Information and resources about issues relating to Cash Assistance Programs (other than TANF) in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Blind Veterans Pension
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) recognizes that many servicemembers pay a huge physical loss in their service to our nation. In some cases, that loss is their eyesight. That is why we are honored to administer the Blind Veterans Pension. This program provides eligible veterans with a monthly pension of $150.
Cash Assistance
Information on Cash Assistance programs administered by the PA Department of Human Services including how to apply for benefits and your responsibilities as a cash assistance recipient.
Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program
Child Care Works is Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program that helps low-income families pay their child care fees. The state and federal governments fund this program, which is managed by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) located in your county.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
Diversion and Moving to Independence
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on the Diversion program. Diversion is a way for families to choose short-term help in the form of a one-time lump sum payment rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To receive a Diversion payment, you first must be eligible for ongoing TANF benefits and then must meet all the Diversion requirements. You will not be eligible for Diversion if the Diversion payment cannot cover your short-term need.
Earned Income Tax Credit - Are You Eligible
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. You may claim the EITC if your income is low to moderate. The amount of your credit may change if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services provides information on the EBT benefit delivery system which provides public assistance recipients with electronic access to their cash and food stamp benefits. Eligible recipients receive a Pennsylvania Access Card and select a personal identification number (PIN) to access authorized benefits.
Homeless Assistance Programs
Information on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' Homeless Assistance Programs and services available to homeless and near homeless individuals and families. The Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) helps to assure that homelessness can be avoided, people who are homeless can find refuge and care, and that homeless and near homeless clients are assisted in moving toward self-sufficiency.
myCompass PA mobile app
myCOMPASS PA is a mobile app for Pennsylvanians who have applied for or receive state benefits. Access your benefits from anywhere, at any time. Review what you receive, check the status of submitted applications, upload documents, and report changes directly from your phone.
Protect Your Benefits - Lock Your EBT Card
Information on a new security feature that allows Pennsylvanians who receive public benefits to lock their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card when not in use to prevent those benefits from being stolen. EBT cards are used for benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other cash benefits.
Refugee Cash Assistance and Moving to Independence
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals living in Pennsylvania move to independence through the Refugee Cash Assistance Program, which provides money for up to eight months from the date of entry into the United States for refugees who do not meet Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility requirements.
State Blind Pension Program
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on the State Blind Pension Program, which provides blind pension benefits for adults who meet visual requirements and other conditions of eligibility. If you’re visually impaired and income-eligible, the State Blind Pension program may be able to provide a monthly benefit of up to $100.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Use the EITC Assistant
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. Claiming the credit can reduce the tax you owe and may also give you a larger refund. Use this calculator to find out: (1) If you're eligible for the EITC; (2) If you have any qualifying children or relatives; (3) The estimated amount of your credit; and (4) Your filing status.
Local County Assistance Offices
County Assistance Offices are located throughout Pennsylvania. You can submit applications and renewals at your local county assistance office drop box or online using COMPASS. Caseworkers are available at the county assistance office to help you and answer your questions in person or over the phone, if the office is closed to the public. This is a listing of the location and how to contact local County Assistance Offices in Pennsylvania.
myCompass PA mobile app
myCOMPASS PA is a mobile app for Pennsylvanians who have applied for or receive state benefits. Access your benefits from anywhere, at any time. Review what you receive, check the status of submitted applications, upload documents, and report changes directly from your phone.
A Guide to Public Benefits
The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network provides this guide to some programs that are funded by the government to provide help to individuals and families during times of need.
Cash Assistance - What You Need to Know
Information from Northwestern Legal Services regarding cash assistance and important information you should be aware of such as time limits, work requirements, special rules, and income and resource rules.
TANF - Qualifications & Requirements
Information on Temporary Aid to Needy Families, or TANF, from Northwestern Legal Services, including how to apply and what benefits are available, and what qualifications must be met to be eligible for the benefit payments.
Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Aid to Needy Families is a program that provides cash assistance to families with dependent children for a limited time while helping them become self-sufficient. This information on the TANF program is from Neighborhood Legal Services.
The KEYS Program - Things to Know
Information fact sheet from Northwestern Legal Services regarding the Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) Program in Pennsylvania. (October 2018)
Blind Veterans Pension
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) recognizes that many servicemembers pay a huge physical loss in their service to our nation. In some cases, that loss is their eyesight. That is why we are honored to administer the Blind Veterans Pension. This program provides eligible veterans with a monthly pension of $150.
Cash Assistance
Information on Cash Assistance programs administered by the PA Department of Human Services including how to apply for benefits and your responsibilities as a cash assistance recipient.
Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program
Child Care Works is Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program that helps low-income families pay their child care fees. The state and federal governments fund this program, which is managed by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) located in your county.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
Diversion and Moving to Independence
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on the Diversion program. Diversion is a way for families to choose short-term help in the form of a one-time lump sum payment rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To receive a Diversion payment, you first must be eligible for ongoing TANF benefits and then must meet all the Diversion requirements. You will not be eligible for Diversion if the Diversion payment cannot cover your short-term need.
Earned Income Tax Credit - Are You Eligible
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. You may claim the EITC if your income is low to moderate. The amount of your credit may change if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services provides information on the EBT benefit delivery system which provides public assistance recipients with electronic access to their cash and food stamp benefits. Eligible recipients receive a Pennsylvania Access Card and select a personal identification number (PIN) to access authorized benefits.
Homeless Assistance Programs
Information on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' Homeless Assistance Programs and services available to homeless and near homeless individuals and families. The Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) helps to assure that homelessness can be avoided, people who are homeless can find refuge and care, and that homeless and near homeless clients are assisted in moving toward self-sufficiency.
myCompass PA mobile app
myCOMPASS PA is a mobile app for Pennsylvanians who have applied for or receive state benefits. Access your benefits from anywhere, at any time. Review what you receive, check the status of submitted applications, upload documents, and report changes directly from your phone.
Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue on how the Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program works. Tax forgiveness is a credit that allows eligible taxpayers to reduce all or part of their Pennsylvania personal income tax liability. Tax forgiveness: (1) Provides a reduction in tax liability, and (2) Forgives some taxpayers of their liabilities even if they have not paid their Pennsylvania personal income tax.
Protect Your Benefits - Lock Your EBT Card
Information on a new security feature that allows Pennsylvanians who receive public benefits to lock their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card when not in use to prevent those benefits from being stolen. EBT cards are used for benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other cash benefits.
Refugee Cash Assistance and Moving to Independence
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals living in Pennsylvania move to independence through the Refugee Cash Assistance Program, which provides money for up to eight months from the date of entry into the United States for refugees who do not meet Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility requirements.
State Blind Pension Program
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on the State Blind Pension Program, which provides blind pension benefits for adults who meet visual requirements and other conditions of eligibility. If you’re visually impaired and income-eligible, the State Blind Pension program may be able to provide a monthly benefit of up to $100.