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FOOD
HOUSING
CHILD CARE
HEALTH
INSURANCE
FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE
HIGHER
EDUCATION
MONEY
MANAGEMENT
Financial Resource Guide
WOMEN’S
ISSUES
Developed by
310 Amosland Rd.
Holmes, PA 19043
800-409-2914
www.pathwayspa.org
36591 PAPP FRG Booklet.p...
page 2
Friday, April 25, 2008 09:07
Spot 2: PANTONE
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Black
C
Thank You
About PathWays PA:
PathWays PA began in 1978 as the Women's
Association for Women's Alternatives, and has grown
to become one of the Greater Philadelphia region's
foremost providers of residential and communitybased services with a focus on women, teens and
children. Each year, PathWays PA serves nearly
5,000 clients through job-training and employment
assistance, education, truancy prevention, in-home
child abuse prevention services, independent and
transitional living programs, and financial selfsufficiency training. PathWays PA conducts research
and advocacy on issues which create opportunities
for clients to achieve self-sufficiency.
The Financial Resource Guide informs individuals and
families about the work supports available in
Pennsylvania and provides resources to help
individuals and families apply for services. PathWays
PA would like to thank the following for their support
in the creation of this guide:
Carol Goertzel
President/CEO
Marianne Bellesorte
Senior Policy Analyst
PathWays PA
Carolyn Finklea
Senior Associate
PathWays PA
Tara Carr-Lemke
Policy and Publications
Analyst
PathWays PA
Lindsay Morgia
AmeriCorps*VISTA
PathWays PA
Jane Jordan
AmeriCorps*VISTA
PathWays PA
May 19, 2008
3
Acknowledgments
Lynda Kugel
Director
Self Sufficiency Projects
PathWays PA
Welcome
Welcome to the Financial Resource Guide from
PathWays PA. This book will give you information on
programs in Pennsylvania that will help you pay for:
• Food
• Housing
• Utilities
• Health insurance
• Child care
• Education
• Financial Aid
• Income Tax Assistance
It will also give you tips about how to manage your
money in order to meet your basic needs.
HOW TO MAKE THIS GUIDE WORK FOR YOU!
First, be on the lookout for words in bold. Definitions
for these important words will be in the “Glossary of
Terms” section towards the end of this book.
Check List
Next, look for this symbol:
This picture of a compass means that you can use
the COMPASS website. The COMPASS website is an
online tool you can use to apply for programs on
your own. Visit COMPASS at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
Refer to PathWays PA’s website for an on-line selfsufficiency tool to access information on programs,
eligibility, and application procedures.
Visit PathWays PA at www.PathWaysPA.org or
contact PathWays PA at [email protected].
Also, check out the County Help Chart in the back of
this book. The chart lists the phone numbers for
county assistance offices, child care offices, and other
services by county. Look at it when you need more
information or want to apply for a program.
4
Table of Contents
Food
Food Stamps
6
9
Other Food Resources
10
Housing
Housing Choice Voucher Program
14
Affordable Housing/ Homeless Assistance Program
15
Child Care
Child Care Works
16
Head Start
17
Child and Dependent Care Credit/ Child Tax Credit
19
Special Kids Network
19
Contents
WIC
Health Insurance
adultBasic/SelectPlan for Women
20
Children’s Health Insurance Program
21
Medical Assistance
23
Financial Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
24
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
25
General Assistance (GA)
26
Higher Education
30
PHEAA Grants and Scholarships
31
PHEAA Loan Forgiveness
32
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
33
Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP 529)/ Education Tax Credits
34
Money Management
Individual Development Account (IDA)/
Family Savings Account (FSA)
35
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
37
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
38
PA Tax Forgiveness Program/ Online Training Worksheet
39
Women’s Issues
Family Planning Services
40
Domestic Violence
41
Glossary
43
County Help Chart
47
5
Table of Contents
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Food
There are many families that can’t pay for food
each month. Two programs can help:
• food stamp program
• WIC
What is the food stamp program?
The food stamp program provides money to
people to help pay for nutritious food. The
money comes to you in the form of an ACCESS
card. ACCESS works like a debit card. When
you go to buy food, simply swipe your ACCESS
card like a credit or debit card. The money on
the ACCESS card is then transferred to the
grocery store, supermarket, or farmers’ market.
Who can apply for food stamps?
• The head of household or spouse
• Any responsible household member
• A designated authorized representative
Food Stamp Program
What can I buy with food stamps?
Food stamps cover many items that you can buy
at the grocery store. The chart below gives an
idea of what you can buy with food stamps.
Can buy with food
stamps
• Most foods, like
vegetables, fruits,
bread, meats,
dairy, spices, etc.
• Seeds and plants
to grow your own
food
• Meals prepared
and served by
rehabilitation
centers, shelters,
certain services
that bring meals
to the homeless
Can’t buy with food
stamps
• Alcohol
• Cigarettes
• Pet food
• Prepared hot
foods, like takeout pizza
• Non-food items
like paper
products, soaps,
shampoos, and
medicine
6
Food
Can I receive food stamps?
Think about how much money you have right now.
This includes:
• cash
• money in your checking account
• money in your savings accounts
• any stocks you own
• any money in your Individual Retirement
Account (IRA)
All of these things are called resources. If your
resources are less than $2000 (or $3000 if
you’re 60 or over), you may be eligible for food
stamps.
Food stamps also have income requirements.
Check out the table on the next page to see if
your income lets you benefit from the food
stamp program based on how much you make
each month.
How do I apply for food stamps?
1. Apply in person at your local County
Assistance Office. You can find your local
County Assistance Office in the back of this
book in the County Help Chart.
2. Call one of the prescreening organizations
listed in the County Help Chart.
3. Apply online using COMPASS at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
7
Food Stamp Program
Do you think that you earn just a bit more
than the numbers listed in the table? Don’t
worry! There are other factors, like
deductions, that determine whether or not you
can receive food stamps. In fact, there are
organizations all over the state that can help
you figure out if you’re eligible for food
stamps. This process is called prescreening.
See the County Help Chart in the back of this
book to find a prescreening service.
Income requirements for Food Stamp Program
Food Stamp Program
Food
(through September 30, 2008)
Number of
people in
your
household
If you make this
amount or less
each month…
You could be
eligible for up
to this
amount in
food stamps!
1
$1,107
$162
2
$1,484
$298
3
$1,861
$426
4
$2,238
$542
5
$2,615
$643
6
$2,992
$772
7
$3,369
$853
8
$3,746
$975
Per add’l
person, add:
$377
$122
What is the expedited food stamp program?
Some people may be eligible for the expedited food
stamp program. This means that you would receive
your food stamps within 5 days. You may qualify for
expedited food stamps if you:
• Earn less than $150 a month
• Have less than $100 in your bank account, or
• Your total income and resources are less than
your rent or mortgage payment
Ask your local County Assistance Office for more
information about expedited food stamps.
8
What is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)?
WIC gives women, infants, and children nutritious
foods and nutrition education.
Food
What can I buy with WIC?
Foods with nutrients that are good for babies and
small children. Examples are:
• Foods high in vitamin C like fruits
• Foods high in calcium like milk and cheese
• Foods high in protein like beans and peanut butter
Can I apply for WIC?
You can apply if you are pregnant, just had a baby, or
if have a child under 5. You must also have:
• A medical problem, like being overweight
• A “dietary risk,” like not being able to buy the
right foods for healthy growth
How do I apply for WIC?
Income requirements for WIC
(through June 30, 2008)
Number of
people in your
household
If you make this much or
less, you may qualify:
Each
month:
1
$18,889
$1,575
2
3
4
5
6
7
$25,327
$31,765
$38,203
$44,641
$51,079
$57,517
$2,111
$2,648
$3,184
$3,721
$4,257
$4,794
8
$63,955
$5,330
Per add’l person,
add:
$6,438
$537
1. Call your local WIC office for an appointment. A
list of offices is in the County Help Chart.
9
WIC Program
Each year:
Food
There are other food resources available to individuals
and families, including:
• The National School Lunch Program
• The School Breakfast Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
• Food pantries and soup kitchens
What is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program provides free
or reduced-price school lunches to children in public,
private and residential schools. The program helps
provide free snacks to children who stay in school for
after-school activities. Children can receive free or
reduced-price school lunches through the age of 18.
Other Food Resources
What is the School Breakfast Program?
The School Breakfast Program provides free and
reduced-priced breakfasts to children attending
public, private or residential schools. The children
are served breakfast at the school before classes
begin each morning, and the breakfasts meet federal
nutrition guidelines for healthy meals.
Are my children eligible for the National School Lunch
Program and the School Breakfast Program?
Children whose families participate in the food stamp
program or receive Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) are automatically eligible for free
school breakfasts and lunches. If your child does not
participate in either of these programs, the chart on
page 12 will show you the income requirements for
free or reduced-priced meals.
How do I apply for either of these programs?
1. Many schools send applications home a few weeks
before the school year begins or during the first
week of classes. Fill out the application and return
it to the address listed.
2. If you do not receive any information before the
start of school, call your child’s school to request an
application.
10
Food
What is the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides
free and reduced-price meals and snacks to children
in child care centers, Head Start programs,
emergency shelters, and after-schools programs
located outside of a child’s school. The program
generally provides meals and snacks to children
under the age of 12. However, if a child is in an
emergency shelter or has a physical or mental
disability, the child can receive meals up to age 18.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program also provides
meals for adults over the age of 60 who are cared for
in adult day care centers.
Is my child or adult relative eligible for the Child and
Adult Food Care Program?
Children of families enrolled in the food stamp
program, TANF, Head Start, Even Start, or living in an
emergency shelter automatically receive free meals
through the Child and Adult Food Care Program.
Adults enrolled in adult day care who receive Medicaid
benefits, Social Security Income (SSI) or are enrolled
in the food stamp program are also automatically
eligible for free meals through this program.
How do I apply for the Child and Adult Food Care
Program?
Most care centers automatically screen families for
this program. If you are not sure if your family has
been screened, contact the center where your child
or adult relative is enrolled for more information.
