PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
About Unemployment Compensation: An Information Session
On March 25, 2025, UC Navigators from Mon Valley Unemployed Committee, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and VietLead, along with a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry hosted a virtual UC info session. The informative slides from the presentation are available for viewing in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Family and Medical Leave Act Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet from the United States Department of Labor about the Family and Medical Leave Act. [PDF]
Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com
This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.
How to Assert Your Rights in the Workplace
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on what your rights are in the workplace and how to assert those rights.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. This classroom resource provides information about human trafficking, including how to deal with it, and how to report if you are a victim of trafficking.
Know Your Employment Rights in Philadelphia!
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on employment rights including wages, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, discrimination, workplace injuries, and unions. (January 2014)
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
Wages and Hours
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on wage and hour issues including how to file a complaint.
Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim
Descriptions of the rights you have as a victim of crime in Pennsylvania. Victims’ rights ensure that individuals have a voice in the criminal justice system, allowing them to be informed about case proceedings and share their views with prosecutors and the court.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Expungement of Criminal Records
Expungement is when a criminal record is completely erased. When a record is expunged, no one—not even the police or courts—have access to it. The classroom provides information on when and how a criminal record can be expunged or removed from your personal record.
Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Minimum Wage and Overtime Complaint Form
The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act establishes a fixed Minimum Wage and Overtime Rate for employees in Pennsylvania. It also sets forth requirements for employers regarding record retention. In addition, the Act provides penalties for noncompliance, establishes duties for the Department of Labor & Industry, and establishes the Minimum Wage Advisory Board. If you think you have witnessed or experienced a Minimum Wage Act violation, you can file a complaint—the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will investigate.
Where to File a Claim for Wages (Philadelphia)
A claim for unpaid wages can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, or Municipal Court. This chart lists information to help you determine where the claim should be filed. (August 2013)
Blue Campaign
Information on Blue Campaign, a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
Human Trafficking - PA Courts
Human trafficking is a type of human rights abuse where people profit from the exploitation of others – mainly through the use of force, fraud or coercion to manipulate victims into engaging in sex acts or labor/services in exchange for something of value. Learn more about this from the Pennsylvania Courts.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Understanding Human Trafficking: Fact vs. Fiction - PA Courts
Learn the facts, not fiction about Human Trafficking from the Pennsylvania Courts.
What is Human Trafficking? (Video)
This video from the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign helps answer the question "What is Human Trafficking?"
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.
Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com
This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Complaint Form
The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act establishes a fixed Minimum Wage and Overtime Rate for employees in Pennsylvania. It also sets forth requirements for employers regarding record retention. In addition, the Act provides penalties for noncompliance, establishes duties for the Department of Labor & Industry, and establishes the Minimum Wage Advisory Board. If you think you have witnessed or experienced a Minimum Wage Act violation, you can file a complaint—the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will investigate.
Pennsylvania CareerLink - Commonwealth Workforce Development System
The Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) is an Internet-based system of services for use by customers and potential customers of the PA CareerLink® offices. CWDS provides online access to job openings; information about employers; services and training opportunities for job seekers; and labor market information. All of this is available by enrolling on-line with CWDS.
Clearing Your Criminal Record in Pennsylvania
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on methods for clearing your criminal record and what can be cleared from your record.
Get a Clean Slate in Pennsylvania - MyCleanSlatePA.com
This website, MyCleanSlatePA.com provides comprehensive information on Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law that provides for automated sealing of certain criminal records. Information is also provided on how to obtain legal help in dealing with your criminal record. The site also features the Clean Slate Screener, a free and easy way for you to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get information about your record clearing options.
How to Assert Your Rights in the Workplace
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on what your rights are in the workplace and how to assert those rights.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Know Your Employment Rights in Philadelphia!
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on employment rights including wages, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, discrimination, workplace injuries, and unions. (January 2014)
The UC System: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the new Unemployment Compensation system implemented in Pennsylvania in June 2021.
