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Looking for help with food, healthcare, rent, or utilities in Pennsylvania? This page covers Pennsylvania SNAP food stamps, Medicaid and CHIP (free health coverage), LIHEAP for utility bills, emergency rental assistance, and cash aid. Pennsylvania residents can apply for most programs through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us — free and takes about 20 minutes. A family of 4 earning up to $3,250/month likely qualifies for SNAP.
Free to apply. Apply even if you\'re unsure — workers make the final call.
Monthly food benefits on an EBT card. Works at most grocery stores, Walmart, Aldi, and Amazon Fresh. A family of 4 earning up to $3,250/mo can qualify. Apply on COMPASS in about 20 minutes. Income limit: up to $1,580/mo for 1 person.
Apply on COMPASS →Free health coverage for adults with low income. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, and dental. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid — single adults up to $1,732/mo qualify. Apply on COMPASS. Income limit: up to $1,732/mo for 1 person.
Apply on COMPASS →Low-cost or free health insurance for children under 19 who don't qualify for Medicaid. Covers well visits, immunizations, dental, vision, and prescriptions. A family of 4 earning up to $4,763/mo can qualify. Income limit: up to $4,763/mo for family of 4.
Apply for CHIP →Free nutrition support, food vouchers (milk, eggs, cereal, produce), and breastfeeding help for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. Does not affect other benefits. Income limit: up to $1,869/mo for 1 person.
Find a WIC clinic →Annual help paying heating and cooling bills, paid directly to your utility provider. Also covers emergency crisis assistance if your heat is at risk of shutoff. Apply through your county assistance office. Income limit: up to $1,820/mo for 1 person.
Apply for LIHEAP →Pennsylvania's statewide ERAP program operates through local agencies. Contact your county's Community Action Agency or call 211 to find emergency rent and utility assistance in your area. Don't wait for an eviction notice — apply when you know you're behind.
Find help at 211.org →Short-term cash assistance for families with children who have little or no income. Includes job training, childcare support, and transportation help. Apply through your county assistance office or on COMPASS. Income limit: up to $605/mo for 1 person.
Apply on COMPASS →A federal tax refund of up to $7,830 for working families. Free to claim — won't affect your other benefits. Pennsylvania also has a state EITC. If you worked any amount last year, you may qualify.
Check EITC eligibility →If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically qualify for a free or discounted phone and data plan. Providers include Safelink, Life Wireless, and others.
Find Lifeline providers →Income limits below are 2024–2025 federal guidelines. Always apply even if unsure — a caseworker makes the final call.
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