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Key Information
Health
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, or have been in contact with a person known to have COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested or need care.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Symptoms of COVID-19 vs. other common illnesses
- PA Department of Health
- See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information
- Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to report a Public Health Emergency
- Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in PA on PA 211’s information page
- See testing sites near you
- Check with the testing site before going to the location, as some require pre-registration or a doctor’s prescription in order to administer a test
COVID-19 Vaccine
- See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information
- Learn more about the PA COVID-19 vaccine rollout on PA 211’s information page
- Individuals who cannot leave their home may be eligible for in-home COVID-19 vaccinations
Communications from the Commonwealth
- On May 31, 2021, mitigation orders were lifted
- The masking order was lifted on June 28, 2021
- Explore the COVID-19 early warning monitoring dashboard for a county-by-county breakdown of incidence rates and confirmed cases
- The PA Department of Education has provided resources for school communities during COVID-19
General Resources
- Commonwealth of PA resources for individuals, families, and businesses
- PA Unites Against COVID site from the Commonwealth of PA, with simple steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community
- PA DCED resources for businesses, communities, employees, and more
- US Government response to COVID-19
- PA 211:
- Search PA 211’s statewide database of resources to get connected to help with your basic needs
- Text your zip code to 898-211 or dial 211 to get live help with resources like assistance with child care, housing, or food
- Text PAREADY to 898-211 to stay informed with resources to help you meet your basic needs (Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out. PA 211 Terms and Privacy.)
Housing
General Housing Resources
- See resources for housing assistance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Search PA 211’s housing resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
Renters
- Emergency rental assistance may be available in your county through the ERAP program: select your county to see details for your area
- Learn more abut ERAP
- The national COVID-19 ban on evictions for nonpayment of rent is no longer in effect
- There may be local eviction diversion programs available
- Search PA 211’s housing resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
- See PHFA’s guidance for renters affected by COVID-19
- Rental assistance is available through HUD
Homeowners
- The PA Homeowner Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic, and who meet income guidelines
- PHFA provides guidance on foreclosure prevention
- Homeowners impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for a mortgage forbearance for up to 12 months (if mortgage is through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac)
- Search PA 211’s housing resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
- See CFPB guidelines for COVID-19 mortgage relief options
- Hotline for VA-Backed Home Loans: 1-877-827-3702
Utilities
General Utilities Resources
- Emergency utility and rental assistance may be available in your county through the ERAP program: select your county to see details for your area
- Learn more abut ERAP
- See all of PA 211’s utilities resources
- If you are having trouble paying your utility bills, PUC suggests reaching out to your provider before the bill becomes past-due, because there are programs in place to help
- The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible people with home weatherization, to increase energy efficiency
- LIHEAP assists eligible people with heating and cooling expenses, and home weatherization
Electric
- Search PA 211’s electric service payment assistance resources (refine by zip code)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible people with home weatherization, to increase energy efficiency
- LIHEAP assists eligible people with heating and cooling expenses, and home weatherization
Water
- Search PA 211’s water service payment assistance resources (refine by zip code)
- LIHWAP has emergency grants available to help eligible families pay overdue water bills
Telephone
- Search PA 211’s telephone service payment assistance resources (refine by zip code)
Internet
- The FCC is providing discounts on broadband service to qualifying households through the ACP
- Search PA 211’s internet service payment assistance resources (refine by zip code)
Food
Food Assistance
- PA Department of Agriculture guidelines for accessing emergency food assistance
- County Assistance Offices will continue to process applications for benefits such as SNAP and maintain existing cases
- Enhanced SNAP benefits are available
- Eligibility for SNAP benefits was expanded in Sep. of 2022, for anyone earning within 200% of the FPLSNAP benefits permanently increased an average of $36 per person per month, starting Oct. 1, 2021 Learn more about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program for students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school and have missed in-person learning due to COVID
- If you have an issue with your P-EBT benefits, dial 484-363-2137 Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- When applying for SNAP benefits, it is recommended to use the website rather than the app on mobile devices
- You can now apply for SNAP benefits over the phone at 1-866-550-4355
- Eligibility for SNAP benefits was expanded in Sep. of 2022, for anyone earning within 200% of the FPLSNAP benefits permanently increased an average of $36 per person per month, starting Oct. 1, 2021 Learn more about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program for students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school and have missed in-person learning due to COVID
- If you are pregnant or are the legal guardian for a child under age 5, you may be eligible for WIC
- View PA Nutrition Education Network food resources, including regional resources and information on school meals
- Search PA 211’s food pantry and other food resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
