Clinical Experience at SKMC

Steps to follow if urgent housing is needed:

1. Office of Homeless Services: 215-232-1984
2. Calling from the hospital: 215-686-5671

Operator will screen patient for medical clearance.

If accepted, Project Home might pick patient up or SW will give patient a cab voucher.

Single Women and Families: Your patient will need to go there to register.
Location: 1430 Cherry Street
Hours of Operations: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
Contact: 215-686-7150/7151/7153.

Families Only: Red Shield Family Residence
Hours of Operations: After-hours intake holidays and weekends after 4:00 pm.
Location: 715 N. Broad Street
Contact: 215-787-2887

Single Women Only: Gaudenzia’s House of Passage
Hours of Operations: After-hours intake holidays and weekends after 4:00 pm.
Location: 111 N. 48th St (across from the Juvenile Justice Center)
Contact: 215-471-2017

Single Men: The Roosevelt Darby Center
Hours of Operation:  Mon-Fri 7am-3pm
Location: 802 N Broad St.
Contact: 215-407-2044

Single Men: Mike Henson Resource Center
Hours of Operations: After-hours intake after 4:00 pm holidays and weekends.
Location: 1701 W. Lehigh Ave
Contact: 267-737-9099

Hub of Hope
Serves as a walk-in engagement center located in the concourses under Two Penn Center in Suburban Station. Through a partnership between SEPTA, the City of Philadelphia, and Project HOME. The new Hub of Hope offers a safe place where people can enjoy a warm cup of coffee, take a shower and wash laundry, and speak to peers or case managers to begin the process of finding a permanent home. It creates even greater opportunities to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to recovery, medical care, and ultimately stable, supportive housing.

Hub of Hope: New hours of operation during COVID-19, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Stops letting consumers in at 2:00 pm; they start transporting to the emergency shelters at 3:00 pm, every day. (No weekend hours until further notice.) There is currently limited laundry services and shower services, as well as case management and grab-and-go meals.

Project HOME's Continuum of Care has a mission to help individuals to break the cycle of homelessness by providing housing and services, beginning with street outreach.

Project HOME's Outreach Coordination Center (OCC), in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and other service providers, coordinates outreach to people living on the streets of Philadelphia.

Outreach response workers build trusting relationships that enable individuals who are homeless to accept placement in appropriate settings where they may obtain needed opportunities to stabilize their lives. The outreach teams attempt to establish a rapport that gradually leads to acceptance and openness to seeking help.

They ask: "If you see someone in Philadelphia experiencing homelessness who needs help, please call the 24-Hour Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984 or 1-877-222-1984."

They offer a Where to Turn Guide for download.

PHDC is Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization.  Services include home repairs, financing affordable housing, repurposing of vacant land, and more.  PHCD assists residents, community groups and businesses.

Go to website phcdphila.org for more information and full list of services. 

Women Against Abuse - Emergency Safe Havens

Two 100 bed safe havens provide free, comprehensive support to survivors of domestic violence of all gender identities and their children.  Services include: 24-hour confidential facility; for in-take call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3015 

Women Against Abuse - Safe At Home

The Women Against Abuse Safe at Home Program provides community-based case management paired with housing supports, as available, to survivors of domestic violence of all gender identities. The program includes linkages to a limited number of safe, affordable housing units, as well as relocation assistance and rental subsidies, options counseling, advocacy and education to help survivors maintain safe and affordable housing while developing financial literacy and life-skills for long-term self-sufficiency. Phone: 215-386-1280

El Concilio – Victim Witness Services

Services include advocacy support for victims of crime in Philadelphia’s East Division, comprised of the 24th, 25th and 26th police districts. Concilio’s Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Victim Witness Advocates work in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office by providing services to victims and witnesses in the Preliminary Hearing rooms in the Criminal Justice Center for East Division Crime victim cases.

The Victim Witness Services Program is open for referrals and walk-ins are welcome. Services include:

• Emergency Relocation Services
• Emergency Funds
• Support Groups
• Victim Awareness Education

• Philly Tenants: Tenant Legal Aid Referral Line at 267-443-2500
• Greater Philadelphia Area: Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania Helpline at 877-426-5994.
• Philadelphia Housing Needs: Housing Resource Guide.
• Housing counseling services (Philadelphia).
  
