Self-Help forms and Online Resources relating to Housing and Shelter issues.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Website
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race; color; religious creed; ancestry; age (40 and over); sex; national origin; familial status (only in housing); disability; the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability; or retaliation. The PHRC can help you file discrimination complaints in education, employment, housing & commercial property, and public accommodation. Foreign language versions of the website are available using the "Translate" button link on the English page.
Report Housing Discrimination - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
If you believe your rights may have been violated, you are encouraged to report housing discrimination. Because there are time limits on when an allegation can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should report housing discrimination as soon as possible. When reporting housing discrimination, please provide as much information as possible. This webpage from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides options for reporting discrimination, including an online form.
Save Your Home Philly Hotline
The Save Your Home Philly Hotline is a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Legal Assistance. For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link. You can also APPLY ONLINE for an issue, anytime by filling out the online application.
Carbon Court Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
Lycoming County Forms
On this page, you will find various Lycoming County Courts legal forms. These packets can also be found in the law library. The law library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can assist in filling out the forms. Use the forms on this page at your own risk – as they may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. It is strongly recommended you seek legal advice and obtain the services of an attorney. Litigants representing themselves are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following state-wide and local rules of court.
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.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding it's formal complaint process. The formal complaint process involves a legal proceeding where you and the utility must present facts on issues raised in your complaint to a PUC administrative law judge. The process can take six months or more until a complaint is adjudicated. Individuals or companies may file formal complaints. Individuals are not required to have a lawyer to file a formal complaint. However, companies must be represented by an attorney. If you do not want to enter into a legal proceeding with a formal complaint, another option is to submit an informal complaint. This involves filling out a simple online form and the issue is typically resolved in just 3 to 5 business days.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority. When an informal complaint is filed through the Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), a BCS investigator works to facilitate discussion between the parties to resolve the complaint. This process is much less time-consuming than the formal complaint process and usually results in a faster resolution to the case. Informal complaints against utilities are confidential and not available for public inspection.
PUC Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on filing complaints with the Public Utility Commission. For most concerns with a PUC-regulated utility, you must contact the utility before you file a complaint through the PUC. If you have a problem with a utility and have already contacted the utility, filing a complaint is the next step. Two types of complaints can be filed with the PUC—informal or formal. Common informal complaints include residential billing issues, service quality and payment arrangement requests. Common formal complaints include rate protests.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Website
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race; color; religious creed; ancestry; age (40 and over); sex; national origin; familial status (only in housing); disability; the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability; or retaliation. The PHRC can help you file discrimination complaints in education, employment, housing & commercial property, and public accommodation. Foreign language versions of the website are available using the "Translate" button link on the English page.
Report Housing Discrimination - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
If you believe your rights may have been violated, you are encouraged to report housing discrimination. Because there are time limits on when an allegation can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should report housing discrimination as soon as possible. When reporting housing discrimination, please provide as much information as possible. This webpage from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides options for reporting discrimination, including an online form.
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.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
PAHousingSearch.com
This is a free resource from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and other Commonwealth partners to help you find a home that fits your needs and budget. Property providers can list available apartments or homes at any time, which means the listings are current. The web site lets you define what you want in your next living space, and then it does all the research – presenting you with the relevant housing vacancies that best fit your parameters in the community where you want to live.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Website
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race; color; religious creed; ancestry; age (40 and over); sex; national origin; familial status (only in housing); disability; the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability; or retaliation. The PHRC can help you file discrimination complaints in education, employment, housing & commercial property, and public accommodation. Foreign language versions of the website are available using the "Translate" button link on the English page.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding it's formal complaint process. The formal complaint process involves a legal proceeding where you and the utility must present facts on issues raised in your complaint to a PUC administrative law judge. The process can take six months or more until a complaint is adjudicated. Individuals or companies may file formal complaints. Individuals are not required to have a lawyer to file a formal complaint. However, companies must be represented by an attorney. If you do not want to enter into a legal proceeding with a formal complaint, another option is to submit an informal complaint. This involves filling out a simple online form and the issue is typically resolved in just 3 to 5 business days.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority. When an informal complaint is filed through the Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), a BCS investigator works to facilitate discussion between the parties to resolve the complaint. This process is much less time-consuming than the formal complaint process and usually results in a faster resolution to the case. Informal complaints against utilities are confidential and not available for public inspection.
PUC Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on filing complaints with the Public Utility Commission. For most concerns with a PUC-regulated utility, you must contact the utility before you file a complaint through the PUC. If you have a problem with a utility and have already contacted the utility, filing a complaint is the next step. Two types of complaints can be filed with the PUC—informal or formal. Common informal complaints include residential billing issues, service quality and payment arrangement requests. Common formal complaints include rate protests.
Report Housing Discrimination - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
If you believe your rights may have been violated, you are encouraged to report housing discrimination. Because there are time limits on when an allegation can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should report housing discrimination as soon as possible. When reporting housing discrimination, please provide as much information as possible. This webpage from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides options for reporting discrimination, including an online form.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.
Save Your Home Philly Hotline
The Save Your Home Philly Hotline is a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Legal Assistance. For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link. You can also APPLY ONLINE for an issue, anytime by filling out the online application.
Delaware County: Helpful Legal Information for the Public - Delaware County Bar Association
Information and forms to assist self-represented litigants in certain types of Court actions compiled by the Pro Se Committee of the Delaware County Bar Association.
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.
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.
PAHousingSearch.com
This is a free resource from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and other Commonwealth partners to help you find a home that fits your needs and budget. Property providers can list available apartments or homes at any time, which means the listings are current. The web site lets you define what you want in your next living space, and then it does all the research – presenting you with the relevant housing vacancies that best fit your parameters in the community where you want to live.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Website
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race; color; religious creed; ancestry; age (40 and over); sex; national origin; familial status (only in housing); disability; the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability; or retaliation. The PHRC can help you file discrimination complaints in education, employment, housing & commercial property, and public accommodation. Foreign language versions of the website are available using the "Translate" button link on the English page.
Report Housing Discrimination - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
If you believe your rights may have been violated, you are encouraged to report housing discrimination. Because there are time limits on when an allegation can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should report housing discrimination as soon as possible. When reporting housing discrimination, please provide as much information as possible. This webpage from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides options for reporting discrimination, including an online form.
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.
Carbon Court Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Delaware County: Helpful Legal Information for the Public - Delaware County Bar Association
Information and forms to assist self-represented litigants in certain types of Court actions compiled by the Pro Se Committee of the Delaware County Bar Association.
Lycoming County Forms
On this page, you will find various Lycoming County Courts legal forms. These packets can also be found in the law library. The law library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can assist in filling out the forms. Use the forms on this page at your own risk – as they may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. It is strongly recommended you seek legal advice and obtain the services of an attorney. Litigants representing themselves are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following state-wide and local rules of court.
Northampton County: Handbook for Self Represented Litigants
The purpose of this handbook is to provide self-represented litigants with a general idea of the legal process and to further provide some direction with regard to self-representation. It also provides information on websites designed to provide information, forms and other support to self represented litigants in Pennsylvania actions.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
PhillyTenant.Org
PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.