Government Relief
General Eligibility
- Check your eligibility for coronavirus resources from the government: unemployment, food, healthcare, and business loans
Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks)
- The third round of Economic impact payments to individuals was started in Mar. 2021:
- For questions about your Economic Impact Payment, call the IRS hotline at 800-919-9835 or visit the IRS information center
- Contact the EIP Helpline at +1 844 322 3639 for answers to questions or help filing
- For assistance filing for your EIP or income tax return, visit the Campaign for Working Families site or the Get Your Refund site
- Some people will receive their EIP via a prepaid debit card mailed to their home from the IRS, instead of a paper check
- Debit cards arrive in the mail in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services” – be careful not to throw it away
- Debit card FAQs
- People not normally required to file a tax return can register for their stimulus check through the IRS
- If you receive benefits such as TANF, SNAP, or MA, this payment will not affect your benefit amount
- View details for people receiving Social Security and SSI benefits
- If you were eligible to receive the entire (first round) 2020 EIP but did not, you can apply for a Recovery Rebate Credit
Unemployment Benefits
- On Sep. 5, 2021 several unemployment benefit programs created to help during the COVID-19 crisis ended, including:
- PUA – benefits for the self-employed
- PEUC – additional weeks of benefits
- FPUC – additional $300/week
- MEUC – additional $100/week to the self-employed
- Normal unemployment benefits can be applied for through the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation
COVID-19 Vaccine
- See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information
- Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in PA on PA 211’s information page
- Individuals who cannot leave their home may be eligible for in-home COVID-19 vaccinations
Families
- Public Citizens for Children and Youth has a summary of American Rescue Plan benefits for families
Sick Leave
- The guaranteed two weeks of paid sick leave and a subsequent ten weeks of partially paid family leave for care of a child, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, have now expired
- Refundable payroll tax credits for paid sick and family leave are available to be declared through March 31, 2021
College Students
- Federal student loans: the student loan payment pause has been extended to Dec. 31, 2022
- All COVID-19 related student loan relief is tax-free
- Summer, a program that provides student loan borrowers with free assistance, has partnered with the PA Attorney General
- Savi is a free program that helps borrowers find assistance and lower their student loan payments
401(k) and IRA Withdrawals
- Under the CARES Act, individuals impacted by coronavirus can access up to $100,000 from their 401(k)s and IRAs with fewer consequences than usual (if you have exhausted most other resources available to you)
Funeral Assistance
- FEMA is offering COVID funeral assistance
- Call 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
- From 9am – 9pm Monday – Friday
- Wait times may be high; so please have all needed information ready
- Visit FEMA’s website for more information
- Call 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
- See PA 211’s burial/cremeation expense assistance (refine by your zip code)
Taxes
- Tax day for individuals was April 15, 2022
- Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families receive a Child Tax Credit of up to $3,600 for each child under 6 years old, and up to $3,000 for each child from 6-17 years old
- If you think you’re eligible but didn’t file taxes in 2019 or 2020, sign up with the IRS (the Child Tax Credit will not affect your benefits)
- The American Rescue Plan also expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without children and young adults
- Refundable payroll tax credits for paid sick and family leave are available to be declared through March 31, 2021
- The IRS is offering relief to taxpayers who owe taxes, but have been financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis
- Search PA 211’s tax assistance resources (choose Tax Assistance, and refine by zip code)
Financial Assistance
Financial Hardship
- Pennsylvanians can apply for Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, and other public assistance programs at any time through COMPASS
- It is recommended to use the website rather than the app on mobile devices
- Individuals experiencing financial hardship should reach out to creditors, utility companies, and landlords to understand what kind of assistance may be offered or negotiable
- Search PA 211’s expenses and employment resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
Veterans
- Search PA 211’s resources for veterans (choose a category and refine by zip code)
Employment
Employment Resources
- Search PA 211’s employment resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
Job Postings
- The National Labor Exchange lists essential job postings for PA with immediate hiring during the COVID-19 crisis
- PA CareerLink offers active job openings for life-sustaining businesses, available for immediate hire
- USAJOBS has federal government job listings for positions that help respond to and fight COVID-19 in PA
Unemployment Benefits
- On Sep. 5, 2021, several unemployment benefit programs created to help during the COVID-19 crisis ended, including:
- PUA – benefits for the self-employed
- PEUC – additional weeks of benefits
- FPUC – additional $300/week
- MEUC – additional $100/week to the self-employed
- Normal unemployment benefits can be applied for through the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation
Children and Families
General Resources for Children and Families
- Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families receive a Child Tax Credit of up to $3,600 for each child under 6 years old, and up to $3,000 for each child from 6-17 years old
- If you think you’re eligible but didn’t file taxes in 2019 or 2020, sign up with the IRS (the Child Tax Credit will not affect your benefits)
- Enhanced SNAP benefits are available
- Eligibility for SNAP benefits was expanded in Sep. of 2022, for anyone earning within 200% of the FPL
- SNAP benefits permanently increased an average of $36 per person per month, starting Oct. 1, 2021