11
Other Food Resources
If the child or adult does not participate in the
programs listed above, the income requirements for
free and reduced-priced meals are the same as the
National School Lunch and School Breakfast
Programs. See the chart on page 12 to see if your
child or adult relative is eligible.
12
Food
$31,369
$35,893
$40,417
$44,941
$4,524
6
7
8
Per add’l person, add:
$22,321
3
5
$17,797
2
$26,845
$13,273
1
4
If you make this much or less
each year, you qualify for free
meals
Number of people in
household
$6,348
$63,955
$57,517
$51,079
$44,641
$38,203
$31,765
$25,327
$18,889
If you make this much or less each
year, you qualify for reduced-price
meals
Income requirements for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program,
and Child and Adult Care Food Program (through June 30, 2008)
Other Food Resources
If you and your family are in a situation in which you
cannot enroll in other programs or cannot wait for
food, the following services may be helpful to you.
Food
What are food pantries and soup kitchens?
A food pantry provides a free bag of food to
individuals and families that typically lasts between
3-4 days. Soup kitchens, also called emergency
kitchens, provide free meals to those in need. Soup
kitchens usually do not ask for income information.
They often provide meals to anyone who asks for
them. Food pantries may ask for income information
or a referral from another agency to determine if you
can use their services. Call the food pantry before
you arrive to check on any income requirements,
when they are open, and to make sure the pantry
has food available.
How can I find a food pantry or soup kitchen?
Call the agency listed below that serves your area.
Southeastern PA:
Philabundance
(215) 339-0900
Central PA:
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
(717) 564-1700
Southwestern PA:
Hunger Services Network of the Urban League of
Pittsburgh (serving Southwestern PA)
(412) 681-1121
Northwestern PA:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern
Pennsylvania
(800) 604-9186
13
Other Food Resources
Northeastern PA:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and
Northeastern Pennsylvania
(610) 434-0875
Housing
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Is your rent too high? Could you use some help with
the payments? There are two housing programs that
can help:
• Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Affordable Housing
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps
people pay their rent on privately-owned housing. It
helps them identify safe, affordable housing to fit
their needs and the needs of their families. Private
housing is owned by individuals, not the government
and can include an apartment, townhouse, row
house, or single family home. People in the Housing
Choice Program pay a small part of their monthly
rent and Housing Choice pays the rest.
Can I apply for Housing Choice?
You may be eligible for Housing Choice, depending
on:
• How much money you make each year
• How much money you already have in your bank
accounts
• The number of people in your family
• Your citizenship status: You must be a U.S.
citizen or have eligible immigration status to
apply
Income requirements are different depending on
which county you live in. Call your local housing
authority for more information.
How do I apply for Housing Choice?
1. Call the Department of Housing and Urban
Development at 1-800-955-2232.
2. Call your local housing authority office. You can
find the phone number for your local housing
authority in the County Help Chart.
14
How do I apply?
1. Call the Department of Housing and Urban
Development at 1-800-955-2232.
2. Call your local housing authority. You can find
the phone number in the back of this book.
Are you having a housing emergency?
If you are homeless or close to being kicked out
of your home, the Homeless Assistance
Program (HAP) can help. HAP services include:
• Emergency Shelters
• Bridge Housing
• Rental Assistance
If you need help with housing right away:
1. Call the Department of Housing and Urban
Development at 1-800-466-2487.
2. Call your local Community Action Agency. A
list of these agencies can be found in the
County Help Chart.
15
Affordable Housing/Homeless Assistance Program
Can I apply for Affordable Housing?
Your eligibility for Affordable Housing depends on:
• Your income
• Your family type: you can apply as an elderly
person, as a person with a disability, or as a
family
• Your citizenship status: You must be a U.S.
citizen or have eligible immigration status to
apply
Housing
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable Housing is another program that
provides housing to individuals and families. The
difference between Housing Choice and Affordable
Housing is that Housing Choice homes are privately
owned, while Affordable Housing homes are owned
by local housing authorities. The program is designed
to address the nationwide shortage of affordable
housing.
Child Care
Child Care Works
Every family wants their children to have good child
care. You can get high-quality, affordable child care
with these two programs:
• Child Care Works
• Head Start
What is Child Care Works?
Child Care Works helps families pay for child care
services. It is also known as the Subsidized Child
Care Program. Here are important things to know
about Child Care Works:
• Child Care Works will pay for most of your
family’s child care costs.
• Families can choose any kind of daycare facility
for their child, like a child care center or a
neighbor who watches their children.
• Child Care Works covers children up to age 13;
children with disabilities are covered past their
13th birthday.
Can I apply for Child Care Works?
In order to apply for Child Care Works, you must:
• Have a photo ID
• Have a child (or children) who need care
• Work 20 or more hours each week, or
• Work 10 hours a week plus attend 10 hours of
school or training
There are also income requirements for Child Care
Works. Ask your Child Care Information Services
(CCIS) office for more information. Their phone
number can be found in the back of this book.
What if my child has special needs?
You can still qualify for Child Care Works even if your
child has special needs. In fact, children with
disabilities are usually covered under this program
past their 13th birthday.
How do I apply for Child Care Works?
1. Call your local Child Care Information Services
office. Your county CCIS can be found in the
County Help Chart.
16
Are my children eligible for Head Start?
Your child must be between 3 and 5. For Early Head
Start, your child must be between 0 and 2. Children of
families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) and
foster children are eligible regardless of income.
Child Care
What is Head Start?
Head Start is an education program to help your
child prepare for kindergarten. Head Start gives
children free medical and dental care and healthy
meals and snacks. Caregivers can receive free childrearing classes and referrals to other services.
Income requirements for Head Start
(through December 31, 2008)
If you make this amount
or less per year, your child
may be eligible!
2
3
4
5
$14,000
$17,600
$21,200
$24,800
6
7
8
Per add’l person,
add:
$28,400
$32,000
$35,600
$3,600
What if my child has special needs?
Pennsylvania’s Head Start program reserves 10% of
its open spots for children with special needs. Talk
to your local Head Start program for more details
How do I enroll my child in Head Start?
1. Call your local program at the numbers in the
County Help Chart. If you live in Philadelphia,
choose from a program on the next page.
2. Visit the Pennsylvania Head Start Association’s
website at www.paheadstart.org to find a Head
Start near you.
17
Head Start
Number of people
in your household
Child Care
Philadelphia Early Head Start Programs:
EHS at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Kirkbride Center, West Campus
111 North 49th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139-2795
215-590-7270
Health Federation of Philadelphia: Early Head Start
2532 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 223-5200 ext 120
Special People in the Northeast: Frankford Early Head
Start
1642 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 831-3158
YMCA of Philadelphia/Maternity Care Coalition-EHS
2000 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 551-6330
Philadelphia Head Start Programs:
APM Head Start
2318 N. Marshall St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
(215) 763-1040
Head Start
Learning Tree/Presbytery of Philadelphia
846 S. 57th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 471-9782
Norris Square Civic Association Children Center
2011 N. Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 634-2251
Philadelphia PCC, Inc.
2515 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133
215-229-1800
School District of Philadelphia: Office of Early
Childhood
440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 400-5670
YMCA/North Philadelphia Head Start
1801 North 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
215-684-2620 ext 15
18
**TAX BREAK**
• Earned taxable income this year
• Paid for child care for a child under 13 or a
•
disabled person that lives with you in order for
you to work or look for work
For 2 parent households, both parents must work
or be looking for work unless one is enrolled fulltime in school. Other rules apply for divorced or
separated parents.
Child Care
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is for parents
with dependent children. Your family may qualify if
you:
To claim the credit, fill out Form 2441 with IRS form
1040 or fill out Schedule 2 with IRS Form 1040A.
• Under the age of 17
• US citizens that live in the United States
• Claimed as dependents on your tax return
To claim the credit, use Form 8812 with Form 1040 or
1040A.
Are there resources for my child with special needs?
Special needs children deserve high-quality
supportive services that benefit them and their
families. If your child has special needs, the Special
Kids Network can help you find all kinds of services
for your child and family, including:
• Education
• Health (wheelchairs, standing aids, assistive
technology)
• Therapy (occupational, physical, speech)
• Recreation (camps, adaptive playground equipment)
• Social services (counseling, hospice care)
How do I contact the Special Kids Network?
Call the Special Kids Network at 1-800-986-4550 or
TTY 1-877-232-7640.
19
Child and Dependent Care Credit/Child Tax Credit/ Special Kids Network
The Child Tax Credit is a credit you can claim if you
have dependent children. Families can receive up to
$1000 per child if they earn over $11,000 per year in
taxable income. Your family may qualify if your
children are:
Insurance
adultBasic/ SelectPlan for Women
Having health insurance is important for the wellbeing and safety of your family. If you do not have
health insurance, Pennsylvania has the following
insurance plans:
• adultBasic
• SelectPlan for Women
• Children’s Health Insurance Program
• Medicaid
What is adultBasic?
AdultBasic provides health insurance for adults.
Those covered under the program receive:
• Primary care and specialty care coverage
• Hospitalization coverage
• Emergency services
• Testing services
• Maternity care
• Rehabilitation coverage
Can I apply for adultBasic?
In order to qualify for this program, you must:
• Be between 19-64 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal alien
• Have lived in PA for at least 90 days
• Have had no coverage for the past 90 days
• Meet the income requirements (call 1-800-GOBASIC for more information about income)
What is SelectPlan for Women?
SelectPlan for Women is a free, confidential
program that provides family planning and
reproductive health services, including birth
control. To be eligible, women must meet the
adultBasic requirements, be between 18-44, and
may not be pregnant.
How do I apply for adult Basic and SelectPlan for
Women?
1. Call 1-800-GO-BASIC to apply over the phone.
2. Apply online using COMPASS at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
20
How long are my children covered once they are
enrolled?
Children are guaranteed coverage for 12 months
unless they no longer meet the eligibility
requirements. Families must re-enroll their children
every year in order to extend the coverage.
