Information and resources about issues relating to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive. Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply for what you qualify for.
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 (CCW) - 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. Information on the program is in the video and at the link.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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.
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.
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.
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive. Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply for what you qualify for.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
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)
Domestic Violence and TANF Support Requirements
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association about the requirement that families who receive cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) apply for child or spousal support unless excused for good cause. [PDF] (December 2021)
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 (CCW) - 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. Information on the program is in the video and at the link.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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.
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.
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.