COVID-19 - Public Benefits
Legal Information
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
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.
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).
Impact of COVID-19 Stimulus Payments and Pandemic Unemployment Benefits on Health Insurance Eligibility
Summary of the new COVID-19 economic benefits and information on whether and how they impact eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP and subsidized Marketplace insurance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 484-363-2137 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
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.