Active Programs for 3/27 Weekly Update
Rep. Napoleon Nelson March 27, 2026
Active Government Programs for You
If you would like more information on or assistance applying for any of these programs, please contact my office at (215) 572-5210 or RepNelson@pahouse.net, or you can stop by my district office at 115 E Glenside Ave Ste. 8, Glenside, PA 19038 from 9:30 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Friday. We are also available for appointments from 9-4:30pm.
Don’t Refuse to Discard Your Refuse
Montgomery County household hazardous waste collection in 2026.
Residents have several opportunities to safely drop off hazardous materials at scheduled county events. In addition, Montco residents may attend regional HHW events in neighboring counties at no charge. Helpful resources are also available for electronics recycling, tire disposal, and proper handling of other items through the A–Z Recycling Guide.
Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Events
Montgomery County will host six HHW collection events in 2026. Preregistration and appointments are required. Events will be held:
- April 25 – Harleysville
- June 6 – Ambler
- June 20 – Norristown
- June 27 – Abington
- September 26 – Royersford
- October 11 – Penn Valley
There are no permanent HHW drop-off locations; these events are the only disposal options.
Regional Household Hazardous Waste Events
Montco residents may attend HHW events in Bucks, Chester, Delaware Counties, and Philadelphia at no charge. See the above regional flyer. A total of 26 collection events are available from April through November.
Electronic Waste
Goodwill Keystone stores in Montgomery, Chester, Berks, and Bucks Counties accept electronics for reuse or recycling—including televisions and computers at no charge.
Tire Recycling
Tire retailers typically accept used tires for a fee. For large quantities or non-standard tires, contact:
Emanuel Tire of PA
1304 Conshohocken Rd., Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-277-6670
Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program was launched back in 2023 in Montgomery County to assist special needs drivers and police officers during interactions. The purpose of the Blue Envelope Program is to help vehicle drivers who have conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communications challenges, dementia, anxiety or other conditions that might impair their ability to communicate easily during a traffic stop, car accident or other on-the-road interactions with police officers.
The program also raises awareness among police regarding this population of drivers and the kind of driver reactions they may observe during a traffic stop.
The Blue Envelopes are available at all police departments in Montgomery County and at most state representative offices, including ours! Please stop in if you would like one.
Women across the Commonwealth - Your Voice Matters
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is writing a State of the Woman Report for Pennsylvania, and we want to hear directly from you.
This 20-minute survey is your chance to share your experiences, priorities, and challenges - no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to.
Take the survey and help shape the future for women in Pennsylvania: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewoman
Also available in:
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewomanspanish
Chinese: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewomanchinese
Tax Season Is Here: Beware of Tax Scams
Tax season is a prime time for scammers. Stay alert and protect yourself against tax fraud. Don’t respond if you receive a suspicious call, text, or email from someone claiming to be with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Verify it with them first here.
Learn more about tax scams and how to protect yourself with the IRS here.
NEW! Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
With tax season right around the corner, take a moment to use the Department of Revenue's handy calculator here to see if you’re eligible for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
This is a NEW credit available this year that could put up to $805 back in your pocket, helping workers keep more of what they earn. Beginning with the 2026 tax season, the credit will provide $193 million in relief to 940,000 working Pennsylvanians.
Department of Revenue Help Center
Our Online Customer Service Center offers secure support for your PA tax needs. Use revenue.pa.gov/help to review thousands of FAQs or submit your own questions any time.
Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
PA’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit can deliver between $600 and $2,100 to help eligible Pennsylvanians with child and dependent care costs.
The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit that is available to Pennsylvanians is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. That means that taxpayers must receive federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. The state credit is equal to 100 percent of the federal credit, meaning:
- The maximum credit will be $1,050 (one child/dependent) or $2,100 (two or more children/dependents?).
- The credit cap phases down as income levels increase.
- The minimum credit will be $600 (one child/dependent) or $1,200 (two or more children/dependents), provided expenses are at least $3,000 per child/dependent.
With tax season right around the corner, learn more about eligibility and how you can benefit when you file your PA tax return.
The Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program is Open NOW!
The 2025 Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program is open NOW! The program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This program is supported by funds from the Pennsylvania Lottery and gaming.
**A reminder that it’s necessary to apply for a rebate every year because eligibility is based upon annual income and property taxes/rent paid in the prior year (2025).
Contact our office for help TODAY! 215-572-5210 or RepNelson@PAHouse.net! You can also file online at mypath.pa.gov.
