News from PALawHelp.org
Webinar: Utility Consumer Rights – A Call to Action: June 11, 2026
Join the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (CLS) on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM for Utility Consumer Rights – A Call to Action, an informative and interactive webinar about the PUC’s rulemaking and how to get involved in the comment process to make a tangible, positive impact on Pennsylvania’s utility customers.
Upcoming Legal Clinics from Summit Legal Aid
Several legal clinics are scheduled to be offered by Summit Legal Aid.
Deadline Extended — LIHEAP Heating Assistance Available for Low-Income Families until May 8
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is extending its deadline to Friday, May 8.
Free Legal Outreach Clinics in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania holds frequent Legal Outreach Clinics at various locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Information of these clinics can be viewed on their website at https://www.lasp.org/events.
Due to Federal Shutdown, November SNAP Payments Will Not be Made to Nearly Two Million Pennsylvanians
On October 10, 2025 USDA notified states that it will be unable to fully fund November SNAP benefits because of the federal shutdown. Since its inception in 1964, the federal government has fully funded SNAP, distributing more than $366 million every month to Pennsylvania. At this time, however, no SNAP benefits will be issued until a budget or continuing resolution is passed by Congress.
Free Program: How to Administer an Estate (Philadelphia) - Nov 5
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia is offering a presentation entitled How to Administer an Estate on November 5, 2025 from 5:30 PM-6:30 PM Eastern at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The program will also be livestreamed online on Zoom.
Free Program: Landlord-Tenant Disputes (Philadelphia) - Oct 29
Going to court can be an overwhelming experience both for landlords and tenants. This hybrid presentation outlines the various duties and obligations expected of both landlords and tenants and how to seek recourse when these obligations are not met. It will cover how a case gets to court, courtroom etiquette, what happens in the courtroom, and the documentation you need to support your legal position.
Federal Employees Furloughed Due to the Government Shutdown May Be Eligible for Unemployment Compensation
Federal employees or contractors who worked in Pennsylvania and were furloughed due to the government shutdown may be eligible for unemployment compensation. UCHelp.org provides information on eligibility requirements, how to get benefits and what happens if you receive back pay after the shutdown.
Shapiro Administration Announces Expansion of Free Hotline for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The PA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line can be reached at 1-877-727-7529 and offers a variety of resources including help on custody proceedings, how to prepare for court and connecting older adults with caregiver support groups.
PECO Announces $10 Million Customer Relief Fund to Help Reduce Burden of Higher Energy Costs
PECO today joined Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and community partners in announcing that $10 million in bill assistance will be made available to help income eligible customers manage the burden of rising summer energy costs. The PECO Customer Relief Fund, supported by Exelon, PECO’s parent company, will provide one-time grants of $500 for qualifying limited- and moderate-income customers.
Shapiro Administration Encourages SNAP Recipients in Susquehanna County Affected by Recent Severe Weather, Power Outages to Apply for Replacement Benefits
Residents of Susquehanna County who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be eligible for replacement benefits if their food was destroyed as a result of power outages caused by recent severe storms. In-person disaster relief assistance offered on Monday July 14 at the Lanesboro Community Center.
Shapiro Administration Launches New Security Feature Allowing SNAP Users to Digitally Lock EBT Cards and Prevent Public Benefits Theft
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) today launched a new security feature that allows Pennsylvanians who receive public benefits to lock their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card when not in use to prevent those benefits from being stolen.
Shapiro Administration Launches Pilot Program Providing On-the-Spot Birth Certificates to Help Eligible Pennsylvanians Obtain Personal Documents Faster and Join the Workforce
The Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Health (DOH) announced a new initiative allowing Pennsylvanians to receive on-the-spot birth certificates at PA CareerLink® locations – helping more Pennsylvanians access the documents they need to enter the workforce, faster and more efficiently than before.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians of REAL ID Enforcement Beginning on May 7
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is are encouraging Pennsylvanians to obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card. to ensure they can fly domestically without disruptions and enter federal buildings and facilities after May 7.
Shapiro Administration Reminds SNAP Recipients to Change EBT Card PINs Ahead of Monthly Distribution to Prevent Theft of Benefits
To protect their benefits, SNAP recipients should change their PIN every month and ensure skimming devices are not attached when swiping their cards.