Lost your job? Having trouble paying the bills? In danger of losing your house to foreclosure? While the economic downturn hasn't hit the Pittsburgh area as hard as many parts of the country, here are some options out there for those of you who may need a little extra help to get through the hard times.
Local community colleges, including the
Community College of Allegheny County and the
Westmoreland County Community College, have put in place programs which offer free tuition and fees for training in fields identified as high-priority that also have plentiful job openings in the region. To be eligible, participants must live within the county of the Community College sponsoring the program, have a letter from their employers stating that they were laid off, and apply for financial aid.
This special emergency fund was created by the Pittsburgh Foundation in collaboration with the United Way of Allegheny County to help families and individuals in Allegheny County who are facing hardship as a result of the economic crisis. The fund money goes directly to nonprofit orgaizations in the area who are helping needy individuals in the areas of food, transportation, housing and utilities. If you need help, this site offers information on local organizations that may be able to assist you.
Pennsylvania's unemployment program provides temporary income to qualifying people who have lost jobs through no fault of their own. Unemployment compensation benefits are paid, for a limited time, to individuals who are able and available for suitable work, and are actively seeking new employment.
See if you or your children qualify for low- or no-cost health coverage through Medicare. If you're strugging to pay for insurance coverage for yourself or your children then two Pennsylvania programs may offer assistance; CHIP offers free or low-cost insurance coverage for Pennsylvania children and teens, while
adultBasic provides health insurance for adults meeting certain eligibility requirements and do not have healthcare coverage. Pennsylvania also offers
APPRISE, a free health insurance counseling program designed to help Pennsylvanians, age 60 years and older.
The
Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low income people pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants and crisis grants. A family of four with an annual income of up to $44,443 can qualify for assistance. Additional money may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat.
If you do not have enough money to buy food for yourself and your family, you may be able to get a Pennsylvania EBT ACCESS card. This card looks and works like a bank debit card and allows you to make food purchases at the grocery store.