Retired Persons Registration Income Limit Raised
Good news, retirees! PennDOT just raised the retired persons vehicle registration income limit to $30,778.
Eligible retirees can qualify to pay $12 for their vehicle registration.
To qualify for Retired Status Vehicle Registration, you need to:
- Be retired and receive Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits, or other pensions and annuities.
- Your total income should be $30,778 or less, including income from business, rental, and unemployment.
- You must be the main driver of the vehicle you're registering, unless you're mentally or physically incapable.
- Your vehicle must weigh 9,000 lbs. or less.
Note: Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status fee.
Contact my office (215-572-5210, or RepNelson@PAHouse.Net) if you have any questions or to apply.
Career Searching/Solutions for 55+ Community
Job hunting and over 55+? JEVS can help. They invite you to attend multiple virtual information sessions. Thess sessions provide career counseling and job placement assistance for older adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or just seeking a career change.
Click here to learn more about JEVS Programs.
Didn’t make the first session? Register for the next session, which is on April 9th.
PACE/PACENET
PA’s PACE & PACENET programs help qualified residents, aged 65 and up, get prescription medicine at a lower cost. These programs work with Medicare Part D and other drug plans, like those from retiree plans, employers, Medicare Advantage, and Veterans’ Benefits.
For PACE, for a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less, and for a married couple, $17,700 or less. For PACENET, for a single person, total income can be between $14,501 and $33,500, and for a married couple, between $17,701 and $41,500.
For more information and to apply, go here.
Questions About Medicare?
Q: How does Medicare work?
A: You can choose either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for your health coverage.
Learn the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage at pa.gov/PAMEDI.
Would you like to meet with a PA MEDI Counselor? Click here for list of Montco sites available.
Raising Grandchildren? Free Legal Support Is Available
If you’re 60 or older and caring for grandchildren or other relatives’ children, the PA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line can help. Get free legal guidance by phone, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., through the SeniorLAW Center—no need to leave home!
Call 1-877-727-7529 or click this link for more information.
Attention: Direct Care Workers in Pennsylvania 
Do you provide Long-Term Services and Support for older adults and people with disabilities? If yes, PA Department of Aging wants to hear from you
The University of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department on Aging is conducting a survey. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the results will be used to help improve the Direct Care Workforce.
Your responses to the survey are completely anonymous. Complete the survey here.
PA Navigate Can Connect You
Have you heard about PA Navigate? It’s a website that helps you find the support you need, all in one place. See what your community has to offer! Enter your zip code at here to get started today.
New & Improved VET Connect Site
REMINDER: The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recently updated their PA VETConnect website to better #PAVeterans and provide a one-stop shop with exceptional ease of access to state and federal resources for those who have served.
Want to find veteran resources available to you? Start here.
Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Grant
Are you or someone you know a Pennsylvania veteran facing financial hardship?
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) offers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program, providing up to $1,600 per year to eligible veterans and beneficiaries for basic needs such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing.
Click here to learn more about the program.
Need Help Finding Your DD-214 or Other Service Records?
The DMVA makes it a priority to help veterans locate their lost military documents, such as the DD-214. These documents ensure that veterans can get credit for their service and receive the benefits they have earned. Learn more here.
Veterans Overpayment Scam
A new overpayment scam is targeting veterans, surviving spouses, and family members who receive VA Benefits! Scammers are requesting payment for overpaid VA benefits by pretending to be legitimate VA representatives.
If you receive a letter or any communication about a VA benefits overpayment, log into your official VA.gov account immediately to verify if you truly owe money.
Find more info.
NAMI Veterans Support Group
At NAMI Montgomery County PA, we recognize the sacrifices veterans, and their families make — and we’re here to support their mental health and wellness every day.
Thank you for your service. 
We’re proud to offer a free, peer-led support group via Zoom created specifically for veterans. This group provides a safe, confidential space to connect, share experiences, and support one another on the journey toward mental wellness.
These support groups are FREE and each 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30p.m but registration is required.
No REAL ID, Try ConfirmID!
Don’t have REAL ID yet? We’ve got an option for you! The Transportation Security Administration announced that beginning February 1, 2026, passengers who do not have a 
REAL ID, passport, or another acceptable form of identification will have the option to pay a $45 fee to fly. With TSA ConfirmID, you'll pay $45 (good for 10 days of travel) for an alternate secure ID verification option. 
My office can help you obtain the necessary documents for a REAL ID, review your paperwork, and answer questions you may have about the REAL ID.