Does CHIP have a waiting list?
No! There is no waiting list to apply for CHIP.
How do I apply for CHIP?
1. Call 1-800-986-KIDS. They can complete an
application with you over the phone or they can
mail you a paper application to fill out.
2. Apply online using COMPASS at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
21
Children’s Health Insurance Program
Are my children eligible for CHIP?
If your children do not have health insurance, they
are eligible for CHIP. The amount of money you pay
for CHIP depends on how much you make each year.
The chart on the next page will show you if you can
get CHIP at regular cost, at low cost, or for free.
Grandparents or other legal guardians can apply for
coverage for the children.
Insurance
What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or
CHIP, is a program that provides heath insurance to
children and teens, often for free or low cost! CHIP
covers children up to age 18, and has recently
expanded to cover all of Pennsylvania’s children.
CHIP covers the following as a part of the program:
• Check-ups
• Immunizations
• Prescriptions
• Dental, vision, and hearing services
• Emergency services
• 90 days of hospitalization
• Mental health benefits
22
If you make this amount
or less each year, you can
get CHIP for free!
(Some people earning
less may qualify for
Medical Assistance)
$20,420
$27,380
$34,340
$41,300
$48,260
$55,220
$62,180
$69,140
$6,960
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Per add’l person, add:
$10,440
$103,710
$93,270
$82,830
$72,390
$61,950
$51,510
$41,070
$30,630
If you make this
amount or less each
year, you can get
CHIP at low cost.
(effective December 2007)
Number of people in
your household
1
Insurance
$10,440
$103,711
$93,271
$82,831
$72,391
$61,951
$51,511
$41,071
$30,631
If you make this
amount or more
each year, you can
get CHIP at regular
cost.
Income requirements for the Children’s Health Insurance Program
Children’s Health Insurance Program
Medical Assistance also has income and resource
requirements, but they depend on what category you
fall under. For instance, the income requirement for
families with children is different than the
requirement for the blind or disabled. Ask your local
County Assistance Office for more information.
How do I apply for Medical Assistance?
1. Apply in person at your local County Assistance
Office. You can find your Office in the County
Help Chart.
2. You can also apply using COMPASS at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
23
Medical Assistance
Can I apply for Medical Assistance?
The following groups of people can apply for Medical
Assistance:
• People over the age of 65
• People who are blind or disabled
• Families who have children under the age of 21
• Pregnant women
• People who have a temporary disability
• People who going through treatment for drug
and alcohol abuse, are victims of domestic
violence, or are caring for someone with a
disability
You must also:
• Be a U.S Citizen
• Have a driver’s license or social security card
• Have a social security number
• Have proof that you live in Pennsylvania
(example: a utility bill)
Insurance
What is Medical Assistance?
Medical Assistance is a program that pays for all
health care expenses for eligible individuals and
families. People that use Medicaid receive an
ACCESS card. When you go to pay for medical
services, like a check up, you pay with your ACCESS
card. Medical Assistance covers many people, but it
also has many requirements.
Financial Assistance
Pennsylvania has programs that can help you pay for
your basic needs, like clothing, shelter, and utilities.
Programs include:
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP), CARES and other utility programs
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• General Assistance (GA)
What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP)?
LIHEAP helps individuals and families pay for utilities
and heat. LIHEAP usually runs November to March.
Am I eligible?
You should meet the income requirements listed:
Income requirements for LIHEAP
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(through March 21, 2008)
Number of people in
household
1
You must make this
amount or less each year:
$15,315
2
$20,535
3
$25,755
4
$30,975
5
$36,195
6
$41,415
7
$46,635
8
$51,855
Per add’l person, add:
$5,220
If you are having an emergency, you may be eligible
for an additional $300 to help pay your utility bills.
This is called a LIHEAP Crisis Grant. An
emergency situation includes:
• Broken heating equipment
• No fuel
• Cancelled utility service
• Close to running out of fuel or having utilities
cancelled
24
Other utility assistance programs, including the
Universal Service Fund Telephone Assistance
Programs, are also available. If you are eligible for
LIHEAP, food stamps, TANF, or other programs, you
may be eligible for other utility assistance.
What is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or
TANF, provides money to children and their parents
or other relatives that take care of them. Pregnant
women can also receive TANF. You can use money
from TANF to pay for your family’s basic needs, like
clothing and shelter. There is a five year lifetime
limit for TANF. After five years of being on TANF,
you lose your eligibility for these benefits.
Can I apply for TANF?
To apply for TANF, you must:
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a Social Security number
• If you are a single parent, agree to seek child
support (exceptions: women who are victims of
domestic violence)
• Sign an Agreement of Mutual Responsibility
An Agreement of Mutual Responsibility lists what
you will do to get career training or find a job while
on TANF.
25
LIHEAP/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
How do I apply for LIHEAP and other utility
assistance?
1. For LIHEAP: Call the LIHEAP Hotline at
1-866-857-7095 (TDD 1-800-451-5886).
2. For LIHEAP or other programs: Call your County
Assistance Office to learn how to apply. County
Assistance Offices are located in the County Help
Chart at the back of this book.
Financial Assistance
If you have special needs, you may qualify for
Customer Assistance Referral & Evaluation
Program (CARES). Special needs include customers
experiencing family emergencies, divorce,
unemployment, or medical emergencies. Income
limits are slightly higher than for LIHEAP.
Financial Assistance
In addition, there are also some rules regarding
resources and income. To be eligible for TANF, your
family must have $1,000 or less in resources.
Resources include:
• Money in your checking account
• Money in you savings account
• Bonds
• Any property you own besides your home
When applying for TANF, the County Assistance Office
will also look at your monthly income. Your income
includes:
• Child support
• Unemployment compensation
• Interest on any bank accounts
• Social Security benefits
• Lottery winnings
TANF/ General Assistance
The chart on pages 28-29 will help you figure out if
you qualify for TANF based on your income each
month.
How do I apply for TANF?
1. Apply in person at your local County Assistance
Office. You can find your local office in the County
Help Chart.
2. Apply online using COMPASS by visiting
www.compass.state.pa.us.
What is General Assistance?
General Assistance, or GA, is another cash
assistance program. GA provides money for people
who have medical or other special circumstances that
stop them from finding work. Such circumstances
include:
• having a disability
• caring for someone with a disability
• drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• domestic violence
Families can apply for GA if they are not eligible for
TANF.
26
The following groups of people can apply for GA:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Parents in a two-parent household with a child
under 13 or a disabled child over 13
Children under 18 and who are attending school
Adults between 18-20 who are attending
secondary school
People with a temporary or permanent disability
People who are undergoing drug and alcohol
rehabilitation
Women who are victims of domestic violence
Pregnant women who cannot receive TANF
People caring for someone who is ill or disabled
•
•
If you are one person applying for GA, you must
have $250 or less in resources
If you are applying for two or more people, you
must have $1,000 or less in resources
How do I apply for General Assistance?
1. Apply in person at your local County Assistance
Office.
2. Apply online using COMPASS at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
27
TANF/ General Assistance
GA also has resource and income requirements. The
income requirements are the same as TANF, so you
can look at the chart on pages 28-29 to see if you
qualify. However, the resource requirements are
slightly different.
Financial Assistance
Can I apply for General Assistance (GA)?
The same basic eligibility rules for TANF also apply to
GA (see page 25), but there are other guidelines. If
you do not meet the requirements for TANF, you
may meet them for GA if you have temporary or
permanent disabilities that prevent you from finding
employment.
28
Adams, Allegheny, Berks,
Blair, Bradford, Butler, Centre,
Columbia, Crawford,
Cumberland, Dauphin,
Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna,
Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne,
Lycoming, Monroe, Montour,
Northampton, Philadelphia,
Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union,
Warren, Wayne,
Westmoreland, Wyoming,
York.
Bucks, Chester, Lancaster,
Montgomery, and Pike
County
Financial Assistance
$205
$215
1
person
$316
$330
2
people
$403
$421
3
people
$497
$514
4
people
$589
$607
5
people
$670
$687
6
people
$83
$83
Per add’l
person, add
If you make this amount or less each month, you may qualify!
Income requirements for TANF/ GA
TANF/ General Assistance
$174
$195
$279
$305
TANF/ General Assistance
Armstrong, Bedford, Cambria,
Clarion, Clearfield, Fayette,
Forest, Fulton, Greene,
Huntingdon, Jefferson,
Juniata, Northumberland,
Schuylkill, Somerset
Beaver, Cameron, Carbon,
Clinton, Elk, Franklin, Indiana,
Lawrence, McKean, Mercer,
Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Snyder,
Tioga, Venango, Washington
$365
$393
$454
$479
$543
$569
$614
$647
$83
$83
Financial Assistance
29
Higher Education
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Going to college or technical school is a dream for
many people. But higher education is very
expensive and it’s hard to figure out how to pay for
it on top of all the other bills. Thankfully, there is
help available such as the:
• Gateway to College at Community College
of Philadelphia
• Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance
Agency (PHEAA)
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
• TAP 529 program
What is Gateway to College?
Gateway to College at Community College of
Philadelphia is a scholarship program for School
District of Philadelphia students, ages 16-20, who
have dropped out of school but who want to earn a
diploma.
How do I apply for Gateway to College?
Call (215) 751-8540 to register for an Information
Session.
What is the Pennsylvania Higher Education
Assistance Agency (PHEAA)?
The PHEAA provides special loans, grants and
scholarships to students in Pennsylvania who want
to go on to college or technical school. PHEAA
works with schools and lenders to make sure
students get the financial aid they need to achieve
their educational goals.
What grants and scholarships does PHEAA offer?
The most common grant offered by PHEAA is the
state grant. Grants are different from loans: while
loans must be paid back, grants do not.
In addition to state grants there are also several
special grants and scholarship programs. These
programs benefit people who belong to certain
groups, have specific interests, and other personal
characteristics. The next page gives some examples
of special grants offered through PHEAA.
