News from PALawHelp.org
Pennie Offers Special Enrollment Period for Those Affected by FTC and Benefytt Settlement
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Pennie healthcare coverage has been approved for Pennsylvania residents affected by the recent settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Benefytt Technologies. All affected participants should have received notice in the mail of the settlement, options, and the SEP for Pennie.
Application Deadline of Oct. 28 Set for Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Service has announced that October 28 will be the last day for households to submit applications for assistance through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
PA Marijuana Pardon Project Available until Sept. 30, 2022
On September 1, 2022, the Governor, Lt. Governor and Board of Pardons announced a special 30-day-only program for people whose ONLY crime EVER was the possession of small amounts of marijuana – no other convictions ever in any state or the federal laws.
Neighborhood Legal Services Offers Community Education Programs in Butler
Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) is offering a series of community education programs at the Butler Area Public Library in the coming weeks.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project Offers Webinar and FAQ for Medicaid Consumers Assigned a New HealthChoices Plan
The Pennsylvania Health Law Project has put together a list of frequently asked questions Pennsylvania Medicaid consumers may have as they receive communications from their new HealthChoises plan over the coming weeks.
Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund team attends upcoming community outreach events
The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, will have program staff on site at a pop-up PAHAF outreach event at Mifflin County Library in Lewistown on August 8, at two of Penn State's Ag Progress Days on August 9 and 10, and at the Soul School Festival in Philadelphia on August 13.
Virtual Custody Clinic for Montgomery County - August 16
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennysylvania is hosting a Virtual Custody Clinic for Parents in Montgomery County on August 16, 2022 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Eastern.
Virtual Information Session: Medicaid Health Plan Changes - Aug. 10
Pennsylvania Health Law Project is hosting a virtual information session on upcoming Medicaid Health Plan Changes on August 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM Eastern.
Dept. of Human Services: Issue Reported That Some EBT Cards are Deactivated
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is reporting that an issue has been reported that some EBT cards that just received a Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) deposit on 7/20 or 7/21 are showing as deactivated and are being declined when used in a store.
Water Shutoffs in Philadelphia
Information for consumers on assistance available to Philadelphia residents to avoid water shutoffs including how to apply for available assistance programs.
Extra SNAP Benefits Are Now Available for All Pennsylvania Recipients in July
SNAP “Emergency Allotments” (EAs) are available to all SNAP recipients in July. EAs are to help with food costs during the pandemic.
Medicaid Appeal Timeframe Reverts Back to 30 Days
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced this month that the deadline to request a fair hearing appealing a Medicaid eligibility denial or termination is reduced from 90 days to 30 days from the date of the denial notice.
Womens's Law Project Launches Program to Help Pennsylvanians Facing Pregnancy & Lactation Discrimination
Women’s Law Project, a state-based public interest legal organization focused on gender justice with offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, announces a new program to help pregnant and lactating people in Pennsylvania navigate workplace and school-based discrimination.
Attorney General Shapiro Releases Consumer Guide on Rights under Tenant and Landlord Law
Attorney General Josh Shapiro has announced his office released a new consumer guide outlining the legal rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in Pennsylvania.
PHFA Offers Virtual Series on Homebuying Process
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is presenting “The Path to Homeownership”, a six-part virtual series on the homebuying process throughout the month of June in recognition on National Homeownership Month.