- Learn more about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program for students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school, and children under 6
- If you have an issue with your P-EBT benefits, dial 484-363-2137 Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or read DHS’ P-EBT update
- SNAP benefits may now be used to purchase groceries online on Amazon, Walmart, ShopRite, and Fresh Grocer (check participating locations)
- When applying for SNAP benefits, it is recommended to use the website rather than the app on mobile devices
- You can now apply for SNAP benefits over the phone at 1-866-550-4355
- If you are pregnant or are the legal guardian for a child under age 5, you may be eligible for WIC
- View PA Nutrition Education Network food resources, including regional resources and information on school meals
- Search PA 211’s food pantry and other food resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
- Public Citizens for Children and Youth has a summary of American Rescue Plan benefits for families
- Children, Youth, and Families resources
- Search PA 211’s family resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
- Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-932-0313
- Safe2Say Something 1-844-723-2729 or get the app (kids can use this service to make anonymous tips on anything that makes them uncomfortable)
Child Care
- Find a child care or early learning provider
- FAQs from DHS for families in need of child care
Education
- The PA Department of Education has provided resources for school communities during COVID-19
Learning at Home
- Scholastic Learn At Home Projects for Children for pre-K – 12
- Khan Academy for students age 4 – 18
- CommonLit for grades 3 – 12
- Illustrative Mathematics for K – 12
- Zearn Math for K – 5
- Sesame Street for pre-K
Mental Health
General Resources for Mental Health
- Mental Health Resources Guide from the Governor’s Office
- Search PA 211’s mental health resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
- Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs resources
- Recursos en español para la salud mental
Mental Health Hotlines
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
- Mental Health Support Line: 1-855-284-2494
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746
- Crisis Text Line: text MHA to 741741
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- Substance Use Disorder Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 717-216-0905, or chat
- Safe2Say Something 1-844-723-2729 or get the app (kids can use this service to make anonymous tips on anything that makes them uncomfortable)
Healthcare
General Health Resources
- Free health clinics in PA
- Search PA 211’s health and dental resources (choose a category and refine by zip code)
COVID-19 Vaccine
- See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information
- Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in PA on PA 211’s information page
- Individuals who cannot leave their home may be eligible for in-home COVID-19 vaccinations
Health Insurance
- Pennie has low-cost health insurance options available for people without employer-sponsored coverage
- If you do not have employer-sponsored health insurance, know your health insurance options
- The state will continue to process applications for Medicaid (in-person appointments may not be available) – COVID-19 health emergencies are being prioritized
- Medicare will now cover telehealth services for its beneficiaries
Prescriptions
- Download a free prescription discount card from United Way partner, SingleCare
COVID-19 Testing
- See COVID-19 testing sites near you
- Check with the testing site before going to the location, as some require pre-registration or a doctor’s prescription in order to administer a test
- COVID-19 testing is free for all Americans, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay (your doctor will determine if you need to be tested)
Flu Shots
- The PA Department of Health offers flu vaccines to people who are uninsured or underinsured
- Search PA 211’s flu vaccine resources (refine by zip code)
- Veterans enrolled in th VA health care system are eligible for no-cost flu shots
Fraud Protection
Scams
- The Department of Health and Human Services has information on how to avoid different types of COVID-19 scams
- The CFPB has tips on how to avoid rental assistance scams
- View CISA’s guidelines on how to avoid scams related to economic impact payments
- Regarding individual benefits checks from the federal government:
- The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money
- The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number
- Scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information – these services are unapproved and illegitimate:
- Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers
- Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies
- Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites
- Beware of fake unemployment filing websites designed to steal your personal information: only file for unemployment through the Department of Labor and Industry at https://www.uc.pa.gov
- Recognize and report unemployment fraud through the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation
- Be skeptical of unsolicited or random calls or text messages about public-assistance programs such as P-EBT – especially when the calls or text messages solicit personal information, as these calls may be a scam
Report Fraud
- If you suspect fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis, please report it to the PA Office of the Attorney General at (800) 441-2555, the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721, or email disaster@leo.gov
- To report suspected price gouging to the Pennsylvania Attorney General: pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov
Other Resources
Pets
- Resources from the PA Animal Response Team
- Search 211’s animal resources (choose a category under Animal Resources, and refine by zip code)
How You Can Help
- Share your COVID-19 story: help us show lawmakers how much working folks are struggling, so we can advocate for relief legislation that works for all Pennsylvanians
- Our communities are in need of volunteers now more than ever: check out statewide volunteer opportunities through PA 211 (refine by zip code)
- Blood donation during a pandemic is crucial – schedule your blood donation with The Red Cross
- If you’re in a position to give, please consider supporting your local United Way COVID-19 recovery fund