Links to Other Public Benefits

Jobs and Educational Resources

• Find job leads and training: Pennsylvania CareerLink (215) 557-2625
• Take adult education and GED classes: District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund
• Pre-College and Foundation skills: (215) 568-2220 x5304
• Adult Diploma Programs: (215) 568-2220 x5304
• Intensive English: (215) 568-2220 x5304
• GED: (215) 568-2220 x5410
• Access unemployment benefits: Philadelphia Unemployment Project (215) 557-0848 or Unemployment Lifeline
• Complete secondary education: Graduate! Philadelphia (215) 574-1341
• Consider going to college (adults): Center City College Access Center (215) 574-1341
• Consider going to college (youth): College Access Centers (call the closest one to you)
• Center City (215) 574-1341
• North Philly (215) 739-9360
• West Philly (215) 476-2227

Food

• Access Food Stamps (SNAP): Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger (215) 430-0556
• Find free and affordable food: SHARE (800) 595-3663

Tax Issues

• Find out when to expect your refund after you file your taxes: IRS "Where's My Refund" Hotline (800) 829-1954
• Get support with complicated tax issues:
• Villanova Low Income Tax Clinic (610) 519-4123 (for English) or 866-655-4419 (for Spanish)
• IRS Taxpayer Advocate Office (877) 777-4778

Health Care

• Secure health benefits for your children: Public Citizens for Children and Youth (215) 563-5848 x17
• Secure health benefits for adults:
• Pennsylvania County Assistance Office: (215) 560-7226
• LIFT Philadelphia: North Philly (215) 765-3430, West Philadelphia (215) 474-1807
• Access low cost and free prescription drugs: Partnership for Prescription Assistance Program (888) 477-2669

Financial Health

• PathwaysPA can help you work towards self-sufficiency: 610-543-5022
• Repair credit, buy a home, prevent foreclosure: Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Delaware Valley (CCCSDV): (800) 989-2227
• Build your savings: Philly Saves (215) 563-7858
• Report identity theft and protect your credit:
• Call one of the following agencies Equifax (800) 525-6285, Experian (888) 397-3742, TransUnion (800) 680-7289.
• File a police report.
• File report with Federal Trade Commission (877) 438-4338
• Increase your ability to meet your goals with a matched savings account to purchase a home, car, education or small business: Women's Opportunities Resource Center (215) 564-5500
• Save for a child's future education: Enroll in NowU Pennsylvania 529 college Savings Program 1-800-400-4000

Housing

• Emergency Shelter
• 24 hours, 1360 Ridge Avenue, (215) 236-0909
• Women, Families and Couples: 8am-4pm, 1430 Cherry Street, (215) 686-7150
• Resources for Renters: Tenant Union Representative Network (215) 940-3900
• Prevent eviction based on past due rent and utilities
• Catholic Social Services (215) 329-5660
• Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. (267) 765-2275
• Diversified Community Services (215) 336-3511
• Women's Community Revitalization Center (215) 627-4367
• Utility Emergency Services Fund (215) 386-1298 ext. 255
• If you are facing foreclosure or struggling to pay your mortgage:
• Save Your Home Philly Citywide call (215) 334-HOME or (800) 989-2227
• West Oak Lane call (267) 765-2779
• Southwest Philly call (267) 765-2779
• Learn how to access the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, schedule an appointment with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Delaware Valley: (800) 989-2227

Legal Assistance

• Find general legal help: Community Legal Services (215) 981-3700 or Philadelphia Legal Assistance (215) 981-3800 or Click here for a Flyer about Free Legal Services
• File a complaint against a company or contractor: State of PA Attorney General's Office (800) 441-2555

Utility Assistance

• For help with your PECO bill, check out their Universal Services Programs below
• For information on LIHEAP: (800) 344-3574
• To learn more about the CAP Rate Program that can reduce your monthly bill: (800) 774-7040
• To learn more about the Matching Energy Assistance Fund that helps customers pay their bills: (215) 972-5170.
• To learn about programs to help prepare for the January 2011 rate increase, go to: PGW
• For information about PGW programs to help you pay your utility bills: (215) 684-6100
• For free wireless phone and minutes: SafeLink Wireless or 1-800-977-3768

Child Care

• Choose a provider and find information on subsidies: Child Care Information Services (call the one closest to you) Child Care Information Services (CCIS)
• North Philly (215) 763-0100
• Northeast Philly (215) 333-1560
• Northwest Philly (215) 842-4820
• South Philly/Center City (215) 271-0433
• West/Southwest Philly (215) 382-4762

Online Resources

• Apply for public benefits at www.compass.state.pa.us
• Find financial resources at www.moneysbestfriend.com
• Find a database of Philadelphia social service agencies at www.phillysos.org or www.connect211.org