State assistance available now and after $600 federal unemployment benefits ends Saturday

With the additional $600 federal unemployment benefit about to end, the Departments of Labor and Industry and Human Services are reminding Pennsylvanians that other state programs are available.
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which funds the extra $600 in unemployment compensation each week, ends July 25 unless extended by the federal government.
The FPUC program has distributed $13.8 billion to Pennsylvanians out of work because of COVID-19.
“This extra $600 per week has been a lifeline for many people, and the department has encouraged Congress to extend it,” said Labor and Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak.
However, if the federal program does end, there are state services available to help people.
DHS’ programs are designed to help eligible Pennsylvanians who have lost income or employment meet essential needs until they are able to start work again. Public assistance programs help ensure that individuals and families can access health care, have enough food to eat, and can pay utilities – things everyone needs to stay healthy and safe and succeed in the workforce.
“The additional unemployment funds have been a lifeline that, in many cases, may be keeping people financially stable and able to meet essential needs despite losing employment,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “Without this income, people may not be able to make ends meet.”
She encourages people who are losing their federal unemployment payment to apply for public assistance programs to see whether they may qualify.
Programs include Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
DHS has also received approval to administer benefits created specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis Program, which provides assistance for home energy bills, helping ensure continuity of utility and other energy services.
The program will run through Aug. 31.
Pennsylvanians who have experienced a change in income or job loss can apply for benefits online at any time at www.compass.state.pa.us.
Visit the Resources for Pennsylvanians page at www.pa.gov to also find mental health resources, financial help, mortgage and rent information, and food assistance.
PA CareerLink offices are also providing virtual services to help connect businesses with job seekers and assist with resumes and career development activities.
Some of PA CareerLink’s virtual services include adult education classes, career counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training programs, resume assistance, and virtual workshops.
For more information, visit www.pacareerlink.pa.gov.
While the FPUC program may end, eligible claimants waiting for a payment from claim weeks April 4 through July 25 will receive those payments.