Cash Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history and many opportunities for people seeking to work in a variety of industries. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania has been on a steady decline since 2010 and currently sits at 4.6%. Despite this decline, there are still many people in the state who are struggling to find employment.
This guide provides information about available cash assistance programs to Pennsylvania residents. These programs can provide financial assistance to help people with their basic needs, such as food and housing.

What government programs help people in need of money?

There are various cash assistance programs available for residents in Pennsylvania. Here are the most common ones to date:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  This program is aimed to support families with children to get financial support.
• Medical Assistance (M.A.)
  provides health insurance to low-income residents of Pennsylvania. The federal government also runs this program.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  This is a program by the government providing food assistance for individuals and families who belong to the low-income category.
• Diversion Program
  Aims to provide short-term help for people who require financial assistance to avoid homelessness. Financial aid coming from this program is usually in the form of a lump sum.
• State Blind Pension Program
  This program aims to help visually impaired residents in Pennsylvania support their needs.
• Refugee Cash Assistance Program
  This is to financially support refugees who are settling in Pennsylvania.

Who qualifies for each of these programs?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen residing in Pennsylvania
• The person applying for the program must have a social security number; families must have a child under 18 years old with the head of the household currently unemployed
• Must be participating or actively looking for a job or training (disabled individuals are exempt from this)
• Individuals wishing to apply for a dependent child must supply the paternity and child support requirements. The child must not be more than 18 years of age and a full-time student. Child support might be a result of the following:
  • Death of the child's mother or father
  • The parent is incapable of holding a job (e.g., illness)
  • Absence of parent at home
  • Insufficient income or no income from one or both parents
• Assets with cash value (bonds, bank accounts, property other than primary residence) must not be $1000 or more.

*All income from employment and other sources such as child support, social security benefits, and unemployment compensation, to name a few.

Medical Assistance MA

• The person must be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Must be between 19 and 64 years old
• Income must be below 133 percent, as indicated by the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG)
• For people aged 65 years old and above, blind, and disabled (Medical Assistance SSI-related)
• Families with children below 21 years old

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP

• U.S. citizen and living in Pennsylvania (legal or qualified alien)
• Unemployed or underemployed with low or very low-income level (below 130 percent of the federal poverty level)

Diversion Program

• Must quality for ongoing TANF benefits
• Must be employed or have income within the 90-day window from the start of the application
• Must have verified financial needs
• Have an income to help support the family and expected to arrive within three months

State Blind Pension Program

• U.S. citizen and must be residing in Pennsylvania
• Must be 21 years old and above
• Meet the visual sensitivity requirements by the State Blind Pension Program (visual sensitivity of the better eye using the best correcting lens should not go beyond 3/60 or 10/200)
• The combined real and personal property valuation should not exceed $7,500.
• Annual net income of less than $4,260

Refugee Cash Assistance Program

• U.S. citizen and must currently reside in Pennsylvania
• Individuals who are not eligible for the TANF assistance

How do people get assistance in each of those programs?

Once you've checked the requirements and eligibility, you can proceed with your application through COMPASS. This is an online application process for most of the social service programs in Pennsylvania.<

You will need to create an account and then complete the application. After you have submitted your application, you will be contacted by a caseworker who will schedule an interview with you.

During the interview, you will be asked about your financial situation and why you seek assistance. You will also be asked to provide documentation, such as proof of income and identity.

You will be issued a P.A. Access Card if approved for the program. Furthermore, you can use this card to access your benefits, such as SNAP or TANF.

You will also be assigned a caseworker to help you access the services you need. They will also provide information about other programs you may be eligible for.

You can access your COMPASS account and complete the renewal process for reapplications. You will need to update your information and provide any new documentation that may be required.

Finally, you will also be invited to an interview which you can do over the phone or online.

Each program has its specific requirements and application process. You can contact your local county office or the Department of Human Services for more information.

How long does it take?

Most of the cash assistance programs in Pennsylvania take around 30 days from the day you apply. The programs usually require monthly reapplications since financial assistance is typically given every month.

Do you have to pay the money back?

The money is meant to help you with your short-term needs so there is no need to pay it back.

What can the money be used for?

Every cash assistance program is intended to address a unique need. The TANF program is aimed to help individuals and families have sufficient resources for essentials such as food and shelter.

For the SNAP program, the allowance will vary on where you live and the state of welfare. The support coming from this program is directed to purchasing food.

Families on the brink of homelessness may consider the Diversion program to help pay for the rent, utilities, and other necessities of day-to-day living.

Other lesser-known assistance programs in Pennsylvania can provide additional support.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government-funded program to assist households from low-income levels with their heating and cooling bills. The amount granted per household will vary depending on the income and family size.

The Weatherization Assistance Program provides support to low-income households for insulation and the use of energy-efficient appliances.

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program supports rent and utilities for families belonging to the low-income level. The voucher amounts will vary depending on your income and household size.

The PA Immigrant Relief Fund supports those who may have been left out of federal COVID-19 assistance programs due to their immigration status or family members. This fund provides direct emergency financial support, so people excluded by this policy can get the necessary assistive funds.

How much money could you get?

The amount of money you receive from a cash assistance program will vary based on the program and your circumstances.

TANF program

Your income should be below the cash grant size to qualify:

• A single person will get $205 per month
• Two people will get $316 per month
• A household with three people will get $403 per month

SNAP program:

• The maximum benefit amount for a single person is $250 per month
• The maximum for two people is $459 per month

You can further assess your qualifications and maximum monthly benefit amount when visiting the Department of Human Services SNAP website.

Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program:

A family's voucher is calculated so that the amount they pay for rent (including utilities) will be about 30% of their adjusted monthly income. The payment covers rent for a moderate-priced house in the local market. The payment standards are higher or lower than the HUD-prescribed level. The family should pay the difference between the rental amount charged and the subsidized amount from the program.

To be considered for a voucher, your household's income must fall below 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where you choose to live.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Income must fall at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines:

$500 - $1000 (amount will be based on the household income, income amount, and fuel type.

PA Immigrant Relief Fund:

$800 lump-sum fund

Cash assistance programs in Pennsylvania can provide you with the financial assistance you need to get by. Each program is designed to assist you with basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities.

Be sure to research the program that best fits your needs and circumstances. Contact your local Department of Human Services office for more information.

With some help, you can make ends meet and get back on your feet.