30
The New Economy Technology Scholarship
(NETS) program is for undergraduate students
who are studying science or technology.
Scholarship recipients must agree to work in
Pennsylvania for at least four years, or the
amount of years the scholarship was received.
These scholarships are not based on financial
need and are awarded on a first come first
served basis.
•
The CHAFEEE Education and Training Grant
(ETG) program offers grants to undergraduate
students who have aged out of foster care.
Students must attend a Pennsylvania college.
•
The Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program
grants money to children whose parent(s) died
in the line of duty while serving as fire fighters,
police officers (including sheriffs and deputies),
ambulance workers, correctional officers or in
military programs. The grant covers tuition,
fees, and room and board costs at public
institutions. Students must apply for other
forms of financial aid before applying for this
program.
•
The Robert C. Byrd Scholarship program
provides awards to high-achieving high school
graduates in Pennsylvania. Funding is provided
for those who have already been accepted into
Pennsylvania colleges.
• The Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier
Futures program offers students loan
forgiveness of up to 25% of eligible debt (a
maximum of $12,5000) over a three-year
period if you work for a participating
Pennsylvania health care organization.
Participating facilities will match the PHEAA loan
forgiveness; employer-sponsored programs may
choose to increase the matching contribution.
31
PHEAA Grants and Scholarships
•
Higher Education
Grants and scholarships offered by PHEAA
Higher Education
What is loan forgiveness? Does PHEAA have loan
forgiveness programs?
Loan forgiveness is a program that can reduce
the amount of money you owe for your student
loans if you’re in a certain line of work. Loan
forgiveness encourages students to pursue
educational goals that will lead to employment in
specific occupations by forgiving all or a portion of
your educational debt, provided that you fulfill
certain work-related requirements.
You can lower your student loan debt by thousands
of dollars if you qualify. PHEAA offers several loan
forgiveness programs for students who want to enter
into certain careers, such as:
PHEAA Loan Forgiveness
•
•
•
•
•
Nursing
Early Education
Armed Forces
State Veterans’ Home Nurses
Agriculture
Your loans must be federal or state owned; loans
from private companies are not eligible. You must
fill out an application with the Pennsylvania Higher
Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in order to
receive loan forgiveness.
How do I apply for loans, grants, scholarships and
other programs offered by PHEAA?
To get more information:
1. Call 1-800-233-0557 to ask for more
information or applications.
2. Visit the Pennsylvania Higher Education
Assistance Agency (PHEAA) website at
www.pheaa.org.
For most loans and the state grant program, you will
also have to fill out the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA).
32
Am I eligible to fill out the FAFSA?
To fill out the FAFSA, you must:
• Be a US citizen or a permanent resident
• Have a Social Security number
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be enrolled in or accepted to a school that
accepts federal aid
• Sign up for Selective Service (if applicable)
• Need money for school
What do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
When you fill out the FAFSA, have the following
information with you to help get the most money:
• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license number
• Your permanent resident card (non-US
citizens)
• Tax forms for the previous tax year
• Records for any untaxed income such as
Social Security, TANF, or Veterans benefits
• Current bank statements
How do I fill out the FAFSA?
1. Complete it online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Check the website for deadline information.
2. Get a paper FAFSA application at your local
library or by calling the Federal Student Aid
Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (TTY
1-800-730-8913).
33
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you have certain drug convictions, you may not be
able to fill out the FAFSA. See www.fafsa.ed.gov for
more information.
Higher Education
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) is an application you can fill out to receive
federal and state loans and grants for college tuition.
The types of aid available include:
• Grants and loans
• Scholarships
• Work-study
Higher Education
What is TAP 529?
TAP 529 is a savings program. You can use the
money that you save in TAP 529 to pay for college
tuition, books, and room and board. The money can
be used at any college or university that gives
students federal aid.
Am I eligible for TAP 529?
Anyone is eligible for TAP 529 as long as you are
over 18. You can even start an account for your
child by asking that your child receives the money
when she or he turns 18.
Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP 529)/ Education Tax Credits
How do I apply for TAP 529?
1. Call TAP 529 at 1-800-400-4400.
2. Open an account on their website at
www.tap529.com.
**TAX BREAK**
If you are enrolled in school there are two credits you
can claim when you file your taxes:
The Hope Scholarship Credit is a tax credit you can
claim if you or any of your dependents are enrolled in
the first or second year of college. You can claim up to
$2000 per eligible student in your household, but it is
only available for the first two years of school. In
order to receive this credit, fill out Form 8863 along
with IRS Form 1040 or 1040A.
The Lifelong Learning Credit is another tax credit
you can claim if you are enrolled in at least one course
for a postsecondary degree program or a job skills
program. You can claim up to $2000 per tax return
and can claim the credit for as many years as you
qualify. To claim the Lifelong Learning Credit, fill out
Form 8863 along with IRS form 1040 or 1040.
Questions about tax credits? Call the IRS at
1-800-829-1040.
34
•
•
•
•
•
Individual Development Account
Family Savings Account
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program
Online worksheet from PathWays PA
Individuals frequently use IDAs and FSAs in order to
save up for and purchase a home, pay for higher
education, or start a business.
Here are some general things that you should know
before opening an IDA or FSA:
•
•
•
•
Why you are opening your account? Are you
saving for a car? A house? College courses?
Set savings goals for yourself.
You receive the matched funds at the end of
your savings program.
You get to attend 4 financial education
workshops.
You can take out money from the account at any
time, but you risk losing the matching funds.
35
Individual Development Account (IDA)/ Family Savings Account (FSA)
What is an Individual Development Account?
There is a savings account specially designed to help
you save your money faster. It goes by one of two
names: the Individual Development Account
(IDA) or the Family Savings Account (FSA).
IDAs and FSAs are matched savings accounts. That
means for every dollar you save, the government will
match it and put it in a separate account. At the end
of your program, you will receive the money you
saved and the money that the government has put
away for you. The government will match your
savings up to $2000 after two years.
Money Management
There are many services that can help you save and
manage your money, even if you’re having a hard
time paying your bills. These services include:
Money Management
Individual Development Account (IDA)/ Family Savings Account (FSA)
Can I open an IDA/FSA?
To open an IDA/FSA, you will have to meet income
requirements.
Income requirements for IDA/FSA
(through December 31, 2008)
Number of people in
your household
If you make this
amount each year or
less, you can open an
IDA/FSA
1
$20,800
2
$28,000
3
$35,200
4
$42,400
5
$49,600
6
$56,800
7
$64,000
8
$71,200
Per add’l person, add:
$7,200
Remember, don’t worry if you don’t exactly meet the
income requirements. There are income rules that
vary by county that could make you eligible. Contact
your local Community Action Agency for details.
How do I apply for an IDA/FSA?
The Community Action Agency Partnership (CAAP)
can help you find the name of your local Community
Action Agency. Your Community Action Agency can
then help you apply for the account. To find a
Community Action Agency near you:
1. Call the Community Action Association of
Pennsylvania at 717-233-1075
2. Visit them on the web at www.thecaap.org.
36
If any of those statements sound familiar, then
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) can help.
Am I eligible for CCCS services?
Anyone can use these services, no matter how much
you make.
How can I find a CCCS near me?
1. Call the National Foundation for Credit
Counseling at 1-800-388-2227.
2. Visit the National Foundation for Credit
Counseling online at www.nfcc.org to find a
CCCS near you.
37
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
What is the Consumer Credit Counseling Service?
CCCS is an organization that can help you:
• Create a budget you can stick to
• Figure out the best way to pay off all of your
debts
• Review your credit report with you to help you
increase your credit score
• Open checking and savings accounts
• Give you free financial education to keep you
out of debt
• Help you avoid bankruptcy
• Assist you as you take control of your personal
finances
• Plan your pathway from financial crisis to
financial health and sustainability
Money Management
Do any of these statements describe you?
• You’re close to or over the limit on your credit
cards
• You have creditors calling the house to collect
overdue payments
• Your credit score is low (600 or less)
• You’re not sure what your credit score is
• You’re stressed about how much money you
owe and you’re not sure how to handle it
Money Management
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Program?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
(VITA) provides free income tax services to people
who need help filing their taxes. When you use VITA,
you can get your taxes done for free by volunteers
who have been trained by the IRS. These volunteers
can help you file for credits like the Earned Income
Tax Credit, which can help put extra money in your
pocket. VITA sites are located statewide and are
available from early February to mid-April.
Can I use VITA services?
If you make under $40,000 a year, you can use VITA
services.
How can I find a VITA site near me?
1. If you live in the Philadelphia/Delaware County
area, call PathWays PA at (610) 543-5022.
**TAX BREAK**
The Earned Income Credit is available to many
working taxpayers. The EIC comes in the form of a
refund check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The amount depends on how much income you earned
and also the number of qualifying children you have.
A qualifying child:
• Is under the age of 19 or under the age of 24 if
the child is a full-time student
• Lived with the worker in the US for more than half
the year
• Is the worker’s son, daughter, grandchild, adopted
•
•
child, foster child, sibling, niece or nephew
Is a permanently disabled child of any age
Has a valid Social Security Number
You can apply for this credit by filling out IRS Form
1040 or 1040A and filling out and attaching IRS
Schedule EIC.
Questions about tax credits? Call the IRS at
1-800-829-1040.
38
The PA Tax Forgiveness Program helps reduce the
amount of state taxes owed on your tax returns. If
you make less than the amount listed below and
anticipate you will make less next year, you may be
eligible for PA Tax Forgiveness:
Income requirements for PA Tax
Forgiveness
(through Tax Year 2007)
$8,750
Couple
$15,250
Single parent with one child
$18,250
Couple with one child
$24,750
Each additional child
add $9,500
To claim this credit, have your employer fill out the
Employee’s Nonwithholding Application (PA Form REV419). If you have questions, call the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue at 1-800-362-2050.
What is the Online Training and Benefits Worksheet?
