Cash Assistance/Employment Training

More people are trying to achieve independence for themselves and their families than ever before. If you do not earn enough money to support yourself and your family or if you are not able to work because of a disability, you can receive cash and employment assistance. You can apply for and renew your benefits from the comfort of your home using COMPASS, the online resource for cash assistance, Food Stamps, help with child care, health care coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), school meals, SelectPlan for Women and long-term living services.

You can learn more about the five primary cash assistance programs below.

If you have questions about Cash Assistance, you can call your local County Assistance Office or make a free phone call to the HelpLine at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 TDD number for individuals with hearing impairments). If you are having difficulty finding the information you need, please Contact DPW

• TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Diversion Program
• General Assistance Program
• State Blind Pension Program
• Refugee Cash Assistance Program
• Frequently Asked Questions about Cash Assistance Programs

Employment Training and Opportunities

• CWDS: Commonwealth Workforce Development System
• Non-Civil Service Jobs – General Information
• Exploring Employment Opportunities through the PA Civil Service

General Information

• Caseload Reduction Credit
• Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit
• Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA) Directory
• TANF Five-Year Characteristics Report
• TANF State Plan
• TANF State Plan Summary of Key Issues
• TANF Work Verification Plan
• Cash Assistance Policy Handbook
• Supplemental Policy Handbook
• OIM Statistical Reports
• Subscribe to the OIM Statistical Reports Listserv

Other Resources

Caseload Reduction Reports (ACF-202) for Fiscal Year 2007 (PDF download)

Caseload Reduction Reports (ACF-202) for Fiscal Year 2008 (PDF download)