Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Pennsylvania

Last updated: January 10, 2026

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Quick Help Box (always at the top)

• Pennsylvania 211: For fast referrals to food, housing, utility help, and more, dial 2-1-1 or visit PA 211 statewide resource finder.
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): Find your county office for meals, in-home support, caregiver help, and protective services via Pennsylvania AAA directory.
• Older Adult Protective Services (24/7): Report suspected elder abuse or self-neglect. Call your local AAA or the statewide line listed on PA Department of Aging Protective Services. If you believe the person is in immediate danger, call 911.
• LIHEAP Energy Help (heating crisis): Call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 or see Pennsylvania LIHEAP.
• Medicare counseling (PA MEDI): Free, unbiased help with Medicare, Advantage, Medigap, drug plans, and billing. Call the statewide helpline at 1-800-783-7067 or visit PA MEDI at the PA Department of Aging.
• Benefits applications (SNAP/Medicaid and more): Apply online at COMPASS: Pennsylvania’s benefits portal.
• PA Link to Aging & Disability Resources: One-stop phone line for services and options counseling: 1-800-753-8827 and PA Link information.
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: See eligibility and apply through the PA Department of Revenue: Property Tax/Rent Rebate.

Reality check: Programs can run out of funds, have waitlists, or open only during certain seasons. Use the official links above (and in the sections below) to check current status and deadlines.

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What’s Covered in This Guide

• Emergency help first (abuse reporting, shelter, food, energy, urgent medical and prescriptions)
• Ongoing help with food, housing, utilities, home repair and modifications
• Healthcare and long-term services (Medicare, Medicaid/CHC, Options)
• Transportation, legal help, taxes, and consumer protections
• Inclusive resources for LGBTQ+ seniors, veterans, Native/tribal elders, and rural residents
• Resources by region (county and city offices)
• FAQs, resources, and a plain-language disclaimer

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Emergency Help First

Immediate safety and suspected abuse

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect of an older adult (60+) any time via your local AAA or the statewide 24/7 hotline listed on PA Department of Aging Protective Services. You can report anonymously. Trained staff will assess and connect services when needed.

Tip: When reporting, share concrete details (names, addresses, times, what you saw/heard). You do not need proof—just a reasonable concern.

Crisis cash, food, and utility help at-a-glance

Sources:

• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: LIHEAP, SNAP
• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: Utility bill assistance programs
• Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Prescription assistance (PACE/PACENET)
• Pennsylvania 211: PA211.org
• PEMA: Ready PA
• FEMA: Disaster Assistance

Reality check: SNAP, LIHEAP, and some grants have rules about income, assets, and who lives in your home. Keep documents handy: ID, Social Security numbers, proof of address, utility notices, and income sources (like Social Security award letter).

Emergency housing and shelter

• Start with PA 211 shelter search to locate open beds, domestic violence shelters, or transitional housing.
• Counties may help with short-term rent, mortgage, or security deposits through DCED’s Homeless Assistance Program (HAP). Your county human services office or AAA can guide you to HAP if available.
• If your landlord filed for eviction, contact legal aid quickly via PALawHelp.org or the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network. Do not skip your court date; bring all papers and proof of payments.

Note: Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP) funds from the pandemic are mostly spent, but a few counties may still have limited dollars or local programs. Check your county website or call 211 for what is open now.

Medical and prescription emergencies

• For urgent medication costs, ask your pharmacist about a one-time emergency fill, then contact PACE/PACENET to check eligibility for ongoing help.
• If you’re uninsured or between plans, search free/charitable clinics through the Pennsylvania Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
• Medicare billing problems or plan denials? Call PA MEDI for appeals guidance and to check if a different Part D or Medicare Advantage plan would lower your costs.

Disasters, heat, and weather events

• Get state alerts and preparedness tips at Ready PA. For cooling/warming centers during extreme weather, call 211.
• After a federally declared disaster, apply for help at DisasterAssistance.gov. Keep photos of damage, receipts, and insurance policy numbers.

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Food and Nutrition Programs (Beyond the Emergency)

Reality check: SNAP and CSFP require income checks, and farmers’ market vouchers are seasonal and limited. If your AAA is out of vouchers, ask to be on a waitlist and check nearby counties or markets that still have supply.