PathWays PA offers an online worksheet on its
website, www.PathWaysPA.org. By putting in
information such as how many people live with you
and how much you earn, the worksheet can show
you how much you need to make to pay for your
basic needs. It can also tell you if you’re eligible for
programs such as:
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Housing and child care assistance
• Medical Assistance
• Children’s Health Insurance Program
• Food stamp program
Who can use the online worksheet?
Anyone! If you have a computer with internet
access, visit www.PathWays PA.org. Once you are
there, use the online tool.
39
PA Tax Forgiveness Program/ Online Training and Benefits Worksheet
Single person
Money Management
**TAX BREAK**
Women’s Issues
In this section, you’ll find the resources you need to
help you handle issues that are often specific to
women, including family planning services and
resources for victims of domestic violence.
What is a Family Planning Service?
A family planning service is a health care
organization that offers:
• Contraception to prevent pregnancy (birth
control pills, the morning after pill, etc.)
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), including HIV testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Breast cancer screening
• Pap smears to test for cervical cancer
Family Planning Services
Do I have to have medical insurance?
You do NOT have to have medical insurance to pay
for family planning services. Most services are
offered on a sliding scale. Some people can even
get services for free, including those under 18.
Services are available under the SelectPlan for
Women (see page 20).
How do I find a family planning service near me?
The chart below shows you the family planning
organizations by region. Call to find a clinic in your
area.
Southeastern PA:
Family Planning Council
(215) 985-2600
Northeastern PA:
Maternal Family and Health Services
(800) 367-6347
Central PA:
Family Health Council of Central PA
717-761-7380
Western PA:
Adagio Health
(800) 215-7494
40
Women’s Issues
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is when a person in a
relationship abuses their partner as a way to control
them. This includes physical abuse like:
• hitting
• kicking
• shoving
• choking
Domestic violence can also be emotional abuse:
• name-calling
• put-downs
• threats to both you and/or your children
Abusive partners may also steal, destroy property,
and keep “track” of their partner by making sure
they don’t see family or friends.
How do I know if I’m being abused?
It’s easier to tell if your partner is physically abusive,
but are you really being abused emotionally? Here is
a checklist of questions you can ask yourself to
figure out if you are being abused:
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, get
help now! See the next page for phone numbers
that will get you started.
41
Domestic Violence
Does your partner…
• Insult you and always blame you for bad things
that happen?
• Show feelings of intense jealousy when you try
to spend time with others?
• Not allow you to see friends and family?
• Make you do things you don’t want to do,
including forcing you into sex?
• Spend your money and not let you make
financial decisions?
• Threaten to hurt or kill you, your children, or
members of your family?
Women’s Issues
Domestic Violence
How can I get help?
1. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24
hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-799-SAFE
(TTY 1-800-787-3224). The hotline can refer you
to emergency services in your area, like shelters
and legal assistance. Spanish-language telephone
operators and resources are available.
2. Call the Pennsylvania Coalition Against
Domestic Violence (PCADV) at 1-800-932-4632.
They have list of domestic violence service
agencies that can help you find shelter, get
emergency cash assistance, provide counseling
and help with legal services. PCADV facilitates
a statewide network of 61 domestic violence
programs and has a series of specialized
program areas to address the needs of women
and families experiencing abuse. Or you can
access PCADV online at www.pcadv.org for
more resources.
3. Contact the 24-hour information line at the
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) at
1-800-772-7227. The hotline operators can
connect you to services in your area. PCAR runs
a network of 52 rape crisis centers across
Pennsylvania. The centers provide services to
survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones,
and work to promote public awareness and
prevention education in local communities.
Important!
•
It is possible for your partner to find
what you do online, including what
websites you visit. If you want to use
any of the websites listed above, either
use a computer that would be more
difficult to track (like at a public library)
or just call the hotline numbers to be on
the safe side.
•
If you feel your life or your children’s
lives are in danger right now, call 911
immediately!
42
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Glossary
ACCESS card: an electronic benefits card used to
give people money for food stamps, TANF, GA, and
Medicaid. The card works like a debit card; when
swiped, any money on the card is transferred to the
store that is being paid.
adultBasic: a health insurance program for adults
ages 19-64.
Affordable Housing: a housing program that helps
people find housing in homes and apartments owned
by the federal government.
Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR): a plan
that explains how you will work towards finding a job
and getting yourself off of TANF or GA.
Child and Adult Care Food Program: provides free and
reduced-price meals and snacks to children and adults.
Children’s Health Insurance Program: a Pennsylvania
program that provides health insurance to children
and teens.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service: an organization
that offers services to help you manage your money
and help get you out of debt.
Domestic violence: when a person in a relationship
uses abuses (physical or emotional) as a way to
control their partner.
Expedited Food Stamp Program: a program that
allows you to receive food stamps within 5 days,
depending on your income.
43
Domestic Violence
Child Care Works: a program that helps families pay
for child care services.
Glossary
Family planning service: a health center that
provides information and services about reproductive
health and women’s health issues.
Family Savings Account (FSA): see Individual
Development Account (IDA).
Food pantry: provides a free bag of food to those in
need that lasts 3-4 days.
Food stamp program: provides money to help
individuals and families pay for food.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): the
form you must fill out to receive federal and state
loans and grants for higher education.
General Assistance (GA): a cash assistance program
for those who may not qualify for Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families.
Glossary of Terms
Grant: money that can be used to pay for higher
education that does not have to be paid back.
Head Start: an educational and social program from
children ages 3-5. Head Start is free for families who
qualify.
Homeless Assistance Program (HAP): a program to
help families find emergency shelter, bridge housing,
and rental assistance.
Hope Scholarship Credit: a tax credit you can claim if
you or any of your dependents are enrolled in the
first or second year of college.
Housing Choice Voucher Program: a federal program
that helps people pay their rent on privately-owned
housing.
44
Individual Development Account (IDA): a matched
savings account program.
LIHEAP Crisis Grant: a grant that you can get in an
emergency situation to help pay for heating and
utilities, such as broken heating equipment.
Glossary
Lifelong Learning Credit: a tax credit you can claim if
you are enrolled in at least one course for a
postsecondary degree program or a job skills
program.
Loan forgiveness: a program where you can reduce
the amount of money you owe if you are in a certain
lines of work, like nursing.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP): helps individuals and families pay for
utilities and heat.
Medicaid: a program that pays for all health care
expenses for eligible individuals and families.
Online budget worksheet: a worksheet that can show
you how much you need to make to pay for your
basic needs.
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
(PHEAA): a state agency that helps students access
money for college or technical school.
Prescreening: a process where an organization helps
you determine if you’re eligible for food stamps and
then helps you apply.
45
Glossary of Terms
National School Lunch Program: provides free or
reduced-price school lunches to children in public,
private, and residential schools.
Glossary
SelectPlan for Women: a free, confidential program
that provides family planning and reproductive health
services, including birth control.
Resources: all of the money you have, including
anything in checking or savings accounts.
Requirements for resources are different depending
on the program you apply to.
School Breakfast Program: provides free or reducedprice breakfast to children in public, private, or
residential schools.
Soup kitchen: a place that provides a free hot meal to
those in need.
Special Kids Network: an organization that can help
parents find services and education for their children
with special needs. Call 1-800-986-4550 for
assistance (TTY 1-877-232-7640).
Glossary of Terms
Subsidized Child Care Program: see Child Care Works.
TAP 529: a savings program run by the Pennsylvania
Treasury Department. Savings can be used at any
school that accepts federal or state loans.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): a
cash assistance program gives money to children and
their parents or other relatives that take care of them.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA): a
program that provides free income tax services to
people who need help filing their taxes.
WIC: a program that gives women, infants, and
children vouchers to buy nutritious foods and
provides nutrition education.
46
1. Child Care Information Services:
Call this number to apply for Child Care Works.
2. County Assistance Office:
Call this number to apply for food stamps,
Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, General Assistance, and Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
County Help Chart
The County Help Chart on the final pages lists all of
the counties in Pennsylvania alphabetically. For each
county, you can find the following phone numbers:
3. Food stamp pre-screening services:
Call these organizations to apply for food
stamps.
4. Head Start:
Call this number to enroll your child in Head
Start.
6. Local Housing Authority:
Call this number to enroll in Housing Choice or
Affordable Housing.
7. WIC Program:
Call this number to enroll in the WIC program
for women and their children.
47
County Help Chart Introduction
5. Homeless Assistance Program:
Call these organizations to get emergency
housing through the Homeless Assistance
Program.
Beaver
Beaver County
Housing
Authority
(724) 775-1220
Adagio Health
(800) WICWINS or
(800) 9429467
Armstrong
County CAA
Head Start
724-545-3632
Community
CSC, Inc./Beaver
Services
County Head
Program of
Start
Beaver County
724-375-2300
(724) 548-3405
Armstrong
PA Hunger
CCIS of Beaver Beaver County
Action Center
County
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(724) 847-0145 (724) 773-7495
800-FOOD-997
Armstrong
PA Hunger
County
Action Center
Assistance Office (717) 233-6705
(724) 773-7495 800-FOOD-997
CCIS of
Armstrong
County
(724) 763-3308
Allegheny
Allegheny
County Health
Department
(412) 3505801
Allegheny
Allegheny
Department of
County Housing
Human ServicesAuthority
OCS
(412) 355-8940
(412) 350-6617
Adagio Health
Armstrong
(800) WICCounty Housing
WINS or
Authority
(800) 942(724) 548-7671
9467
Allegheny
County Head
Start
(412) 394-5940
Allegheny
PA Hunger
County
Action Center
Assistance Office (717) 233-6705
(412) 565-2146 800-FOOD-997
CCIS of
Allegheny
County
(412) 255-3228
Adams
South Central
Community
Action
Programs, Inc.
(717) 334-7634
Adams County
Housing
Authority
(717) 334-1518
South Central
Community
Action Programs
Inc.
(717) 334-7634
Homelessness
Local Housing
WIC Program
Assistance
Authority
Program
County Help Chart
Armstrong
County
Community
Action Agency
(724) 548-3405
A.C.C.E.S.S.,
Inc.-Adams
County H.S.
