Active Programs for 12/4 Weekly Update
Rep. Napoleon Nelson December 4, 2025
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.
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/
PennDOT Innovations Challenge
PennDOT is seeking innovative concepts from PA high school students to help them improve work zone safety and protect those working to build a better Pennsylvania.
The statewide winning team will receive a monetary award, so grab your friends, enter PennDOT’s Innovations Challenge, and start brainstorming!
Get complete challenge details here: https://www.pa.gov/.../innovation.../innovations-challenge.
Season’s Readings from the PA Department of Education
Celebrate the joy of sharing stories this season with free downloadable resources + activity sheets from Read Aloud!
Explore all the benefits of reading aloud to children 15 minutes a day 
https://readaloud.org/downloads.html
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!
New Online Tax Calculator Tool
We have launched an online calculator for Pennsylvanians to see if they’re eligible for the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. It’s simple, fast, and can help you see if you qualify. Read more in our press release: https://www.pa.gov/.../new-online-tool--shapiro...
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 Scholars 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.
2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate
You can apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2024. The income limit has been increased to $46,520, and the maximum rebate is still $1000. For more information on eligibility and to apply online, go here.
My office has rebate booklets available for pick up. Stop by 115 E Glenside Ave Suite 8, Glenside, PA 19038 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to get yours. If you would like assistance applying, please contact us to schedule an appointment by calling (215) 572-5210 or by emailing RepNelson@pahouse.net.
Rebate applications are due by December 31, 2025.
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 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.