Stop in or give my office a call 215-572-5210, or email RepNelson@PAHouse.Net !
For more information about the new TSA regulations, visit: https://www.tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id
The New Driver Work Zone Safety Program
The New Driver Work Zone Safety Program is a free, 35-minute virtual training that teaches drivers about many important safety aspects of work zones.
Hear what teens who took the course had to say and learn more click here.
Spend your summer with the PA Turnpike!
We are now accepting applications for several seasonal opportunities across multiple departments, including IT, communications, maintenance, and more.
To apply, visit the link here or scan the QR code in the attached image, and search "Summer" for a full list of opportunities.
The 2026 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) is officially OPEN!
Pennsylvania is putting $5 million on the table to help schools, municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.
Up to $500,000 per applicant is available, don’t miss out!
Learn more and apply today!
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Paul Miller’s Law
Under PA's distracted driving law (known as Paul Miller's Law), you will be pulled over for using a phone while driving, even at a red light.
Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement began issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026. 
Learn more at penndot.pa.gov/safety.
From PennDOT: Live Free Ride Alive
Hey PA bikers! Check out the Live Free Ride Alive social feeds. They share info on proper licensing, rider safety tips, gear and upkeep, operator's manual, the PA motorcycle law, and much more!
Facebook: Live Free Ride Alive
X: x.com/RideAlivePA
Instagram: instagram.com/ridealivepa/
Find Low Bridges on 511PA
Drivers are responsible for knowing the height of their personal or rented trucks and observing posted bridge heights. 511PA can help!
Use 511PA to check your route for low-clearance bridges (<13’6”) by selecting the “PennDOT Bridges” map layer and then the “Low Bridge” option, which also includes info on posted weights and closed bridges.
Plus, when you select “commercial vehicle type” on the free 511PA app, you’ll automatically hear any restrictions or low-bridge data along your route.
Visit 511PA.com or download the free app to plan a safe route and avoid bridge hits!
Build Your Vehicle Emergency Kit
Would you know what to do to stay safe if you're stranded in your car? Make sure that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle + check out these safety tips from the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Housing & Utilities Related
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Tips on Creating a Water Efficient House from the PA EPA
Looking for ways to save water and lower your bills?
Some reminders are below and click here for a full list:
Check for leaks indoors and outdoors once a year and fix them fast!
Test your toilets: Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 10 minutes (before flushing), you have a leak!
Inspect showerheads and faucets for buildup—clean and reseal as needed.
Add mulch to your yard to help soil hold moisture.
Check your irrigation system for leaks or overspray.
Service your water heater and water softener—flush, inspect, and clean to keep them running efficiently.
Cover your pool when not in use to reduce evaporation.
Weed your garden beds so your plants get the water instead of the weeds.
PA Insurance Department Cycle of Claims
When a health insurance claim is denied, you have options!
Step 1: File an internal appeal of your denied health claim. Your insurer may reverse the decision upon review.
Step 2: If the claim is still denied, submit an external review request through our website.
You must request the external review within four months of the date on your Final Adverse Benefit Determination Letter.
If your life or health is at serious risk, you can request an expedited external review before a decision is made on your internal appeal.
The webpage linked above provides more details about eligibility, required documents, and the overall process.
Spring Storm Prep from the PA Insurance Department
Spring is just around the corner. Are you covered for the damage that spring storms might bring?
Homeowners should review their policies and take steps to make sure their home can weather the storm.
To learn more click here for the PID’s Natural Disaster Insurance Guide webpage.
Pennsylvanians with questions about their insurance or who wish to file a complaint can visit pa.gov/consumer or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675).
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) HEELP Program
Winter's here, but you don't have to put up with a cold house. PHFA's HEELP program offers a fixed-rate 1% loan for specific energy efficiency home repairs which can include a new furnace or replacing single-pane, drafty windows. Learn more here.
PECO Customer Relief Fund Expanded & New Deadline to Apply
In partnership with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, PECO is expanding the PECO Customer Relief Fund! Through a contribution from Exelon, PECO’s parent company, an additional $2.5 million will be added to the existing fund to support customers across southeastern Pennsylvania.
New funding will be available to eligible customers beginning March 2.
In addition to increased funding, more customers will now be eligible to receive the grant as new eligibility requirements have been introduced:
- NEW: Customers in arrears, with a household income that falls between 0 and 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, which would enable a family of four making $48,228 or less per year to qualify, based on current federal guidelines.