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Utility Bills, Heat, and Home Energy

• LIHEAP: Helps with heating bills and emergencies during program season. See LIHEAP details and call 1-866-857-7095 for crisis help.
• Utility Customer Assistance Programs (CAP/CAP Plus, LIURP): Regulated utilities offer payment plans, debt forgiveness, and weatherization to eligible households. Start at the PA PUC utility bill assistance page and ask your utility about CAP and Low-Income Usage Reduction Programs (LIURP).
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Free energy-saving measures (insulation, air sealing, minor repairs) for eligible households via DCED’s Weatherization Assistance Program.
• Telephone/Internet: The federal Lifeline program lowers phone or internet costs for eligible households. See Lifeline program. For utility shutoff protections (winter rules, medical certificates), check the PA PUC consumer protections page.

Tip: If someone in the home has a serious medical condition, ask your utility about a medical certificate to pause a shutoff while you arrange a payment plan. Rules vary by utility and season; contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services if you need help.

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Housing, Home Repairs, and Accessibility

Reality check: Some programs stop taking applications when funds run out. If one door is closed, ask your AAA or 211 for similar local programs (CDBG-funded home repair, nonprofit ramps, faith-based volunteer crews).

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Taxes, Cash Relief, and Money-Saving Programs

• Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR): Provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid by eligible seniors and people with disabilities. See eligibility and apply through the PA Department of Revenue. You can file online; many AAAs, libraries, and senior centers can help you apply.
• Local tax relief examples:
  • Philadelphia: The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze can freeze future tax bills if you qualify.
  • Many counties and school districts offer homestead exemptions or discount programs—check your county treasurer/tax claim bureau.
• Unclaimed property: The state treasury holds old bank accounts, refunds, and insurance proceeds until claimed. Search your name for free at PA Treasury: Unclaimed Property.

Tip: Never pay a fee to “help” with PTRR or unclaimed property—official filing is free.

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Health Care, Long-Term Services, and Caregiver Help

Reality check: CHC and OPTIONS require assessments. There can be wait times for personal care aides and home modifications. Ask your AAA about temporary supports (like respite) while you wait.

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Transportation

• Free Transit Program for Seniors (65+): Many local bus, trolley, and subway rides are free to seniors with a valid ID. Details vary by transit system. Start at PennDOT: Free Transit for Seniors.
• Shared-Ride Program for Seniors: Discounted door-to-door rides in most counties for medical and other trips. Advance scheduling required. See PennDOT: Shared-Ride Program for Seniors and contact your local provider.
• Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP): If you have Medicaid, MATP provides rides or mileage reimbursement to medical appointments. See DHS: MATP.

Tip: Call early. Paratransit and shared-ride often need 1–2 business days’ notice, and some days book up fast. For repeated appointments (dialysis, therapy), ask about standing orders.

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Legal Help, Consumer Protection, and Avoiding Scams

• Legal help:
  • Statewide: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and PALawHelp.org for free legal information and local legal aid offices.
  • Seniors: SeniorLAW Center focuses on older Pennsylvanians (housing, abuse, scams, benefits).
• Consumer protection:
  • Insurance problems (Medigap, long-term care, health claims): Contact the PA Insurance Department Consumer Services.
  • Scams targeting seniors: See the PA Attorney General’s Senior Protection. Report fraud quickly; many scams use gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—don’t send money if pressured.
• Long-term care problems:
  • Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They can help resolve issues with care plans, discharge, billing, and residents’ rights.

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Inclusive and Community-Specific Resources

LGBTQ+ seniors

• The Elder Initiative at William Way (Philadelphia): Programs and navigation help for LGBTQ+ older adults. See William Way Elder Initiative.
• National support: SAGE provides resources and a hotline at 877-360-LGBT (5428). Visit SAGE USA.

Tip: If you face discrimination in housing, healthcare, or services, contact legal aid or the PA Human Relations Commission through PA.gov equality and discrimination resources.

Veteran seniors

• Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA): Help with claims, pensions, and state programs such as Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA). See DMVA Veterans Affairs and Veterans Temporary Assistance.
• County Veterans Affairs: Each county has accredited officers who can help you apply for benefits and connect to services. Find yours via the DMVA’s county directory linked from DMVA Veterans Affairs.
• VA Aid & Attendance: A federal benefit that can increase VA pension for those needing help with activities of daily living. See VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound.

Reality check: VA and DMVA claims can take time. Keep copies of DD-214, medical records, and financial documents. Ask a county Veterans Service Officer for help filing correctly the first time.

