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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Joseph Brennan |
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Check resources for winter, recession survival tips
By state Rep. Joe Brennan
Winters can be harsh in Pennsylvania. For those struggling with this cold weather and the tough economic times, Pennsylvania offers a variety of resources that provide assistance and tips. Though times are tough, aid can often be found a phone call – or a mouse click – away.
Here To Help Web site
Pennsylvania recently unveiled a new Web site -- www.HereToHelp.pa.gov -- which offers resources grouped by topics such as employment, family services, housing and economic development. The links run the gamut from state and federal job opportunities to adult and children’s health insurance.
Heating Assistance
County assistance offices are accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that offers minimum cash grants of $300 to help families pay heating bills and maximum crisis grants of $800 for heating emergences like utility shut-offs, fuel shortages and equipment failures.
The number for Lehigh County is 610-821-6509; Northampton County is 610-250-1785.
An individual making up to $23,110 – and a family of four making up to $44,443 – could qualify for LIHEAP. The program’s application window usually runs until early spring but depends on demand and availability of funding.
Consumers without utility service or facing a shut-off should first call their utility. The state Public Utility Commission also may be able to help. The toll-free number for the PUC is 1-800-692-7380.
Turn, Seal, Save
Tips and resources to control energy use and reduce heating costs are available online at www.TurnSealSave.org or through a toll-free hotline, 1-866-550-4355. The Web site also lists a link to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Renovate & Repair program, which can help homeowners with low to moderate income rehabilitate and/or improve their homes.
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployed Pennsylvanians who have exhausted their state unemployment benefits can apply for up to 20 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation. Potentially eligible claimants are being contacted by the state Department of Labor and Industry. Claimants who have not received a notice and believe they are eligible may call their unemployment compensation service center.
Labor & Industry has increased its hours and workers to handle the surge in applicants. The statewide, toll-free number for unemployment compensation – 1-888 313-7284 – is available from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the highest volume call days, so they suggest that claim calls are made later in the week when you have a better chance of getting through.
Initial applications also can be made online at www.dli.state.pa.us at any time.
$1 billion unclaimed
Pennsylvanians may check the state treasury's database at www.patreasury.org or call the department toll free at 1-800 222-2046 to see if they are owed cash or property that is being held by the state. The department is trying to find the owners of $1 billion in unclaimed property.
All of the links mentioned in this column are also easily accessed by visiting my Web site, www.pahouse.com/Brennan, and clicking on the "Resources" button on the left side of the page.