717-337-1337
ext. 228
CCIS of Adams,
PA Hunger
Adams County
Franklin, and
Action Center
Assistance Office
Fuller Counties
(717) 233-6705
(800) 638-6816
(717)-334-7634
800-FOOD-997
County
Assistance
Office
Head Start
Child Care
Information
Services
Adams to Beaver
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
County
48
Bradford
PA Hunger
CCIS of Bradford Bradford County
Action Center
County
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(570) 265-4420 (800) 542-3938
800-FOOD-997
Bradford-Tioga
Head Start
570-638-1400
Blair County
Housing
Authority
(814) 695-7548
Berks County
Housing
Authority
(610) 370-0822
Bedford County
Housing
Authority
(814) 623-1477
Home Nursing
Agency
WIC Program
(814) 9430481
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 3676347
Broad Top
WIC Program
(814) 6356942
Maternal and
Bradford County
Family Health
TREHAB Center Housing
Services
(570) 278-3338 Authority
(800) 367(570) 638-2151
6347
Blair County
Child Advocates
Community
of Blair County
Action Agency
(814) 946-5247
(814) 946-3651
PA Hunger
Blair County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(814) 946-7365
800-FOOD-997
Bedford to Bradford
Blair
CCIS of Blair
County
(814) 949-9110
Berks
Berks
Community
Action Program
Inc.
(610) 376-6571
Berks County
Intermediate Unit
Head Start
610-987-8236 or
610-987-9455
PA Hunger
Berks County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(610) 736-4211
800-FOOD-997
CCIS of Berks
County
(610) 987-8436
Bedford
Center for
Community
Services
(814) 623-9129
Keystone
Community
Action Program
(814) 643-3010
Bedford/Fulton
County Head
Start
814-624-3200
Bedford County
Assistance
Office
(800) 542-8584
CCIS of Bedford
County
(814) 623-6107
1-888-465-9304
County Help Chart
49
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Bucks County
Assistance
Office
(215) 781-3393
Butler County
CCIS of Bulter
Assistance
County
Office
1-888-864-1654
(724) 284-8844
Cambria County
Assistance
Office
(877) 315-0389
CCIS of Bucks
County/Apple
Child Care
Services, Inc.
(215) 348-1283
CCIS of Cambria
County
(814) 472-6341
1-800-492-9292
Cameron County
CCIS of
Assistance
Cameron
Office
1-800-638-4670
(814) 486-3757
Bucks
Butler
Cambria
Cameron
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
County
Assistance
Office
Child Care
Information
Services
Bucks to Cameron
County
50
Butler County
Community
Action and
Development
724-284-5125
Northern Tier
CAC Head Start
Program
(814) 486-1161
ext 224
Northern Tier
Community
Action
Corporation
(814) 486-1161
Cambria County
Cambria County Community
Head Start
Action Council,
814-536-9031
Inc.
(814) 536-9031
Butler County
Children's
Center, Inc.
(724) 287-2761
Adagio Health
(800) WICWINS or
(800) 9429467
Bucks County
Health
Department
(215) 3453494
Department of
Housing and
Urban
Development
1-800-466-2487
Cambria
County
Community
Action Council
Inc.
(814) 5369031
No. Central
Department of
PA Regional
Housing and
Planning and
Urban
Development
Development
Commission
1-800-466-2487 (814) 7733162
Butler County
Housing
Authority
(814) 362-3535
Bucks County
Housing
Authority
(215) 348-9469
Homelessness
Local Housing
WIC Program
Assistance
Authority
Program
Bucks County
Bucks County
Opportunity
Head Start, Inc.
Council, Inc
(215) 428-6870
(215) 345-8175
Head Start
County Help Chart
Clarion
Jefferson-Clarion
Community
Head Start, Inc.
Action, Inc.
814-849-3660
(814) 938-3302
ext. 15
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Clarion County
CCIS of Clarion
Assistance
County
Office
(814) 938-3302
(800) 253-3488
Chester
Carbon to Clarion
CCIS of Chester
County
(610) 344-6904
1-800-870-2323
Chester County
Chester County
Department of
IU Head Start
Community
(610) 383-6800
Development
ext.203
(610) 344-6900
Centre
Community
Chester County
Sercies Council
Assistance
of Chester
Office
County
(888) 814-4698
(610) 696-4545
Central
Cen-Clear Child
Pennsylvania
Services, Inc.
Community
814-342-5678
Action Inc.
ext. 233
(814) 765-1551
Central
Pennsylvania
Community
Action Inc.
(814) 765-1551
Centre County
Assistance
Office
(800) 355-6024
CCIS of Centre
County
(814) 238-5480
Carbon
Carbon County
Action
Committee for
Human Services
(610) 377-6400
Carbon County
Head Start
570-645-7578
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Carbon County
CCIS of Carbon
Assistance
County
Office
(570) 325-2226
(610) 577-9020
Home Nursing
Agency
WIC Program
(814) 3426993
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 3676347
Clarion County
Housing
Authority
(814) 226-8910
Community
Health
Services Inc.
(814) 2268130
Chester
Chester County
County Health
Housing
Department
Authority
(610) 344(610) 436-9200
6240
Centre County
Housing
Authority
(814) 355-6965
Carbon County
Housing
Authority
(610) 377-9375
County Help Chart
51
Central
Pennsylvania
Community
Action Inc.
(814) 765-1551
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Family Health
Council of
Pennsylvania
(717) 761-7380
Clearfield
County
Assistance
Office
(800) 521-9218
Clinton County
Assistance
Office
(800) 820-4159
Columbia
County
Assistance
Office
(877) 211-1322
CCIS of
Clearfield
County
(814) 765-1546
CCIS of Clinton
County
(570) 327-5495
(800)346-3020
CCIS of
Columbia
County
(570) 784-0963
Crawford County
CCIS of
Assistance
Crawford County
Office
(814) 337-8055
(814) 333-3400
Clearfield
Clinton
Columbia
Crawford
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
County
Assistance
Office
Child Care
Information
Services
Clearfield to Crawford
County
52
Department of
Housing and
Urban
Development
1-800-955-2232
Venango County
Office of
Economic
Opportunity
(814) 432-9767
YWCA Twin
Creeks Head
Start
814-724-6530
Family Health
Columbia County
Council of
Housing
Central PA,
Authority
Inc.
(570) 784-9373
Central
Susquehanna
Opportunities
(570) 644-6575
(814) 827-9166
Community
Health
Services, Inc.
(570) 752-6935
(570) 748-1087
Bi-County WIC
Program
Columbia Child
Development
Program
Columbia Sullivan
Head Start
570-784-8618
Clinton County
Housing
Authority
(570) 748-2954
Lycoming-Clinton
County
Commission for
Community
Action, Inc.
(570) 326-0587
LycomingClinton Head
Start
(570) 601-9623
(814) 765-7035
Clearfield County Regional
Housing
Planning and
Development
Authority
(814) 765-2485 Commission
No. Central PA
Homelessness
Local Housing
WIC Program
Assistance
Authority
Program
Central
Cen-Clear Child
Pennsylvania
Services EHS
Community
814-342-5678
Action Inc.
ext 233
(814) 765-1551
Head Start
County Help Chart
Cumberland
County
Assistance
Office
(800) 269-0173
Dauphin County
Assistance
Office
(800) 788-5616
Child Care
Network, Inc.
(717) 233-8454
ext. 24
CCIS of
Cumberland,
Dauphin and
Perry Counties
(800) 952-7419
Cumberland
Dauphin
Elk
CCIS of Elk
County
800-638-4670
Elk County
Assistance
Office
(800) 847-0257
Delaware
Cumberland to Elk
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Delaware County
CCIS of
Assistance
PathWays PA
Delaware County Office
(610) 543-5022
(800) 831-3117 Headquarters
(610) 447-5500
Community
Check Up of
South Harrisburg
(717) 233-1700
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Community
Action
Commission
(717) 232-9757
Community
Action
Commission
(717) 232-9757
Northern Tier
CAC Head Start
Program
(814) 486-1161
ext. 224
Northern Tier
Community
Action
Corporation
(814) 486-1161
Community
Delaware County Action Agency of
IU Head Start
Delaware
610-938-9000
County, Inc.
(610) 891-5101
Keystone
Service
Systems, Inc,
717-541-1795
Keystone
Service
Systems, Inc,
DBA Capital
Area Head Start
717-541-1795
Capital Region
Health System
Hamilton
Health Center
(717) 230-3979
Family Health
Council of
Central PA,
Inc.
(717) 2430523
Elk County
Housing
Authority
(814) 965-2532
No. Central PA
Regional and
Planning
Development
Commission
(814) 773-3162
CrozerDelaware County Chester
Housing
Medical
Authority
Center
(610) 876-2521 (610) 4977668
Dauphin County
Housing
Authority
(717) 939-9301
Cumberland
County Housing
Authority
(717) 249-0789
County Help Chart
53
Department of
Housing and
Urban
Development
1-800-466-2487
Warren-Forest
Counties
Economic
Opportunity
Council
(814) 726-2400
South Central
South Central
Community
Franklin County Community
Action Programs Housing Authority Action
Inc.
(717) 263-4200 Programs Inc.
(717) 334-7634
(717) 334-7634
Warren-Forest
PA Hunger Action
Forest County
Counties Head
Center
Assistance Office
Start
(717) 233-6705
(800) 876-0645
814-726-2400 x
800-FOOD-997
3027
PA Hunger Action Franklin County
Franklin County
Center
Head Start, Inc.
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705 (717) 263-8019
(800) 921-8839
800-FOOD-997 Ext 208
CCIS of Forest
County
(814) 726-1361
1-877-855-0013
See Adams
County
Fayette
Forest
Franklin
Shenango
Valley Urban
League, Inc.
WIC Program
(814) 676-0099
Fayette County
Fayette County Community
Housing Authority Action Agency
(724) 434-2100 Inc.
(724) 437-6050
Fayette County
Community
Action Agency
Inc.