- EXISTING: Customers in arrears, with a household income that falls between 151 and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, which would enable a family of four making between $48,229 and $96,456 per year to qualify, based on current federal guidelines.
Learn more here.
PECO Make-Site Safe Website
Hopefully mother nature has decided that snow season is on its way out. But just in case we have another blizzard this season, or thunderstorm, PECO informed our office of their Make Work-Site Safe Website.
Anyone can use the link to submit a make-safe request to have PECO de-energize their power lines in case they fall. If a customer is without power, they should report it to 800-841-4141
Children, Family & Education Related
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Jack Empowers Nature Camp
NAMI Montgomery County PA is excited to share Jack Empowers Nature Camp, a free one-day outdoor experience for middle schoolers (ages 11–14) on May 3, 9a.m.-3p.m. at College Settlement Camp in Horsham, PA. An outdoor experience for 11-14 year olds.
Through hiking, group activities, and animal encounters, youth will explore the connection between nature and mental wellness.
Spots are limited—register here by April 3! 
Support for New & Expecting Mothers
New moms can experience mental health challenges during or after pregnancy. Help + support is available for you. Call or text 833-TLC-MAMA (through the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline) for free, confidential support, available 24/7 
PA ABLE Accounts
PA ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save while maintaining access to their important benefits.
Learn more: https://paable.gov/
Pennsylvania Launches Upgraded College Transfer Website
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has unveiled major upgrades to the state’s online platform, PA College Transfer, for understanding how college credits transfer among Pennsylvania colleges and universities. The redesigned site, part of the Pennsylvania Transfer Articulation Center, provides students, parents, and counselors with a one-stop resource to make informed decisions about credit transfers.
The platform allows users to compare how completed coursework or certifications -- such as a community college degree, dual-credit courses, AP classes, or career and technology programs -- will be recognized by participating colleges and universities across the state. PDE collaborated with AcademyOne to ensure the site supports both academic and technical program transparency.
Keystone Scholar Accounts
Pennsylvania families have a chance to give their children a strong start with a free $100 Keystone scholarship. If your child was born in 2019 or later (or adopted by a PA family), you can claim their account and begin growing savings that can be used for college, trade school, apprenticeships, and more when they turn 18.
Families can also open a PA 529 College and Career Savings account to grow alongside the Keystone Scholars starter money. With tax benefits, flexible options, and nearly 9 billion dollars already saved by PA families, it’s a simple way to plan for future education expenses. You can learn more here.
DHS Scam Alert
SCAM ALERT! The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will never call or text you asking for personal information about your benefits.
Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
PA Department of Human Services 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
No judgment, just help. When you call, text, or chat 988, you will connect with trained counselors who are there to listen, support, and help you through a crisis. All conversations are confidential and available 24/7. Learn more here.
FREE College Credits to Law Enforcement Officers!
Honoring Governor Shapiro’s commitment to providing all Pennsylvanians with the ability to choose their own course and the opportunity to succeed, a new partnership between the Institute for Law Enforcement Education and Commonwealth University will award up to 16 college credits to eligible law enforcement officers. Learn more here.
Find a Career with SNAP EARN
SNAP EARN offers motivational case management, adult education, GED prep, local support, and so much to help you build a stronger future!
Join today!
Free SNAP Employment training
Gain real job skills fast with SNAP JETS! Get hands-on training in fields like culinary arts, healthcare, banking, and more—with local support to help you land and keep a job.
Learn more about SNAP JETS here.
Office of Victim Advocate
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Calling all Students!! 2026 Crime Victims’ Rights Week Poster Contest 
This year's Crime Victims' Rights Week Poster Contest is all about lifting up messages of dignity, safety, and healing within our communities- and they want your voice to be part of it! All posters are due by April 10th.
Through art and creativity, you can help spread compassion, encourage understanding, and remind others that healing and hope is possible. Your poster could be a powerful message of support for someone who needs it.
Click here for an entry form or email Tara at tagross@pa.gov for more information about the contest!
Office of Victim Advocate Support Groups
Healing takes time, and support can make all the difference.
The Office of Victim Advocate’s Support Groups offer a safe, welcoming space to connect with others on their healing journey. Together, we’ll find understanding, hope, and strength.
Not sure if you’re ready to take the step? That’s okay. Reach out to Liz. She can talk with you about the benefits and help you decide if a support group is the right fit for you.
To learn more or reserve your spot, contact Liz at 717-756-9844.