Coronavirus in Pa.: How to get help with bills, food and more

The continued threat of the spreading coronavirus has forced the closing of Pennsylvania schools and many non-essential businesses such as restaurants and bars, which leaves many scrambling for resources in the wake of lost work, child care or other vital support.

If you are struggling with loss of income due to the coronavirus shutdowns of schools and businesses, or just need assistance in these new trying times, here are some resources that may help.

Unemployment compensation

If you’re losing shifts at work, you might be eligible for unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania.

You can apply for UC benefits if you meet any of the following:

  • Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
  • Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
  • You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
  • You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts

The best way to apply is to do so online through the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment website. You can click here to be taken directly to the application.

The one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits has been suspended, which means that approved applicants will be getting help that much sooner. Similarly, work search and work registration requirements have been waived.

Keep in mind that the Office of Unemployment is going to be very busy at the moment, and there may be a lot of wait times if you call. Also, benefits will not extend beyond 26 weeks.

Workers’ Compensation

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 through your workplace, there is a chance you will be eligible for the state’s Worker’s Compensation benefits. More information to file for either a “disease-as-injury” claim or an “occupational disease” claim can be found on the Office of Unemployment website.

Rent and eviction

Those confined to their homes or unable to work may be having a difficult time paying their rent.

While no official plans are in place yet, there is a petition circulating online to ask Governor Wolf to freeze rents and place a moratorium on evictions until the crisis ends. Click here to view the petition.

The United Way of the Capital Region can provide assistance to those struggling to make rent payments. Call 211 for more information.

And regardless of Pennsylvania’s decision on the subject, President Trump has announced he will sign an order suspending all foreclosures and evictions in the United States until May.

Utilities

The Salvation Army helps to coordinate with UGI’s Customer Assistance Program to give qualified low income customers help with their monthly energy bills. The criteria requires applicants to be at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For more info, click here.

Energy provider PECO has announced that they will be suspending service disconnections and waiting new late payment charges through at least May 1, as well as remind customers of bill assistance resources and energy assistance programs. PECO customers can contact the company at 800-494-4000 for assistance, or visit peco.com/help and peco.com/gift online.

Energy provider PPL has announced they will not cut off service to any customers for unpaid bills until further notice and will reconnect service to any recently disconnected customers. For more information, visit their website.

Food and meals

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help low-income households get more food. Applications can be submitted online by clicking here, or filed in person at your county assistance office. You can click here to download an application to fill it out in advance.

For additional information and resources, visit the Department of Human Services website.

The United Way of the Capital Region can help people get in touch with groups or services that provide assistance for meeting basic needs, such as helping those with food insecurity. Call 211 for more information.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank helps to direct food to food pantries and meal centers in our region. Click here to use their website to find one of their partner organizations near you. They also offer a Food Stamp Help Line to provide assistance to those applying for SNAP. Click here for details.

The Salvation Army provides emergency food assistance and weekday breakfasts as part of their family programs. To sign up or get more information, call 717-233-6755 or email Melissa.Snyder@use.salvationarmy.org.

Many schools are still providing free breakfasts and lunches to children despite closing under Governor Wolf’s orders. You can check out our story on continued school meal programs by clicking here.

Banks

Several banks are taking action to assist their customer, including such benefits as waived service fees or programs for those suffering financial hardship. More info can be found here.

Military assistance

Members of the United States Armed Forces can apply for emergency COVID-19 financial relief through various branches. For more details, click here.

Bankruptcy

If you have applied for bankruptcy recently through the mail, or are planning to, be aware that the Office of Unemployment is suffering from a slowdown to their mail collection due to COVID-19. Your best bet is to apply online through RA-OUCB-BPC@pa.gov, and to attach a copy of any bankruptcy paperwork to the email if possible. If not, include your name, bankruptcy number, and the last four digits of your Social Security if you are able.

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