(724) 437-6050
Head Start of
Fayette County
724-430-4818
WIC Program
Erie County
Greater Erie
Erie County
WIC Program
Community
Housing Authority (814) 453-5747
Action Committee
(814) 655-5161 (ext. 247)
(814) 459-481
(814) 459-1948
Homelessness
Local Housing
Assistance
Authority
Program
County
Fayette County
Community
Assistance Office
Action Agency
(877) 832-7545
(724) 430-3011
Head Start
CCIS of Fayette
County
(724) 425-1818
1-800-443-0888
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
Erie
County
Assistance
Office
County Help Chart
Greater Erie
PA Hunger Action
Erie County
Community
Center
Assistance Office
Action Committee
(717) 233-6705
(800) 635-1014
814-459-4581 ext
800-FOOD-997
422
Child Care
Information
Services
Erie to Franklin
CCIS of Erie
County
(814) 451-6580
County
54
CCIS of Greene
County
(724) 852-5277
1-888-355-2247
Fulton
Greene
Indiana
CCIS of Indiana
County
(724) 349-8830
1-800-327-3070
CCIS of
Huntingdon
Huntingdon County
(814) 643-4980
1-800-972-3444
Indiana County
Indiana County
Community
Assistance Office
Action Program
(800) 742-0679
(724) 463-7440
Huntingdon
County
Assistance Office
(800) 237-7674
Keystone
Community
Action Program
(814) 643-3010
Indiana County
Head Start, Inc.
800-592-9036 or
724-349-6200
Huntingdon
County Head
Start
814-643-6800
ext. 109
Indiana County
Community
Action Program
(724) 465-2657
Center for
Community
Services
(814) 623-9129
Adagio Health
Indiana County
(800) WICHousing Authority
WINS or
(724) 463-4730
(800) 942-9467
Department of
Housing and
Urban
Development
1-800-466-2487
Broad Top
WIC Program
(814) 635-6942
Community
Action
Southwest
(724) 225-9550
ext. 441
Greene County
Housing
Authority
(724) 627-6523
Community
Greene County Hunger Services Action
Assistance Office Network
Southwest Head
(888) 410-5658 (412) 681-1110 Start
724-222-9100
Community
Action
Southwest
(724) 225-9550
Center for
Fulton County Broad Top WIC
Community
Housing Authority Program
Services
(717) 485-4041 (814) 635-6942
(814) 623-9129
Keystone
Community
Action Program
(814) 643-3010
Bedford/Fulton
County Head
Start
814-624-3200
Fulton County
Assistance Office
(800) 222-8563
Fulton to Indiana
See Adams
County
County Help Chart
55
ScrantonLackawanna
Human
Development
Agency, Inc.
(570) 963-6633
Commission on
Lackawanna
Economic
County
Opportunity of
Assistance Office
Luzerne County
(877) 431-1887
(570) 826-0510
PA Hunger
Lancaster County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(717) 299-7411
800-FOOD-997
CCIS of
Lackawanna
Lackawanna
County
(570)-963-6644
CCIS of
Lancaster
Lancaster
County
(717) 393-4004
Community Action
Partnership of
Lancaster County
(717) 299-7301
ScrantonLackawanna
Human
Development
Agency, Inc.
(570) 963-6836
Juniata County
Head Start
717-436-8613
CAP Child Dev.
Program/Head
Start
717-299-7301
No. Central PA
WIC Program
Lancaster County
Housing
Authority
(717) 394-0793
Lackawanna
Housing
Authority
(570) 342-7629
Department of
Housing and
Urban
Development
1-800-466-2487
Community
Action
Partnership of
Lancaster
County
(717) 299-7301
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
Family Health
Council of
Central PA, Inc.
Family Planning
Plus
(717) 248-0175
(814) 938-7602
Jefferson County
Regional
Jefferson County
Community
Planning and
Housing Authority
Development
Action, Inc.
(814) 938-7140 Commission
(814) 938-3302
Homelessness
Local Housing
Assistance
Authority
Program
Keystone
Community
Action Program
(814) 643-3010
Jefferson-Clarion
Head Start, Inc.
814-849-3660 x
15
Head Start
County Help Chart
Keystone
Juniata County
Community
Assistance Office
Action Program
(800) 586-4282
(814) 643-3010
CCIS of Juniata
County
(717) 436-8613
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
Juniata
County
Assistance
Office
Jefferson
Child Care
Information
Services
Jefferson to Lancaster
PA Hunger
CCIS of
Jefferson County
Action Center
Jefferson County Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(814) 938-3302 (800) 242-8214
800-FOOD-997
County
56
Lebanon
Community
Services for
Children
(610) 437-6000
ext. 2354
Luzerne County
Head Start, Inc.
570-829-6231
1-800-551-5829
Hispanic
Lehigh County
American
Assistance Office Organization of
(610) 821-6509 Lehigh County
(610) 435-5334
Commission on
Luzerne County Economic
Assistance Office Opportunity of
(570) 826-2100 Luzerne County
(570) 826-0510
Coordinated
Child Care
Services of
Northeast PA
(570) 822-6500
Lehigh
Luzerne
Lawrence to Luzerne
Community
Services for
Children, Inc.
(610) 437-6000
Commission on
Economic
Opportunity of
Luzerne County
(570) 826-0510
Community
Action
Committee of the
Lehigh Valley,
Inc.
(610) 691-5620
PA Hunger Action
CCIS of Lebanon Lebanon County
Lebanon County Lebanon County
Center
County
Assistance Office
Head Start
Human Services
(717) 233-6705
(717) 274-6552 (800) 229-3926
(717) 274-3625 (717) 867-2909
800-FOOD-997
Lawrence
Lawrence County
Social Services,
Inc.
(724) 658-7258
PA Hunger Action Lawrence County
CCIS of
Lawrence County
Center
Social ServicesLawrence County Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705 Head Start
(724) 658-8874 (800) 847-4522
800-FOOD-997 724-658-7258
Adagio Health
(800) WICWINS or
(800) 942-9467
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
Maternal and
Luzerne County
Family Health
Housing Authority
Services
(570) 287-9661
(800) 367-6347
Lehigh County
Housing
Authority
(610) 965-4514
Lebanon County Lebanon
Housing
Family Health
Authority
Services
(717) 274-1401 (717) 273-6741
Housing
Authority County
of Lawrence
(724) 656-5100
County Help Chart
57
Mifflin
Keystone
Community
Action Program
(814) 643-3010
Keystone
Community
Action Program
(814) 643-3010
Snyder-UnionMifflin Child
Development,
Inc.
570-966-2845
Mifflin County
Assistance
Office
(800) 382-5253
CCIS OF Mifflin
County
(717) 242-4346
1-866-803-4346
Mercer
Mercer County
Head Start
(724) 346-4482
CCIS of Mercer
County
(724) 346-6171
Community
Action
Partnership of
Mercer County,
Inc.
(724) 342-6222
Community
Action
Partnership of
Mercer County
(724) 342-6222
ext. 16
Mercer County
Assistance
Office
(800) 747-8405
McKean
Northern Tier
Community
Action
Corporation
(814) 486-1161
Northern Tier
CAC Head Start
Program
(814) 486-1161
ext 224
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
McKean County
CCIS of McKean
Assistance
County
Office
1-800-638-4670
(800) 822-1108
Lycoming
Mifflin County
Housing
Authority
(717) 248-2624
Mercer County
Housing
Authority
(724) 342-4000
McKean County
Housing
Authority
(814) 887-5563
Family Health
Council of
Central PA, Inc.
Family
Planning Plus
(717) 248-0175
Shenango
Valley Urban
League, Inc.
WIC Program
(724) 981-6154
Bradford
Hospital WIC
Progam
(814) 362-4346
Lycoming
Bi-County WIC
County Housing
Program
Authority
(570) 748-1087
(570) 323-3755
Homelessness
Local Housing
WIC Program
Assistance
Authority
Program
Lycoming-Clinton
County
Commission for
Community
Action, Inc.
(570) 326-0587
Head Start
County Help Chart
LycomingClinton Head
Start
(570) 601-9623
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Lycoming
County
Assistance
Office
(877)
867-4014
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
CCIS OF
Lycoming
County
(570)327-5495
(800)346-3020
County
Assistance
Office
Child Care
Information
Services
Lycoming to Mifflin
County
58
CCIS of
Northampton
Northampton County
(610) 419-4500
(866) 800-3880
Montour
Montgomery
CAO (877)
398-5571
Pottstown
District:
(800) 641-3940
Montgomery
County
Community
Action
Development
(610) 277-6367
Northampton
County
Assistance Office
(800) 368-8390
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Family Health
CCIS of Montour Montour County
Council of
County
Assistance Office
Pennsylvania
(570) 275-3996 (570) 275-7430
(717) 761-7380
Montgomery
County Office of
Montgomery Child Day Care
Services
(610) 278- 3707
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Monroe to Northampton
Monroe
Monroe County
CCIS of Monroe
Assistance Office
County
Business Route
570-4203590
877-905-1495
Central
Susquehanna
Opportunities
(570) 644-6575
Community Action
Committee of the
Lehigh Valley, Inc.
(610) 691-5620
Community
Services for
Children
(610) 437-6000
ext. 2354
Montgomery
County
Community
Action
Development
(610) 277-6367
Monroe County
Grants Office
(570) 517-3129
Danville Head
Start
570-271-3268
ext. 6200
Montgomery
County Head
Start
(610) 239-6662
(Early Head Start
available)
Monroe County
Head Start
(570) 421-2711
ext. 230
Northhampton
County Housing
Authority
(610) 759-8488
Montour County
Housing
Authority
(570) 275-3640
Montgomery
County Housing
Authority
(610) 275-5720
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800)
367-6347
Family Health
Council of
Central PA,
Inc.
(570)
752-6935
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 3676347
Maternal and
Monroe County Family Health
Housing Authority Services
570-421-7770
(800) 3676347
County Help Chart
59
Child Care
Information
Services
Perry
Pike
CCIS of Pike
County
(570) 296-3447
CCIS of
Philadelphia Philadelphia
(215) 333-1560
Child Care
Network, Inc.
