cover expenses to get through these tough times. Payments are worth up to $1,200 per individual, and families could receive as much as $500 per child.
National Eviction Moratorium: FAQ for Renters
Frequently asked questions and answers about the coverage and effect of the eviction moratorium enacted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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.