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If you have been furloughed, had your hours reduced, or became unemployed due to business closures during the COVID-19 outbreak, you might be eligible for unemployment, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and other services. If your work situation has changed as a result of COVID–19 and you have questions that aren’t answered here, email us at info@wlnonline.org and a librarian will help you find the information you need.
On this page:
Unemployment compensation
Medical Assistance and CHIP
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Where else can I get help?
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UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
For the most up-to-date information about unemployment compensation, visit the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation website.
You might be eligible for unemployment compensation if:
- your employer temporarily or permanently closes
- your hours are reduced
- you have been told not to work to mitigate COVID-19
- you have been told to quarantine or self-isolate
Apply online or call 1-888-313-7284.
The Office of Unemployment Compensation has waived the waiting week and work search/work registration requirements. This means that people eligible for unemployment will receive benefits for the first week that they are unemployed, and people receiving unemployment compensation are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their benefits.
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MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program provides health care services for eligible Pennsylvanians. For the most up-to-date information about medical assistance, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
You might be eligible for Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid) if you’ve lost your insurance coverage due to your workplace closing during the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information about eligibility, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
To apply for Medical Assistance, visit the COMPASS website or call 1-866-550-4355.
If you have children who are not enrolled in medical assistance, they might be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Visit the CHIP website for more information.
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SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible Pennsylvanians buy food. For the most up-to-date information about SNAP, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
You might be eligible for SNAP if your your employer temporarily or permanently closes, your hours are reduced, you have been told not to work to mitigate COVID-19, or you have been told to quarantine or self-isolate. Eligibility is based on income. For the current income eligibility guidelines, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
To apply for SNAP benefits, visit the COMPASS website.
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WHERE ELSE CAN I GET HELP?
- The United Way’s 211 service connects you with resources in your area.
- Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services offers other assistance programs that you might be eligible for.
- The Hebrew Free Loan Association is offering interest-free loans up to $5,000 for residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Westmoreland, Washington, and Armstrong counties impacted by COVID-19.