Resources for Pennsylvanians facing Unemployment due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a variety of unique situations and conditions for workers, businesses, employers, and communities. The Wolf Administration and the public servants of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are committed to providing you with ongoing information and will continue doing everything we can to support the needs of all Pennsylvanians.

Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment Compensation (UC) is one of many benefits that may be available to you during this challenging and unprecedented time. This email will guide you to more re­sources that may assist you and your family in your search for employment, health care, social services, food, utilities, housing, child care, debt, and child care resources.

Lost Wages Assistance Program

The federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program gives Pennsylvania funding to provide an extra $300 a week in additional funds to individuals that are unemployed (or partially unemployed) because of COVID-19. This benefit is available for a limited number of weeks.

To be Eligible for the LWA Program

Learn more about the LWA program and how to certify by visiting https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/LWA.aspx

$600 FPUC Payments

If you received Unemployment Compensation (UC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Extended Benefits (EB) between April 4 and July 25, 2020, you will have also received a $600-per-week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payment in addition to your weekly benefit rate.

The federal government created and funded the $600 weekly FPUC payments and ended the program on July 31, 2020. Under the federal requirement, the claim week ending July 25, 2020, will be the last $600 FPUC payment you receive.

If you are still awaiting payment for any claim weeks from April 4 through July 25, you will receive all FPUC payments for which you are eligible, even if payments for those weeks are made after July 25, 2020.

For all UC, PUA, PEUC, or EB claims filed for weeks ending after July 25, you will continue to receive your weekly benefit amount. Weekly Benefit Rates and additional information about PUA benefit rates are available at www.uc.pa.gov.

Paid Leave Options for Employees:

If your employer remains in operation but you are unable to work due to COVID-19, you may wish to use paid leave rather than filing for UC.

You cannot collect both paid leave and UC at the same time. However, you can file a claim for UC benefits if you know you will exhaust all of your paid leave. Remember: you must report all income received from any source, including paid leave, including paid sick, paid time off, paid vacation, and paid comp time.

Check with your employer to see if the following benefits are available to you:

Ask your employer about recent federal expansions of paid leave:

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid leave and expanded family and medical leave for specific reasons related to COVID-19.

If you work for an employer with less than 500 employees, or work for a public employer with one or more employees, ask your employer about using this leave. Leave available through the FFCRA includes:

Find out more at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic, or call 1-866-4-US-WAGE

Workers’ Compensation (WC) Benefits

If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 in your workplace, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation (WC) by either:

To learn more about the WC process, please visit www.dli.pa.gov.

Unpaid Wage Claims

If you have been laid off and have not received your last paycheck or compensation you are owed, payment to you is required by state law. If your regular payday has passed without payment, contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor Law Compliance by calling 1-800-932-0665. You can also submit a claim by visiting www.dli.pa.gov.

U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing during the pandemic.

For additional information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Search for Employment

Looking for work? Register on PA CareerLink at www.PACareerLink.pa.gov, and use the job search function to explore new occupations. There are several other resources on the site like links to trainings, job counselors, and more.

Note to UC Claimants: Work Search and Work Registration requirements are temporari­ly waived for all UC claimants. Claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their UC benefits. Claimants are also not required to register with PA CareerLink.

Maintaining Health Insurance Coverage

You should speak with your previous employer to ask if you will still be covered by your employer’s benefits and, if so, for how long. Some employers may consider employees collecting UC to be in “unpaid with benefits” status, and those individuals may be able to maintain their health insurance coverage through their previous employer.

If you are no longer receiving health insurance through your employer, you may be eli­gible to enroll in COBRA to continue your current health coverage, or you may purchase health insurance through the health insurance Marketplace. For more information on these programs, visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s, Health Insurance Options page (https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Coverage/Pages/Health-Insurance-Options.aspx) or call 1-877-881-6388. If you believe you are eligible for Medicaid, you can also use COMPASS to sign up for Medical Assistance. COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs like Medicaid and CHIP. Visit COMPASS at www.compass.state.pa.us.

You should act quickly if you do not have health insurance. For many plans, you must enroll within 60 days of a “qualifying event,” which may be either your separation from your employer or the last day on which your previous employer covered you under their insurance plan.

Public Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania offers assistance and other services to people and families in need. All County Assistance Offices are temporarily closed to the public due to COVID-19 mitiga­tion efforts, but Pennsylvanians may still apply for these services online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by calling the Department of Human Services’ Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. People who live in Philadelphia should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at 215-560-7226. Call volumes and wait times are likely to be high, and we appreciate patience as staff work to assist clients under stressful circumstances.

Available benefits and services include:

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ website at www.dhs.pa.gov for more information.

Resources for Food Assistance

SNAP Benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can use SNAP to increase their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to make food purchases. If you’re experiencing an emer­gency, SNAP applications can be expedited to five days.

Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ website at www.dhs.pa.gov, or by calling the Department of Human Services’ Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. People who live in Philadelphia should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Cen­ter at 215-560-7226.

2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Food Assistance

The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/ to browse resources in your community.