Native/tribal elders

• Pennsylvania has no federally recognized tribes within the state. Native American and Alaska Native elders living in Pennsylvania may access services through local AAAs and community groups.
• Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (Pittsburgh): Community programs and services for Native families; contact to ask about elder programming. See COTRAIC.

Tip: Some tribes and Title VI Native American Aging Programs in neighboring states offer services regardless of state boundaries—ask if you qualify.

Rural seniors and limited-access areas

• Transportation: Use Shared-Ride for Seniors and MATP. Ask your AAA about volunteer driver programs if available.
• Broadband and telehealth: The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority shares updates on coverage and grant-funded expansions. See the PA Broadband Development Authority.
• Home repairs: USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair can be a lifeline in rural areas. Combine with Weatherization when possible.

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Resources by Region (Selected)

Use the statewide directory to find your local office: AAA directory. Below are major county/city contacts commonly requested by readers.

• Philadelphia County (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging): pcacares.org
• Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging
• Bucks County: Bucks County AAA
• Montgomery County: Aging and Adult Services
• Chester County: Aging Services
• Delaware County (COSA): delcosa.org
• Lancaster County: Office of Aging
• Dauphin County (Harrisburg): Area Agency on Aging
• Lehigh County: Office of Aging and Adult Services
• Northampton County: Area Agency on Aging
• Luzerne/Wyoming Counties: Area Agency on Aging
• Erie County: Office of Older Adults

If you don’t see your county above, use the AAA directory to locate it.

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Program Details (A Closer Look)

PACE and PACENET (Prescription Assistance)

• What they are: State programs that help Pennsylvanians 65+ pay for prescription drugs. They coordinate with Medicare Part D to reduce copays and cover gaps.
• Why it matters: If you take multiple medications, PACE/PACENET can make a big difference in monthly costs.
• How to start: Read eligibility and apply at the Department of Aging prescription assistance page. If you’re unsure, call your AAA or PA MEDI to review your drug list and plan options.

Community HealthChoices (CHC)

• What it is: Pennsylvania’s Medicaid managed care program that provides long-term services and supports (LTSS) at home, in the community, or in nursing homes for eligible adults.
• Why it matters: If you need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals), CHC can support you at home if you qualify.
• How to start: Review the program at DHS: CHC. Your AAA or the PA Independent Enrollment Broker can help you with the assessment and enrollment steps.

OPTIONS Program

• What it is: State-funded in-home services for older adults who may not qualify for Medicaid, often with a sliding fee.
• Why it matters: Helps bridge the gap for support like personal care, home-delivered meals, and home modifications.
• How to start: Contact your local AAA via the AAA directory.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate

• What it is: A cash rebate from the state based on property taxes or rent paid in the previous year, for eligible seniors and people with disabilities.
• Why it matters: Reduces your housing costs and can be combined with local relief.
• How to start: See eligibility and file online through the PA Department of Revenue PTRR page.

LIHEAP (and utility programs)

• What it is: Seasonal help with heating bills and emergencies. Utilities also offer payment and forgiveness programs for eligible customers.
• Why it matters: Winter heating and summer cooling bills can strain fixed incomes. Programs can prevent shutoffs and keep you safe.
• How to start: Check LIHEAP. For electric and gas, see your utility’s CAP/LIURP via the PA PUC and ask about medical protections.

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Step-by-Step: If You’re in Crisis

1. Safety first. If there’s immediate danger, call 911.
2. Food today. Call 211 or visit a pantry listed by Feeding Pennsylvania.
3. Utility emergency. Contact your utility and ask for a Customer Assistance Program, then check LIHEAP Crisis at 1-866-857-7095 during heating season.
4. Housing crisis. Call 211 for shelter intake; contact legal aid through PALawHelp.org if you receive eviction papers.
5. Medical and prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist for an emergency fill and call PA MEDI and PACE/PACENET.
6. Plan ahead. Contact your AAA for a benefits checkup and to explore OPTIONS, caregiver support, and meal services.

Tip: Keep a “benefits folder” with your IDs, Medicare/insurance cards, Social Security award letter, utility account numbers, lease/mortgage, and a list of medications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I need food this week. What’s the fastest route?

• A: Call 2-1-1 or use PA 211 to find nearby pantries and hot meals. If you may qualify for SNAP, apply on COMPASS. Some households qualify for expedited SNAP, which DHS can issue within 7 days if criteria are met; ask your county assistance office about expedited service.

