Active Programs for 2/13 Weekly Update
Rep. Napoleon Nelson February 13, 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.
PennDOT Highway Safety Survey
Help make Pennsylvania roads safer!
PennDOT is inviting Pennsylvanians to share their thoughts on traffic safety and everyday driving habits through a short, anonymous online survey. It’s open now through February 28th at pa.gov/dotsafety.
Your input helps guide safety programs across the Commonwealth—covering topics like seat belt use, distracted or impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle, pedestrian, and motorcycle safety.
New & Improved VET Connect Site
REMINDER: The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recently updated their PA VETConnect website to better serve #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: https://www.pa.gov/.../programs-and-services/pa-vetconnect
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.
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: https://www.pa.gov/.../request-a-review-of-denied-health...
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.
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: pa.gov/WorkZoneProgram
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
PA Department of Health 2026 Student Lymes Art Competition
Calling PA students (grades 1–6)! Show off your creativity in the 2026 Student Lyme Art Contest—submit a poster or short video to help spread tick and Lyme disease awareness! Click here for the press release.
Deadline: March 13, 2026
Learn more: https://bit.ly/49lTgGD
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!
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!
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.
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
Pro-Bono Virtual Name Change Clinic
The Prothonotary’s Office and the Montgomery Bar Association are happy to announce that the Virtual Name Change Clinic on Tuesday, March 3rd from 4-6p.m. is open for signups!
Montco residents, age 18 and older, are welcome to register— especially members of our LGBTQ+ community. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/26xynhp9
If you are an attorney interested in volunteering, please contact Denise Vicario
(denise@montgomerybar.org)
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: https://bit.ly/4rRl5he
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.
Extreme Cold Weather Tips from the PUC
Weather forecasts indicate extreme cold is likely to persist through the week. Reference these consumer tips to help reduce your energy usage.
NEW! Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
With tax season here, take a moment to use the Department of Revenue's handy calculator at pa.gov/WPTC 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.
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.
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/
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.
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: https://bit.ly/3YZfgkR
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 in the comments or scan the QR code in the attached image, and search "Summer" for a full list of opportunities.
LGBTQIA+ Group Schedule Update
Our LGBTQIA+ Support Group will now meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 1:00 p.m. The first group following this new schedule will be held on Sunday, February 15. Thank you for your understanding—we look forward to having you join us!
No cost to attend but registration required: https://namimontcopa.org/support-group-registration/
If you are interested in joining a group happening within the next 24 hours, please call the office at 215-361-7784. Someone is available 9 am -3pm Monday through Friday. Thank you! ??
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.
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.
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 
https://www.pa.gov/.../pennsylvania-now-offering-free...
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!
SNAP KEYS Employment Program
Need support for community college? SNAP KEYS guides you through financial aid, career planning, peer support, and more! Take the next step, enroll today: https://www.pa.gov/.../reso.../snap/snap-employment-training
Free Support Group Opportunity
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc.is excited to share a free Support Group opportunity for adult survivors of child sexual abuse:
Starting February 4
5:00 - 6:30pm
This group offers a safe, supported space to connect with other survivors and learn more about healing from trauma.
Interested in joining? Call 610-277-0932, ext 252 or email grace-campbell@vscmontcopa.org to learn more.
CareerLink HOTJOBS!
Check out the #February edition of MontcoLinks for NEW hot jobs, clickable workshop calendars, upcoming computer classes, and more -> https://conta.cc/4qYFKzd!
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: https://news.va.gov/142958/new-va-benefits-overpayment-scam/
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: https://www.phfa.org/programs/heelp.aspx
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/
Is Your Car Winter Ready?
Is your vehicle ready for winter driving? Make sure it can handle the unexpected conditions winter can bring.
Before snow stats to fall, have a mechanic check your brakes, battery, hoses and belts and consider these other tips to get your vehicle ready for winter: penndot.pa.gov/winterprep
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!
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.
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).
Pennsylvania Launches Upgraded College Transfer Website
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has unveiled major upgrades to https://collegetransfer.pa.gov/, the state’s online platform 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.
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.
PACE/PACENET
PA’s PACE & PACENET programs help qualified residents, age 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.
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: pa.gov/988
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 info: https://seniorlawcenter.org/
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: https://www.pa.gov/.../reso.../snap/snap-employment-training
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.
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.