• Foreclosure concerns: Call the SaveYourHomePhilly hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663).

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded assistance program used to help customers with their home heating needs. The Department of Human Services administers the grant program, with funds to provide support to those with broken heating equipment or that have had their utility service terminated. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on the bill (no repay). These grants typically range from $200 to $1,000, based on household size, income, and fuel type. Applications are accepted ONLY November 1 - April 1.

Eligibility Information (and applications)

Your patients may apply online, on paper, or in person.

On Paper: You can download a paper application for your patients, print it, and then help your patients fill it out; they would still need to return it to their local county assistance office. More information may be found on the application process by visiting the PECO site.

In Person: Your patients can visit their local county assistance office to fill out an application.

Note: After their application is reviewed, they will receive written notice explaining their eligibility and the amount of assistance they will receive. Please allow 30 days for a response.

The Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) is an energy assistance program that enables us to assist low-income, residential customers in our service territory with bill payment.

Application Information

Phone: 1-800-774-7040

The Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a monthly credit for eligible low-income customers. The credit is based on the customer’s total household gross income and energy usage.

PECO calculates a customer’s annual credit using the following information:

• Monthly gross household income – Federal Poverty Level
• Annual energy usage – The amount of energy used at the property over the past 12 months.
• Energy burden – The percentage of household income that should go toward energy bills.

The annual credit is then divided across 12 months and applied to a CAP customer’s bill each month. Because energy usage changes due to the impact of weather, a larger credit will be applied during months when customers normally use more energy.

To access the online application (as well as PDFs of applications in English and Spanish), please proceed to the PECO Customer Assistance Program site. 

The Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) is for low-income individuals with high usage. Refer to the website for eligibility. To apply for assistance, you or your patient may call 1-800-675-0222.

The Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) program is for special-needs, low-income customers who have a temporary personal or financial hardship that prevents the payment of the utility bill. To determine eligibility and to apply for assistance, you or your patient may call 1-800-774-7040.

Philadelphia Gas Works offers some assistance programs and grants. Contact: 215-235-1000.

There is the Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) for low-income customers who qualify – these individuals get a smaller bill each month. Learn if the patient qualifies. The patient will need 1) Proof of gross household income for the past 30 days, and 2) The name, social security cards, and date of birth for each household member.

There is also Budget Billing, an assistance program that estimates your yearly gas usage and divides the total evenly over a 12-month period. This evens out your payments over the course of the year and helps you predict how much you should budget for your heating costs every month. Contact: 215-235-1000 (no online application).

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) - Water Revenue

The Water Revenue Bureau provides all billing and collection functions for water and sewer charges. They ensure that the Philadelphia Water Department has the financial resources needed to provide reliable, high-quality water to Philadelphia residents, businesses, and communities.

They have information on how to pay a water bill, how to deal with shutoffs, and navigating disputes.

Special Hardship Program: Patients may be eligible for the special hardship program if they have experienced any of the following circumstances in the past 12 months:

• Household growth: New baby added to the family, or a family member moved in.
• Job loss: Main income earner was out of work for four months and was on unemployment.
• Serious illness: Customer or family member has a life-threatening condition or is receiving in-home care.
• Family loss: Household’s primary income earner passed away.
• Domestic violence: Customer spent time in a shelter because of domestic violence.

Even if they are not experiencing one of the hardships listed above, claims are determined on a case-by-case basis; patients may explain their specific situation when filling out the application.

The Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) is a privately funded grant available to income-eligible customers who are behind on their utility bills. It is offered when no other federal aid is available.

The UESF grant is designed to pay off the balance of a customer’s unpaid utility bill and bring it to zero. PGW matches the amount of the UESF grant to accomplish this.

The maximum UESF grant amount is $1,500. Customers can apply for grants at designated UESF Intake Sites. Customers are eligible to apply for UESF once every two years (eligibility link).