UCHelp.org
UCHelp.org, is a project of Philadelphia Legal Assistance and partner organizations in Pennsylvania that support workers. The site is intended to be a comprehensive resource for workers navigating unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania.
Unemployment Benefits: Tax Issues
Information on whether your unemployment compensation benefits are taxable and some tips on how to address some issues related to paying taxes on them.
Unemployment Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
UC Basics. Answers to frequently asked questions about the regular unemployment compensation benefits from UCHelp.org.
Wages and Hours
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on wage and hour issues including how to file a complaint.
Where to File a Claim for Wages (Philadelphia)
A claim for unpaid wages can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, or Municipal Court. This chart lists information to help you determine where the claim should be filed. (August 2013)
Young Adult Resource Guide - Youth Law Project
Guide to services available to Youth in Philadelphia including: Child Care & Early Learning • Domestic Violence • Drop-In Centers • Drug & Alcohol Treatment • Education/ Career • Family Planning/Reproductive Health • Food Resources • General Health Services • Housing/ Shelter • Legal Services • Mental Health Services • Parenting Education • Teen Parent Resources • Other Resources (January 2021)
Sexual Violence Against Farmworkers: A Guidebook for Legal Providers
The goal of this guidebook from the Southern Poverty Law Center is to increase the knowledge and skills of legal professionals so that you can better serve farmworkers who have experienced sexual violence. It provides helpful explanations about the life and work of farmworkers as well as unique issues that may impact the services you provide. (April 2010)
Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.
Blue Campaign
Information on Blue Campaign, a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
Expungements - Allegheny County
A criminal record may be expunged, but only after a Motion for Expungement is filed in the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division and granted by an order of court from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Information on the expungements of criminal records process from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.
Family and Medical Leave Act Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet from the United States Department of Labor about the Family and Medical Leave Act. [PDF]
1099G Tax Form - FAQs
The Statement for Recipients of Certain Government Payments (1099-G) tax forms are mailed by January 31st of each year for Pennsylvanians who received unemployment benefits. This tax form shows your total benefits from the Office of Unemployment Compensation for the previous year, along with any adjustments or tax withholding. Benefits paid to you are considered taxable income. You must include information from this form when filing your taxes for the applicable year.
Human Trafficking - PA Courts
Human trafficking is a type of human rights abuse where people profit from the exploitation of others – mainly through the use of force, fraud or coercion to manipulate victims into engaging in sex acts or labor/services in exchange for something of value. Learn more about this from the Pennsylvania Courts.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Complaint Form
The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act establishes a fixed Minimum Wage and Overtime Rate for employees in Pennsylvania. It also sets forth requirements for employers regarding record retention. In addition, the Act provides penalties for noncompliance, establishes duties for the Department of Labor & Industry, and establishes the Minimum Wage Advisory Board. If you think you have witnessed or experienced a Minimum Wage Act violation, you can file a complaint—the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will investigate.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Understanding Human Trafficking: Fact vs. Fiction - PA Courts
Learn the facts, not fiction about Human Trafficking from the Pennsylvania Courts.
What is Human Trafficking? (Video)
This video from the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign helps answer the question "What is Human Trafficking?"
York County Expungement Guide
Legal information about the expungement of criminal records process in York County and about the process for limiting access to certain criminal records. These processes are designed to help individuals who are interested in the expungement of criminal records or in limiting access to qualified records to certain individuals and entities.
Trans Youth Handbook
This Handbook was created to help you learn about your legal rights in different areas of your life. The information in this Handbook should not be considered legal advice. This Handbook provides legal information but does not attempt to apply that information to any specific situation. This guide was fully updated in September 2024 and partially updated in April 2025 to indicate areas where the law may be changing or uncertain.
Expungements - Allegheny County
A criminal record may be expunged, but only after a Motion for Expungement is filed in the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division and granted by an order of court from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Information on the expungements of criminal records process from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Criminal Division.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms
Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.