In 2023, over 330,000 Pennsylvanian households had their gas, electric, or water shut off because they could not afford to pay – and nearly 25% of Pennsylvanians reported foregoing food, medicine, and other basic needs to keep up with utility costs.[1] Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code creates unreasonable challenges for low and…
If your grandchild is in your care and lives in your home, your grandchild or grandchildren can receive a cash assistance grant of $205 a month ($316 for two children and $403 for three children) just for the grandchildren. Your income does not get counted. You can work or get social security or have savings.…
This year ushers in the 35th anniversary for Community Legal Services’ Bar Campaign. That’s 35 years where Philadelphia area law firms have stood together to advance access to justice for our neighbors who are struggling to get by. 35 years is more than just a number; it’s an important milestone that demonstrates that Philadelphia’s entire…
Last year, Philadelphia released new “assessments” of property values, which are used to calculate property tax bills. If your assessed value went up, your property taxes will, too. Based on the current tax rate, for every $10,000 in increased value, your yearly tax bill will go up by $140. If you think your…
L to R: Rachel Labush, State Rep. Rick Krajewski, PHFA Servicing Director Kate Newton, & PHFA Counsel Steven O’Neill CLS attorney Rachel Labush testified before the House Finance Committee in Harrisburg on June 13, 2023 in support of HB 291, a bill that would help homeowners avoid foreclosures and avoid losing their homes at sheriff…
Pennsylvania’s Occupational Licensing Reform Law (Act 53 of 2020) was signed into law in 2020 with the goal of opening licensed professions to people with old and unrelated criminal convictions, helping both Pennsylvania families and businesses. This law has potentially been undermined by the state occupational boards’ overbroad proposed lists of what offenses are “directly…
There have been special COVID rules for Medical Assistance (MA) since March 2020. Under the COVID rules, MA stayed on even if you did not renew it. On 4/1/2023, the special COVID rules will end. When your next renewal is due after April 1, 2023, you must renew MA to keep it! When to renew…
The four 2023 Philadelphia Water Rate Case Public Hearings will by held at the following times by Zoom and Phone: Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 3:00 and 6:00 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 3:00 and 6:00 pm To join any hearing: Visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2562489871?pwd=SWRWSEtDb0phbmNlTDg5RGxlRmlFZz09or Dial 267-831-0333 Meeting ID: 256 248 9871Passcode: 12345 …
Extra SNAP benefits will be ending in February 2023!Extra SNAP, or emergency allotments (EAs) will be ending after February 2023. Click here to find out what you can do to keep receiving the maximum SNAP you are eligible for. SNAP Emergency Allotments are Now Available to ALL Pennsylvania Recipients in January! What you need to…
What Is Changing? The extra SNAP payment, officially called Emergency Allotments, has ended. Starting in March 2023, you will only get your regular SNAP payment loaded to your EBT card in the first half of the month. There will be no second payment later in the month. What Should I Do? Without the extra SNAP,…
