Public assistance, such as medical, food, cash, or utility assistance, is available for many low-income families. These programs are here to help our clients weather difficult times, such as periods of unemployment.
If you need financial assistance, our legal advocates at Summit Legal Aid can guide you for medical, food, cash, or utility assistance.
General eligibility requirements are:
– Adults between 19 and 64 who are at or below 133% of the Federal Income
– Poverty Guidelines
– Individuals aged 65 and older and/or blind or disabled
– Families with children under age 21
– Special medical conditions
Income includes things such as wages, social security and pension. Most welfare benefits are not included. Document requirements include state ID, social security number, proof of residency, citizenship status (or lawfully admitted alien or refugee status) and the total number of household members.
Food assistance is based on monthly income and resources, by household size. These numbers can be higher if there is an elderly or disabled family member. Emergency benefits might be available for very low-income levels.
Most low-income people are eligible for SNAP, or food stamps. Summit Legal Aid can help you if your SNAP application is denied or your benefits are cut off or reduced.
For SNAP eligibility estimates in Pennsylvania, visit snapscreener.com
Eligibility for cash assistance requires that you be a citizen or lawfully admitted resident, a resident of Pennsylvania and one of the following:
– You are pregnant
– Your income is under the poverty guideline for your household size
– You live with your dependent child or a dependent child who is your relative
You are limited to only receiving cash assistance for a total of 60 months (5 years) over your lifetime. You will need to develop a plan to get off cash assistance.
If you apply for cash assistance and are turned down, Summit Legal Aid can help you appeal to the county assistance office. Our advocates can also help you regain benefits if they change or are cut off.
Any low-income family can submit a heating assistance application from November 1st to the end of March. Payments are sent directly to the utility company or fuel dealer and credited to your account.
Summit Legal Aid advocates can help determine your rights for LIHEAP. We may be able to represent you if you have been wrongfully denied.
Due to the federal shutdown, the 2025-2026 LIHEAP Season opened on December 3rd.
