COVID-19 Help, Resources

Rep. Patrick J. Harkins March 23, 2020 | 11:35 AM

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead.

Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources.

State Services and Resources

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/

For individuals: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals

For families: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies

For businesses: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities

The Life-Sustaining Business list, as of March 24: https://www.scribd.com/document/452553026/UPDATED-2-30pm-March-24-2020-Industry-Operation-Guidance

Life-Sustaining Business FAQ: https://www.scribd.com/document/452553495/UPDATED-4-00pm-March-31-2020-Life-Sustaining-Business-FAQs

To apply for a waiver: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DCED/Waiver-process-keeping-physical-locations-open

The PA Department of Community & Economic Development is offering working capital loans that could be of assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Resources and information are here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-working-capital-access-program-cwca/

Governor Wolf has announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

Find PA services while practicing social distancing:

File for unemployment: bit.ly/3a2qARW
Talk mental health: Text PA to 741-741
Apply for Medicaid: on.pa.gov/compass
Apply for SNAP: on.pa.gov/compass
Apply for WIC: Call 1-800-942-9467
Home heating help: on.pa.gov/LIHEAP
Vote by mail ballot: VotesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot
Report price gouging: pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov
Get tax answers: revenue-pa.custhelp.com
Credit/mortgage/rent advice: on.pa.gov/2Jb8UYp
Learn about school closures: education.pa.gov/COVID19
Access driver services: dmv.pa.gov/online-services
Find professional license services: pals.pa.gov
Receive text alerts: on.pa.gov/AlertPA

Federal Info
The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. Please read the below fact sheets to determine if you are eligible.

§ Fact Sheet for Employees

§ Fact Sheet for Employers

§ Questions and Answers

FEMA preparedness: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus

Federal Trade Commission on scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

Dept. of Labor workplace rules: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

EPA virus-killing chemicals: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

CDC guidance for businesses still open: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html

Regional Resources

Residents can access these links for resources and assistance and can also sign up for alerts that can be sent to their phone or email.

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