(717) 243-4013
ex. 24
CCIS of
Northumberland
Northumberland
County
(570) 988-4452
County
60
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
ScrantonLackawanna
Human Dev.
Agency, Inc.
(570) 963-6633
Monroe County
Grants Office
(570) 517-3129
Pike County
Human
Development
Office
(570) 296-3439
Philadelphia
Housing
Authority
(215) 557-8484
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
North
Organized
Regionally for
Total Health
(215) 978-6100
(800) 743-3300
Keystone Service
Community
Systems, Inc,
Action
DBA Capital Area
Commission
Head Start
(717) 232-9757
(717) 541-1795
Mayor's Office
of Community
Services
(215) 685-3602
Family Health
Council, Inc.
Perry County Old
Cumberland/
Jail
Perry Tapestry
(717) 582-8853
of Health
(717) 243-0523
Central
Northumberland
Susquehanna
Area Head Start
Opportunities
(570) 523-1155
(570) 644-6575
Homelessness
Local Housing
WIC Program
Assistance
Authority
Program
County Help Chart
Family Health
Council of
Northumberland
Central PA,
County Housing
Inc.
Authority
Family
(570) 742-8797
Planning Plus
(717) 248-0175
Head Start
Greater
Philadelphia
Coalition Against See page 18
Hunger
(215) 430-0555
PA Hunger
Pike County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(570) 296-6114
800-FOOD-997
Philadelphia
County
Assistance Office
Headquarters
(215) 560-2900
PA Hunger
Perry County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(800) 991-1929
800-FOOD-997
Northumberland
County
Assistance Office
(800) 368-8390
County
Assistance
Office
Northumberland to Pike
Northern Tier
CAC Head Start
Program
(814) 486-1161
ext. 224
Child
Development,
Inc.
800-433-3370
PA Hunger
CCIS of Potter
Potter County
Action Center
County
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
1-800-638-4670 (800) 446-9896
800-FOOD-997
CCIS of
PA Hunger
Schuylkill County
Schuylkill County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(570) 624-7950
(717) 233-6705
(877) 306-5439
1-800-216-1938
800-FOOD-997
Potter
Schuylkill
Community Action
Partnership for
Somerset County
(814) 445-9628
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
Somerset
County
Assistance Office
(800) 248-1607
CCIS of
Somerset
County
(814) 445-9305
1-800-428-8920
Snyder
Somerset
Somerset
County Head
Start
814-445-9628
Union-Snyder
Community
Action Agency
(570) 374-8938
Potter to Somerset
CCIS of Snyder
and Union
Counties
(570) 966-2216
Schuylkill
Community
Action
(570) 622-1995
Northern Tier
Community
Action
Corporation
(814) 486-1161
Family Health
Council of
Central PA Inc.
(814) 443-1901
Snyder County
Housing
Authority
(570) 837-3979
Somerset
County Housing
Authority
(814) 629-5147
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
No. Central
PA Regional
Planning and
Development
Commission
(814) 274-7172
Family Health
Council of
Central PA,
Inc.
Family
Planning Plus
(717) 248-0175
Schuylkill County
Housing
Authority
(570) 385-3400
Potter County
Housing
Authority
(814) 274-7031
County Help Chart
Snyder-UnionUnion-Snyder
Mifflin Child
Snyder County
Office of Human Development, Inc.
Assistance Office
(570) 966-2845
Resources
570-374-8126
(570) 374-8938 (Early Head Start
available)
61
CCIS of Tioga
County
(570) 724-5766
See Snyder
Tioga
Union
ScrantonLackawanna
Human
Development
Agency, Inc.
(570) 963-6633
Snyder-UnionUnion-Snyder
Union County
Mifflin Child
Office of Human
Assistance Office
Development,
Resources
(570) 524-2201
Inc.
(570) 374-8938
(570) 966-2845
Tioga County
Bradford-Tioga
TREHAB Center
Assistance Office
Head Start
(570) 278-3338
(800) 525-6842
(570) 638-1400
Commission on
Susquehanna
Economic
County
Opportunity of
Assistance Office
Luzerne County
(888) 753-6328
(570) 826-0510
(717) 248-0175
Union County
Central PA, Inc.
Housing Authority
Family Planning
(570) 522-1300 Plus
Family Health
Council of
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
Department of
TREHAB Center Housing and
(570) 278-3338 Urban
Development
1-800-466-2487
Union-Snyder
Community
Action Agency
(570) 374-8938
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
WIC Program
Susquehanna
TREHAB Center County Housing
(570) 278-3338 Authority
(570) 278-3011
Sullivan County
TREHAB Center Housing
(570) 278-3338 Authority
(570) 946-7677
Sullivan County
CCIS of Sullivan
Columbia
Assistance Office TREHAB Center
County
Sullivan Head
Main Street
(570) 278-3338
(570) 265-4420
Start
(877) 265-1681
570-784-8618
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
County Help Chart
Homelessness
Local Housing
Assistance
Authority
Program
County
Assistance
Office
Sullivan to Union
Head Start
Child Care
Information
Services
CCIS of
Susquehanna
Susquehanna
County
(570) 341-0811
Sullivan
County
62
Wayne
CCIS of Wayne
County
(570) 341-0811
PA Hunger
Wayne County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(877) 879-5267
800-FOOD-997
Venango to Wayne
CCIS of
Washington
Washington
County
(724) 228-6969
ScrantonLackawanna
Human
Development
Agency, Inc.
(570) 963-6633
Washington
County Housing
Authority
(724) 228-6060
Wayne County
TREHAB Center Housing
(570) 278-3338 Authority
(570) 488-6069
Community
Action
Southwest
(724) 225-9550
Warren
Community
Washington
Hunger Services Action
County
Network
Southwest Head
Assistance Office
(412) 681-1110 Start
(800) 835-9720
(724) 222-9100
Warren County
Housing
Authority
(814) 723-2312
Warren-Forest
Counties
Economic
Opportunity
Council
(814) 726-2400
Warren-Forest
Counties Head
Start
814) 726-2400
ext 3026
PA Hunger
CCIS of Warren Warren County
Action Center
County
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
1-877-855-0013 (800) 403-4043
800-FOOD-997
Venango
Maternal and
Family Health
Services
(800) 367-6347
Community
Action
Southwest
(724) 225-9550
ext. 441
Community
Health
Services Inc.
(814) 726-1093
Shenango
Venango County
Valley Urban
Housing
League Inc.
Authority
WIC Program
(814) 677-5926
(814) 676-0099
Venango County
Office of
Economic
Opportunity
(814) 432-9767
YWCA Twin
Creeks Head
Start
(814) 724-6530
PA Hunger
Action Center
(717) 233-6705
800-FOOD-997
CCIS of
Venango County
Venango County
Assistance Office
(814) 437-1906
(877) 409-2421
1-800-892-3448
County Help Chart
63
Westmoreland
County
Assistance
Office (Main)
724-832-5200
CCIS of
Westmoreland
Westmoreland
County
(724) 836-4580
York
Wyoming
Child Care
Consultants,
Inc.-CCIS of
York County
(717) 854-2273
Head Start
PA Hunger
York County
Action Center
Assistance Office
(717) 233-6705
(800) 991-0929
800-FOOD-997
Westmoreland
Human
Opportunities
Inc.
(724) 834-1260
Mon Valley
Westmoreland
Community
County Housing
Health Center
Authority
(800) 342(724) 832-7258
8980 ext. 4492
Homelessness
Local Housing
WIC Program
Assistance
Authority
Program
County Help Chart
Head Start of
York County
717-846-4600
ext. 267
Community
Progress
Council, Inc.
(717) 846-4600
York County
Housing
Authority
(717) 845-2601
Community
Progress
Council, Inc.
(717) 8437942
Maternal and
Wyoming
Luzerne County
Family Health
TREHAB Center County Housing
Head Start, Inc.
Services
(570) 278-3338 Authority
(570) 829-6231
(800) 367(570) 942-6155
6347
PA Hunger Action
Seton Hill Child
Center
Services, Inc.
(717) 233-6705
(724) 836-0099
800-FOOD-997
Food Stamps
Pre-Screening
Commission on
CCIS OF
Wyoming County Economic
Wyoming County Assistance Office Opportunity of
(570) 836-3131 (570) 836-5171 Luzerne County
(570) 826-0510
County
Assistance
Office
Westmoreland to York
Child Care
Information
Services
County
64
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EITC Brochure and Materials
The Elder Economic Security Index
Help List Magnet
Other Resources
Other publications offered by
PathWays PA:
Investing in Pennsylvania’s Families:
Economic Opportunity for All
Paths to Banking
Paths to Self-Sufficiency
(Available in Spanish only)
Health Careers Training Directory
——————————————————————
For more information on these
publications or to request copies, call
PathWays PA at 1-800-209-2914. You
can also contact PathWays PA at
[email protected].
To access PathWays PA’s user-friendly
on-line self-sufficiency tool, visit
www.PathWaysPA.org.
65
PathWays PA Publications
The Self-Sufficiency Standard for
Pennsylvania, 2008
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Do you need this booklet?
1. Do you have trouble paying for groceries each month?
2. Do you need help paying your rent?
3. Do you need help paying for child care?
4 Do you need health insurance for you and your family?
5. Do you need help paying for basic needs, like heat and
electricity?
6. Do you want to go to college or vocational school, but
need help paying for tuition?
7. Do you need help managing your money (saving money,
getting yourself out of debt, etc.)?
If you answered “Yes” to any of
these questions, take this booklet!
It is full of information that will
give you the help that you need.
Developed by
PathWays PA provides assistance for many of the
financial resources and benefits programs listed
in this booklet. If you live in Southeast Pennsylvania
and would like asstance, or if you are looking for
technical assistance, please contact PathWays PA
at 800-209-2914.
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Holmes, PA 19043
800-409-2914
www.pathwayspa.org