News from PALawHelp.org
As SNAP Fraud Spikes Nationwide, DHS Announces Proactive Efforts to Protect Pennsylvanians, Remind Recipients to Secure EBT Cards
The PA Department of Human Services announced plans for an upcoming text message alert warning Pennsylvanians of recent increases nationwide of SNAP fraud – especially incidents of card skimming – where SNAP benefits are stolen off EBT cards after skimming at a point-of-sale machine.
Ready To Stay Launches New National Resource Hub to Protect Immigrant Communities, Support Organization
Ready to Stay, co-chaired by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), and UnidosUS, is a national coalition of organizations increasing legal capacities and coordination efforts for large-scale community protection and rapid response efforts ahead of anticipated increased enforcement efforts.
Video: Pennsylvania Crime Victim's Legal Standing
This video from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency provides information about your rights and legal standing in the justice process as a survivor of crime.
Prepare Now for Winter Storms – PUC Shares #UtilitySafety Tips
With Pennsylvania bracing for the first significant winter storm of 2025 – bringing a mix of snow, ice, high winds, and unseasonably cold temperatures – the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds residents to prepare for potential storm-related power outages and take steps to stay safe during severe weather.
Neighborhood Legal Services Holds Free Walk-In Legal Services Clinic To Help People Overcome Legal Barriers to Employment & Housing at Butler Office
Neighborhood Legal Services, an organization that provides free civil legal services, will host a free legal clinic at its Butler office for services related to Expungements, Record Sealing, and Pardons. The FREE walk-in legal clinic will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) office located at Holly Pointe Building, 220 South Main Street, Suite 306 in Butler, PA.
Attorney General Henry Warns of Phishing Scammers who may Contact you about ‘Fraudulent’ Activity to Steal Personal Information
Attorney General Michelle Henry is alerting Pennsylvanians about a phishing scam involving contact with targets about claims of fraudulent activity on the target’s banking account in order to access personal data and information.
PILP 2024 Annual Event & Storytelling Project Launch - Nov. 18
The Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project's 2024 Annual Event will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Eastern at Design Philadelphia, 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Webinar: Medicare in 2025 - November 13
Join Pennsylvania Health Law Project for a free webinar about upcoming changes to Medicare in 2025. The webinar will be held on November 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Eastern. Important changes include: fewer stand-alone prescription plans overall and fewer zero-premium prescription drug plans for people with Extra Help; changes to the Special Enrollment Periods that will limit how often dual eligibles and people with the low-income subsidy can change plans during the year; and protections for out of pocket costs that are important for people who do not qualify for Extra Help.
Shapiro Administration Announces Start of the 2024-25 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Season - Applications Accepted Beginning Nov. 4
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Stephen DeFrank visited Camp Curtin YMCA and the Harrisburg Area Food Pantry this week to announce the start of the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2024-25 season.
Public Utilities and DHS Partner to Simplify Access to Public Utility Assistance for Families in Need
Consumers receiving Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants will now have the option to have the Department of Human Services (DHS) share their application information with their energy public utilities who will then assist with eligibility determinations and enrollment, making a direct connection and streamlining access to other public utility programs that can reduce monthly bills and enhance energy savings.
Important Update about Extra Help: Medicare Enrollees Could Lose Financial Assistance for Drug Costs if They Do Not Act
Medicare Extra Help recipients receiving a notice that the assistance is ending must re-enroll with SSA, or reestablish Medicaid eligibility, to continue to receive financial assistance with their Medicare drug costs.
Shapiro Administration Encourages Pennsylvanians to Access Free Career Help, Employment Opportunities at PA CareerLink® Offices Across Commonwealth
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today kicked off a weekslong campaign to encourage Pennsylvania workers and local employers to engage with the one-stop-shop services available through PA CareerLink® -- a network of 62 offices overseen by L&I, embedded in local communities, and staffed with professionals who help workers find, obtain, and maintain family-sustaining employment.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Be Aware of EBT Card Skimming Devices, Reminds Public that Stolen SNAP Benefits Can Be Replaced
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh is reminding Pennsylvanians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to protect their EBT cards and personal information to avoid becoming a victim of skimming, which is the act of applying a device to a point-of-sale (POS) machine or an ATM in an effort to read a card’s magnetic strip, gather its data, and create a cloned card.
Summer Summit to be held in New Kensington - August 9, 2024
PA State Representative Jill Cooper and Summit Legal Aid are hosting a Summer Summit in New Kensington on August 9, 2024 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastern.
Applications Now Open For New SUN Bucks Summer Food Program Ensuring Kids Have Healthy, Nutritious Meals During Summer Months
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin today announced that applications are open for a new seasonal program that will help children stay fed by providing a one-time benefit each summer for purchasing healthy, nutritious meals through the federal SUN Bucks program.
Social Security Announces Upcoming Changes to Accessing Online Services
The Social Security Administration announced that customers who created an online account (e.g., my Social Security account) before September 18, 2021, will soon be required to transition to a Login.gov account to continue access to their online services.