Low-Income Resources in Pennsylvania

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Pennsylvania SNAP through the Department of Human Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Pennsylvania SNAP (DHS)
Apply / manage benefits: COMPASS Pennsylvania

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Pennsylvania Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and find a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Pennsylvania WIC Program

Find a food pantry — Feeding Pennsylvania

Helps with: Locating food banks, pantries, and meal programs across Pennsylvania.
How to start: Use the statewide food bank network to find local food resources.

Feeding Pennsylvania Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Pennsylvania offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Pennsylvania DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying home heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and apply online or through your local agency.

Program overview: Pennsylvania LIHEAP
Apply: COMPASS Pennsylvania

Housing programs and renter resources — Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and linked programs.

PHFA renter resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Pennsylvania, these programs are administered through the Department of Human Services and county agencies.

Child Care Works (CCW) — Pennsylvania DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program information and apply when ready.

Program overview: Child Care Works
Apply: COMPASS Pennsylvania

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — Pennsylvania DHS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: Pennsylvania TANF
Apply: COMPASS Pennsylvania

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Pennsylvania offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and CHIP for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the state benefits portal.

Pennsylvania Medicaid & CHIP — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible individuals and families.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview: Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
CHIP: CHIP Covers PA Kids
Apply: COMPASS Pennsylvania

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Pennsylvania

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Pennsylvania

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Pennsylvania)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Pennsylvania Crisis Text & Call Services

Helps with: 24/7 mental health crisis support through county crisis lines and mobile teams.
How to start: Use the statewide crisis services directory.

PA Mental Health Crisis Services

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic violence services across Pennsylvania.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline or find local services.

Call: 1-800-932-4632
PCADV Find Help

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/pennsylvania/