Pittsburgh, PA Financial Assistance
Government Financial Assistance in Pittsburgh: A Comprehensive Guide
Financial need is a common adversity faced by many individuals and families not just in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but across the country. Oftentimes, the government and other agencies offer a range of financial assistance options to mitigate these economic hardships. In this guide, you'll learn about the various resources available, eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Government Aid Options
The government provides several assistance programs. Here are the key ones available:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This federal assistance program provides temporary financial help to pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. The aid includes cash for food, shelter, utilities, and non-medical supplies.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families afford the cost of food at supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets.
Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LIHEAP assists low-income households, particularly those that pay a large percentage of household income on energy, in meeting their immediate home energy needs.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
These programs provide free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. The coverage includes routine check-ups, immunization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for these programs typically depends on your household's income, size, and the current federal poverty level. In most cases, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. There might be additional requirements depending on the specific program, such as being pregnant, a responsible parent or caretaker, or being 65 years of age or older.
How to Apply
To apply for these aid options, you must submit an application through the local office of the Department of Human Services or through an online portal such as COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s secure website for applying for state benefits. Document proof of income, residency, and citizenship may be required.
Non-Profit Agencies
Beyond government assistance, Pittsburgh is home to numerous non-profits that offer help:
Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc.
This non-profit provides emergency assistance, advocacy, and preventive services to low-income individuals and families.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The Food Bank provides food assistance to people in need in 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Neighborhood Allies
With a focus on building healthy neighborhoods, Neighborhood Allies provides financial help and resources to those in need.
Strategies to Overcome Financial Need
While these resources provide immediate relief, long-term financial stability involves learning how to manage your finances effectively. Consider the following:
Financial Literacy Programs
Various organizations provide workshops and one-on-one counseling to help with budgeting, banking basics, and debt management.
Employment and Skills Training Programs
These programs can boost your employability by upgrading your skills and professional qualifications. Examples include Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh Job Corps Center.
Credit Counseling
Credit counseling services, such as those offered by Advantage Credit Counseling Service, can help you reduce your debts and manage your money more effectively.
This comprehensive guide provides numerous options to help ease financial hardship. However, every situation is unique, and finding the right assistance requires thorough research and understanding of your specific needs. Always seek expert advice when necessary, and never give up seeking the help you need.
Search for Financial Assistance in Pennsylvania
Latest additions in Pennsylvania
Catholic Charities Pittsburgh
Call to get a referral
to a local office. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4432884,-79.9982272
- Phone
- (412) 456-6999
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Catholic Charities Neighborhood Based Services
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 an to 5:00 pm
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4702735,-79.9583890
- Phone
- (412) 687-6683
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Dollar Energy Fund Inc
The dollar energy fund, inc.
(DEF) improves the quality of life for households experiencing hardships
by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self -
sufficiency.
The DEF administers payment assistance, consumer education,
payment counseling, weatherization, and conservation programs for gas,
electric, telephone, and water utility companies. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4293034,-79.9724245
- Phone
- (412) 431-2800
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Bureau of Hunger and Housing Services
Provides rental assistance for Allegheny county. Homeless assistance
programs. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4373570,-80.0016820
- Phone
- (412) 350-4354
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Department of Economic Development - ALLEGHENY COUNTY
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Lehigh County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4410848,-79.9967679
- Phone
- (412) 3501041
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Department of City Planning - PITTSBURGH
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Berks County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4367440,-79.9966610
- Phone
- (412) 255-2667
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Assistance Liheap (cash) Pittsburgh
For more information, about Financial assistance and other services provided by this office, contact them directly to the number provided.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4409137,-79.9995899
- Phone
- (412) 562-0330
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Greater Pittsburgh East District DPW Pittsburgh
For more information, about Financial assistance and other services provided by this office, contact them directly to the number provided.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4618939,-79.9251789
- Phone
- (412) 645-7400
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Liberty District Pittsburgh
For more information, about Financial assistance and other services provided by this office, contact them directly to the number provided.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4437210,-79.9974735
- Phone
- (412) 565-2652
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Southern District Pittsburgh
For more information, about Financial assistance and other services provided by this office, contact them directly to the number provided.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
40.4401692,-79.9994709
- Phone
- (412) 565-2232
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA