Officials urged out-of-work Pennsylvanians to seek assistance through a variety of programs that can augment unemployment assistance as many face new economic challenges during the covid-19 pandemic.

“The first thing that people think of when they lose their job or they have reduced hours at their place of employment is unemployment compensation, which is understandable,” Department of Labor and Industry Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier said. “However, there’s other forms of assistance out there, which is why the Department of Labor and Industry is working with our partners to make sure that out-of-work Pennsylvanians know they may qualify for additional assistance.”

The covid-19 pandemic has caused many to be unemployed for the first time, Berrier said, and may be unaware of the resources available.

For those who have lost health insurance or who are working at jobs that don’t offer insurance, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Pennie can “connect you to coverage that can help you access care without fear of financial ruin,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller.

Miller also urged people to find help through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

For those who are pregnant or have children and find themselves in a low-income situation, Miller recommended seeking assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

“These programs are also connected to work support programs that can help you access education and training to start a new career path or provide job search assistance to help you find and start your new chapter,” Miller said. “If you’re at risk of losing your housing, or you’re struggling and need to be connected to mental health services, we can help.”

The Department of Agriculture’s website can connect people with food banks and food pantries throughout the commonwealth and the Public Utility Commission established safeguards for those in low-income situations, Berrier said.

United Way of Pennsylvania can help connect those in need with appropriate resources through their PA 211 project.

“We want Pennsylvanians to know if you’re unemployed and you need help with food, utilities or housing while you continue to look for work, PA 211 is available to help point you in the right direction when you don’t know where to turn,” United Way of Pennsylvania President Kristen Rotz said.

Pennsylvanians who need assistance locating programs that can help them during the covid-19 crisis can dial 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free. The 211 website also offers access to a trove of resources.

Rotz urged people to talk with creditors, landlords and utility companies about payment plans or waiving late fees and penalties if job loss has made it difficult to pay for essential needs.

In a survey conducted by United Way in late summer, the organization discovered that low-income and middle-income households were facing financial hardships. According to the survey, 52% of those households were “somewhat or very concerned about eviction or foreclosure” and more than half of the households “experienced not being able to purchase as much food as they felt they needed for their household,” Rotz said.

As need has increased, PA 211 has seen an uptick in people seeking help. On Monday, PA 211 answered about 1,350 calls for help — with 43% of callers expressing concerns with housing needs. On the same day last year, they answered 750 calls, Rotz said.

Rotz urged people in need to get help early.

The federal government will also be extending another helping hand soon, Berrier said.

“I’m happy to see that both chambers of Congress voted to approve a covid-19 relief package, which isn’t perfect, admittedly, but will bring welcome relief to more than half a million unemployed Pennsylvanians,” she said.

The state is waiting for the bill to be signed into law and for the U.S. Department of Labor to issue guidelines. But Berrier said the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is working to ensure assistance from that relief package will be available to Pennsylvanians as quickly as possible.

Additional resources are available online at PA.gov.

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