PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
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.
Credit Reports & Credit Discrimination
Information about your right to credit from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
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. (2019)
How to Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal. (December 2024)
Prepaid Card Protections (Video)
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. (2019)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders under ERISA: A Practical Guide to Dividing Retirement Benefits
Many Americans depend on retirement plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for financial security in old age. When there is a divorce, it is very important that the divorce decree clearly and effectively addresses these retirement plan benefits.This guide from the Employee Benefits Security Administration gives practical tips on how to make sure ERISA-covered retirement benefits are divided through a valid QDRO, so you don't have to worry about getting the benefits you expected after your divorce. While the tips here are mainly aimed at individuals going through a divorce, they should also be useful to attorneys.
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.
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. (2019)
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. (2019)
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes. (August 2016)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
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.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. 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
How to Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
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.
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.
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.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. 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.
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.
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. (November 2020)
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. Work-home-schemes are one of the oldest types of consumer fraud. Most advertisements sound very attractive offering high earnings and short hours with little or no experience necessary. The Attorney General cautions that although some of these companies are legitimate, most are out to take your money.
Credit Reports & Credit Discrimination
Information about your right to credit from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
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)
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 for anyone. (2011)
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. If you claimed the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit, proving your claim usually means giving the IRS documents that show that you are eligible for the credit. Most often, this involves showing relationship and residence for the children you are claiming.
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 (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)
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)
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal. (December 2024)
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes. (August 2016)
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. (AUG 27, 2024)
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. Loan discharge is the removal of your obligation to repay your loan under certain circumstances.
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.
Five tips for when you can’t pay your bills (Video)
Having trouble paying your bills? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. This video provides information on those tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. (2020)
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
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]
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. (2019)
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. (2019)
How Scammers Tell You To Pay (Video)
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. (2018)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) (Federal-IRS)
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.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (PA Revenue)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer free legal aid on state tax matters at participating locations across the Commonwealth. Staffed by law students, other staff, and attorneys, these experts are here to help Pennsylvanians address various tax matters. To ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income taxpayers, the LITCs aim to provide orderly, efficient, and effective representation of Pennsylvania taxpayer disputes. They work with the Pennsylvania Office of Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (OTRA) on state tax issues.
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. (2017)
Prepaid Card Protections (Video)
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. (2019)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders under ERISA: A Practical Guide to Dividing Retirement Benefits
Many Americans depend on retirement plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for financial security in old age. When there is a divorce, it is very important that the divorce decree clearly and effectively addresses these retirement plan benefits.This guide from the Employee Benefits Security Administration gives practical tips on how to make sure ERISA-covered retirement benefits are divided through a valid QDRO, so you don't have to worry about getting the benefits you expected after your divorce. While the tips here are mainly aimed at individuals going through a divorce, they should also be useful to attorneys.
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.
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. (2019)
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. (2019)
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. (2019)
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. (November 2020)
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. Work-home-schemes are one of the oldest types of consumer fraud. Most advertisements sound very attractive offering high earnings and short hours with little or no experience necessary. The Attorney General cautions that although some of these companies are legitimate, most are out to take your money.
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. In addition to the above forms of financial support, if you share a child, you may be eligible for child support.
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.
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 County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Carbon 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.
Franklin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Franklin County.
Greene County Domestic Relations
Information on support/domestic relations procedures in Greene County.
Juniata County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Juniata County.
Lebanon County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Lebanon County.
Luzerne County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Luzerne County.
Lycoming County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Lycoming County.
McKean County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in McKean County.
Mercer County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Mercer County.
Monroe County: Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section (DRS) is a court office that helps parents apply for child support services, establish paternity and support orders, and enforce support orders. Child support is money a noncustodial parent pays to a custodial parent to help provide food, clothing and other necessary items for their child. Child support may include medical support, payment of uncovered medical bills and contributions to child care costs. The DRS can also help if the noncustodial parent lives in another Pennsylvania county, a different state, or another country.
Montgomery County Domestic Relations
The Montgomery County Domestic Relations Office establishes paternity and determines and enforces child and spousal support orders in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, statutes, and rules of civil procedure.
Northampton County Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section is responsible for the establishment of Support Orders on behalf of children and spouses, establishment of paternity, location of absent obligors, and the enforcement of monetary Orders for Support and medical support. The Domestic Relations Section also establishes and enforces Orders for Alimony Pendente Lite and enforces alimony Orders.
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.
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.