Q: My heat was shut off. Who helps right now?

• A: During LIHEAP season, call 1-866-857-7095 and visit LIHEAP to request crisis help. Also call your utility and ask for their Customer Assistance Program and any medical or winter protections. See PA PUC utility assistance.

Q: Can I get help with home repairs or a ramp?

• A: Check Weatherization for energy-related repairs and PA Accessible Housing Program for accessibility modifications through local providers. Rural homeowners 62+ can ask about USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair. Availability varies by county and funding.

Q: Are seniors in Pennsylvania eligible for help with property taxes or rent?

• A: Yes. Many seniors qualify for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Some cities and counties also offer their own programs, such as Philadelphia’s Senior Tax Freeze.

Q: I’m confused about Medicare. Who can I talk to for free?

• A: Call the statewide PA MEDI helpline (1-800-783-7067) or visit PA MEDI. PA MEDI counselors can review your prescriptions, compare plans, and help with appeals and billing problems.

Q: I suspect a neighbor (an older adult) is being neglected. What should I do?

• A: If it’s urgent, call 911. Otherwise, report to the 24/7 Older Adult Protective Services hotline listed on PA Department of Aging Protective Services or call your local AAA. You can report anonymously.

Q: Does Pennsylvania help with rides to the doctor?

• A: Yes. Seniors can use the Shared-Ride Program. If you have Medicaid, check MATP.

Q: I’m a veteran. Is there temporary financial help?

• A: The state’s Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) can help eligible veterans and their families in temporary need. Contact your County Veterans Affairs office through the DMVA directory to apply.

Q: My internet is unreliable in my rural area. Any help?

• A: Watch for expansions and grants through the PA Broadband Development Authority. If you qualify, the federal Lifeline program can reduce the cost of phone or internet.

Q: Who can help me appeal a nursing home discharge or fix a care problem?

• A: Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They advocate for residents and can help resolve disputes.

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Summary Tables You Can Save

Table: Key Contacts

Table: Transportation Options

Table: Home Repair and Accessibility

Table: Health and Care Supports

Table: Food and Nutrition

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Resources (Official and Well-Established)

• Pennsylvania Department of Aging: aging.pa.gov
• PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources: PA Link
• Area Agencies on Aging: AAA directory
• Department of Human Services (DHS): dhs.pa.gov
  • SNAP: DHS SNAP
  • LIHEAP: DHS LIHEAP
  • Medical Assistance/Medicaid: DHS Medical Assistance
  • Community HealthChoices: DHS CHC
  • MATP: DHS MATP
• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC): Utility bill assistance and protections
• Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED):
  • Weatherization Assistance Program
  • Homeless Assistance Program
  • Emergency Solutions Grant
  • PA Accessible Housing Program
  • Whole-Home Repairs Program
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue:
  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate
• Pennsylvania Treasury: Unclaimed Property
• Pennsylvania Association of Free and Charitable Clinics: pafreeclinics.org
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: palegalaid.net
• PALawHelp: palawhelp.org
• SeniorLAW Center: seniorlawcenter.org
• PA Insurance Department: Consumer Services
• PA Attorney General: Senior Protection
• Pennsylvania 211: pa211.org
• PEMA Ready PA: ready.pa.gov
• FEMA: disasterassistance.gov
• USDA Rural Development Pennsylvania: rd.usda.gov/pa
• PA Broadband Development Authority: broadband.pa.gov
• PACE/PACENET: Prescription assistance (Department of Aging)
• William Way Elder Initiative: waygay.org/elder-initiative
• Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center: cotraic.org

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Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

• Deadlines and seasons: LIHEAP, farmers’ market vouchers, and some county repair funds only run during certain months or until funds run out. Check dates before you apply.
• Documents and proofs: Programs usually need ID, proof of address, evidence of income, and bills. Keep copies; when in doubt, bring it.
• Avoid scams: The government will not demand payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If in doubt, hang up and call the agency’s official number listed on their website.
• Appeal rights: If you’re denied SNAP, Medicaid, or services, you often have the right to appeal. Ask the agency or legal aid how to file an appeal by the deadline.
• Stacking programs: Many programs can be combined. For example, use LIHEAP plus your utility’s CAP, and add Weatherization for longer-term savings.

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Disclaimer

Program availability, eligibility, benefit amounts, and deadlines can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. If you spot an error or outdated information, please contact your local agency and consider letting us know as well.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.