PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Victims Compensation Assistance Program
The Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them by the crime. You may be eligible to receive financial help from the Victims Compensation Assistance Program for a variety of expenses related to your victimization.
Child Support in Pennsylvania
This classroom provides information on Child Support law in Pennsylvania and provides information on how to file a complaint for child support, a petition for modification of child support and a petition for contempt of child support. A video explaining what to expect at your child support conference is also provided.
Don't Be a Money Mule
Money mules are people who, at someone else’s direction, receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. If someone you don’t know sends you cash, packages, gift cards, or virtual currency and asks you to forward or transfer the it, you could be fueling fraud by serving as a money mule.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
Application for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance Benefits
You can apply for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits online with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Paper forms can also be printed from the website.
Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the name for the Food Stamp program. This brochure from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network explains how the program works to provide food to qualified families in need.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
Application for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance Benefits
You can apply for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits online with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Paper forms can also be printed from the website.
Dependable Access for Victimization Expenses (DAVE) Online Claim Filing System
This Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims of crime in Pennsylvania with expenses related to a crime. You may use this site to file a claim for compensation.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
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 Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Work at Home Schemes
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about the pitfalls of many offers of big money from working at home.
Why Report Fraud? (Video)
This video from the Federal Trade Commission explains what to do if you think you see a scam and how to report it to the Federal Trade Commission to stop the scammers.
Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the name for the Food Stamp program. This brochure from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network explains how the program works to provide food to qualified families in need.
Money! Money! Money! (Video)
Consumer Law Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence: Basic ideas about money management, some good ideas and some mistakes to avoid.
Child Care Subsidies
Information on the subsidized child care program that pays for part of the cost of child care for eligible families. This information is from the Youth Justice Project of Philadelphia, distributed through Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
How to Appeal From District Justice Court
Self-Help Booklet from MidPenn Legal Services which provides information on how to appeal a district justice court decision.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
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
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Responding to an IRS Audit If You Claimed Kids on Your Taxes
Information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance about what to do if the IRS is asking you to provide proof of the claims you made on your tax return.
Sheriff Sales
Informational Brochure from MidPenn Legal Services on the Sheriff Sale process for collecting debts after a successful lawsuit.
SSI Benefits
Fact sheet on from the Youth Justice Project providing information on Supplemental Security Income Benefits to young people who may be disabled and receiving them or who might qualify for disability benefits.
TANF (Cash Assistance)
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for cash assistance, including information for low-income parents under 18 years old.
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.
Where to File a Claim for Wages
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)
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]
Protecting Yourself From Financial Exploitation
Information from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia) on how to prevent financial exploitation. [PDF]
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
Closed School Discharge
Information from Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education about Closed School Discharges of your federal student loan. If your school closes while you’re enrolled or soon after you withdraw, you may be eligible for discharge of your federal student loan.
Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
Informational booklet on the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act that creates safeguards for consumers who hire contractors for home remodeling projects. [PDF]
Report a Mail Crime
If you have witnessed or fallen victim to a mail-related crime, take action by filing a report of the incident. Find the right form, appropriate for your situation, to file in order to report the criminal conduct.
Work at Home Schemes
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about the pitfalls of many offers of big money from working at home.
QDROs - The Division of Retirement Benefits Through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
Information from the United States Department of Labor on whether and how to divide a participant's interest in a retirement plan in separation, divorce, and other domestic relations proceedings. This booklet was prepared by the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) of the U.S. Department of Labor to provide general guidance about qualified domestic relations orders to employers, retirement plan administrators, participants, beneficiaries, employee benefit professionals, and domestic relations specialists.
Can a debt collector contact me through social media?
Under a new rule a debt collector can contact you on social media, but they must follow certain rules and tell you how you can opt out of social media communications. Learn about the requirements and protections set up by the rule.
Five tips for when you can’t pay your bills (Video)
Information on tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget.
How can I improve my credit score? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on tools and resources that can help you improve your credit score.
How do I dispute an error on my credit report? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tells you what to do if you noticed an error on one of your credit reports.
How do I get a copy of my credit report? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how to get a copy of your credit report to make sure it is correct and accurate.
How Scammers Tell You To Pay
This video from the Federal Trade Commission describes some methods scammers use to make you send them money. By learning how scammers ask you to pay, find out how to spot – and stop – scams.
How to Start Saving for your Goals
This video provides information on how you can learn to start saving for your goals.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
Make the most of your tax refund (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers two ways you and your family can make the most of your tax refund.
Payday loans explained (Video)
When cash is tight, some people turn to payday and similar loans to make ends meet. For some people payday loans become debt traps and our new rule aims to end the cycle of debt.
Prepaid Card Protections
This video provides information on how new rules makes prepaid accounts safer to use – whether you’re swiping a card at the register, shopping online, or scanning your smartphone.
Three ways to build your credit score (Video)
This video from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on three trusted methods to help you improve your credit score.
Tools to help when you can’t pay your bills
The Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit has resources to help you evaluate your current finances and make decisions about your budget. (April 2020)
Understand how the CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule impacts you
On November 30, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a new Debt Collection Rule that clarifies how debt collectors can communicate with you, including what information they’re required to provide at the outset of collection about the debt, your rights in debt collection, and how you can exercise those rights. Read this to learn more about the new rule affects you and debt collectors.
What is Debt-To-Income Ratio and why does it matter? (Video)
If you’re looking into buying a house, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of new phrases like debt-to-income ratio or DTI. The CFPB can help you navigate the home buying process and understand any new financial terms you encounter along the way.
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment.
Why Report Fraud? (Video)
This video from the Federal Trade Commission explains what to do if you think you see a scam and how to report it to the Federal Trade Commission to stop the scammers.
Financial Support Resources from PASafeLaw.org
If you are considering divorce but are in need of financial support, you may be entitled to spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and/or alimony. These resource explain these options and how to pursue them.
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 up-to-date as of its release in June 2020. However, because laws affecting trans people are constantly changing, the information contained in this Handbook may not reflect the current legal situation where you live. You can click on the links below to access the different sections online. You can also access the entire handbook by clicking here You can also review Resources and Definitions, which lists additional helpful resources and definitions for the terms used in this Handbook. If you have a question about your specific legal situation, you should contact NCLR’s legal helpline by phone at (415) 392-6257 or (800) 528-6257. You can also contact the helpline by e-mail at info@nclrights.org.
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams County.
Bedford County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bedford County.
Berks County: Domestic Relations Section of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
Domestic Relations is a part of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. It helps the Court establish and enforce Court Orders for child support and spousal support.
Bradford County Domestic Relations Office
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bradford County.
Bucks County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bucks County.
Butler County Family Court: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Butler County.
Cambria County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Cambria County.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Crawford County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Crawford County.
Cumberland County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Cumberland County.
Dauphin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Dauphin County.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.