PA Food Banks and Pantries

There are several food pantries across the commonwealth. Please contact your area food bank to find assistance in your community.

Westmoreland County Food Bank

100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont, PA 15626

724-468-8660

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

1 North Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110

412-460-3663

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania

1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501

814-459-3663

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109

717-564-1700

Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and NE Pennsylvania

6969 Silver Crest Road, Nazareth, PA 18064

610-434-0875

Philabundance

3616 South Galloway Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148

215-339-0900

H & J Weinberg NE PA Regional Food Bank

185 Research Drive, Pittston, PA 18640

570-908-2222

Helping Harvest

117 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608

610-926-5802

Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County

109 South Sharpsville Avenue, Suite A, Sharon, PA 16146

724-981-0353

Meals for Senior Citizens

Low-income, eligible seniors can receive a box of nutritious food monthly from local dis­tribution sites through the ElderShare & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). For information about meal programs in your area, please contact your local Area Agen­cy on Aging (AAA). To find your AAA, please visit www.aging.pa.gov.

Meals on Wheels

Several nonprofits and community organizations across Pennsylvania are affiliated with Meals on Wheels, which offers meals to home-bound older persons. For more informa­tion contact your local Meals on Wheels provider or AAA.

Utility Assistance

On March 13, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) issued an emergency order prohibiting terminations for electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam service for utilities subject to the PUC’s jurisdiction. This order will remain in effect for the duration of Governor Wolf’s Procla­mation of Disaster related to COVID-19, unless otherwise determined by PUC.

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your utility service provider right away. You are encouraged to do this before your bill becomes past due. Many utility service providers offer emergency assistance programs.

Learn more about the services offered by the PUC at www.puc.state.pa.us or by calling 1-800-692-7380.

For information from the federal government regarding help that may be available, please visit http://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills or call 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681).

2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Utility Assistance

The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/ to browse resources in your community.

Housing Resources

If you are unable to make your rent payment, contact your landlord immediately and try to work out an agreement.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Pennsylvania has a variety of housing programs and services that can help older adults and people with disabilities, individuals and families with low incomes, or those who are at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s housing search tool helps people search for housing by topics such as rent amount, area of interest, accessibility, or availability of public transportation. A bi-lingual, toll-free number is also available.

To search for housing visit www.pahousingsearch.com or call Toll-Free: 1-877-428-8844.

HUD Resources

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can offer rental assistance and counseling. Visit www.hud.gov to learn more or contact a housing counseling agency toll-free by calling 1-800-569-4287.

2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Housing Assistance

The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/ to browse resources in your community.

Child Care Resources

Families who need child care can find a certified child care provider online at www.findchildcare.pa.gov. Child care providers may enroll school-age children during hours where the school district is not offering traditional in-person school services.

Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) can help working families find open child care centers. ELRCs can assist families with applying for Child Care Works, Pennsylvania’s subsidized child care program, or finding other community resources they may need during this time, such as food pantries. Locate your closest ELRC at www.raiseyourstar.org.

Child care providers that are open or are preparing to open must follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for child care that remains open as well as FAQs around Secretary Levine’s Order for Universal Face Covering. Parents are encouraged to review this guidance so they understand mitigation efforts to help keep children and staff safe. Data on cases of COVID-19 among staff and individuals at child care providers can be viewed here. The information has been tracked since March 19.

Assistance Paying a Debt

If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Explain your situation and ask about hardship programs that may be available. Regulatory agencies have encour­aged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus.

Trouble Paying Credit Cards

Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like ATM, overpayments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.

For more information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding credit cards, mortgages, and more, please visit www.consumerfinance.gov.

A credit counselor may be able to assist you with your debt. Find one near you by con­tacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) at 1-800-388-2227 or by visiting www.nfcc.org.

Trouble Paying your Mortgage or Rent

If you can’t cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord im­mediately. Do not wait until you’re behind on payments.

Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repay­ment plan, or offer loan forbearance.

For mortgage information visit www.consumerfinance.gov. Find a housing counselor near you by visiting www.hud.gov.

For rental assistance visit www.hud.gov.

Student Loans Deferment

If you’re in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for a deferment or a forbear­ance. With either of these options, you can temporarily suspend your payments. Visit the Federal Student Aid Office website at www.studentaid.gov for further guidance, and contact your loan servicer to learn more about your options.

Short Term and Emergency Loans

Consider your options before taking out a high cost short term loan. Talk with your cred­itors to negotiate more time to pay bills, borrow from friends or family, or explore low interest loans offered by local banks and credit unions.

If you do take out a short-term loan, make sure the lender is licensed with the Pennsyl­vania Department of Banking and Securities and borrow only what you can afford to pay back. Find out more at www.dobs.pa.gov, or by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS.

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Assistance

Support and Referral Helpline: The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has partnered with the Center for Community Resources to offer a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person’s needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.

The Support & Referral Helpline can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494 (TTY: 724-631-5600).

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ Get Help Now Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for individuals with a substance use disorder or their loved ones. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

Mental Health in PA offers additional resources from the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) for mental health and substance use disorder. Resources include: