There is a common misconception that “Welfare” is just cash assistance to the needy. However, The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is an agency that serves many members of our community, many of whom you may know.

DPW helps your neighbor’s grandson with autism or others with disabilities receive early intervention and treatments they need to reach their fullest potential. In fact, public welfare makes programming and assistance available to all disabled individuals.

Your parent may be living in an assisted living facility that is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare. DPW also assists victims of domestic violence and rape, and helps women with limited or no insurance receive potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings. Senior citizens on low or fixed incomes receive assistance in order to afford life’s basic necessities, and abused and neglected children are helped through the Department of Public Welfare.

• This year, DPW is expected to aid more than 2.7 million people. Click here to see a list of programs.
• State funding for DPW is $10.268 billion. Click here to see how the money is being spent.