The City of Philadelphia has an amazing Food Distribution Sites website that identifies where to find food resources.

If you are looking for emergency food resources in response to COVID-19, please note that the City of Philadelphia is offering neighborhood pickup of free, nutritious food. The have listings of senior meals sites, student meal sites, and general food sites for Philadelphia residents.

WHY Hunger helps find food in your patient's geographic area; you can search the site using your patient's zip code in the search box, call 1-800-5-HUNGRY, or you or your patient can text the zip code to 1-800-548-6479.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides USDA-donated food to low-income seniors through monthly “senior boxes.” Philabundance packs and distributes these boxes to strategically chosen locations throughout the Delaware Valley, ensuring that more seniors have access to shelf-stable foods to last them throughout the month. Boxes contain approximately 30 pounds of canned and boxed food, including vegetables, fruit, juice, pasta, milk, cereal, canned meat, and a non-meat protein.

To qualify, participants must be:

• 60 years or older.
• Receiving an income that is at or below 130% of the poverty line .
• A resident of Pennsylvania (Delaware or Philadelphia County).

Meals at Senior Centers: Any Philadelphia resident 60 or over can go to a senior community center funded by PCA to have a lunchtime meal.

The SHARE Food Program offers front-door deliveries. They provide regular deliveries of boxes of fresh, healthy food right to the doorsteps of seniors and people with disabilities.

Meals on Wheels focuses on caring for individuals whose diminished mobility makes it hard to shop for food, prepare meals, or socialize with others. Generally, programs serve adults 60 and over, although age requirements can vary by program and areas served. People who are mobile enough to join others for meals in a group setting where seniors congregate, such as senior centers and cafes, are encouraged to do so, while others less mobile may qualify for home delivery.

MANNA is a nonprofit organization that cooks and delivers nutritious, medically appropriate meals, and provides nutrition counseling to neighbors who are battling illnesses such as cancer, renal disease, and HIV/AIDS.

They deliver three meals a day, seven days a week, to qualifying patients in the greater Philadelphia area and southern New Jersey.

Of note: MANNA clients must currently be battling or in care for a serious illness and, due to that illness, are at acute nutritional risk. Some nutrition indicators include:

• Recent unintentional weight loss.
• Recent extended hospitalization.
• Start of new medical treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, or hemodialysis).
• Recovery from surgery.
• Wound care.

There are two ways to apply for MANNA’s meal and nutrition counseling services:

• A medical professional (doctor, dietitian, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, case manager, etc.) can complete an online MANNA Referral Form and fax it to our Nutrition & Client Services Department at 215-496-9102.
• Patients can also refer themselves (with the help of CE students) by calling 215-496-2662 x5. A Nutrition & Client Services team will assist the patients and coordinate with their healthcare providers to complete the required referral form.

KleinLife home-delivered meals are available to eligible patients with zip codes in Northwest and South Philadelphia (see below). All meals are planned by a registered dietician and are low in sodium and cholesterol. Dinner consists of a protein source, vegetable, and starch, and is served with bread, juice, milk, and dessert. Diabetic desserts are available. A fee is charged for each meal. When available, donations are used to assist consumers with paying for their meals. Meals are delivered the next day following the order. Please note: Agencies receiving funding (e.g., AAAs) take a few weeks or longer to respond to a request for home-delivered meals. To be eligible for the service applicants must: Need assistance with meal preparation due to health problems AND live in the service area (zip codes below):

19104 19119 19120 19126 19129 19131 19132 19133 19138 19139 19140 19140 19141 19142 19143 19144 19145 19146 19147 19148 19150 19151 19153

Persons living outside of the delivery areas may make arrangements to pick up meals from the distribution site located in zip code 19119.

Contact: 215-698-7300.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps): Currently provides 1 in 7 Americans with help making ends meet. Your patient can determine eligibility and learn how to access SNAP benefits by accessing this site. We can connect you with your nearest food bank's application assistance program.

Online purchasing can also occur as a SNAP pilot; an EBT card is available for use at the 25 ShopRite stores in Pennsylvania; all Walmart stores across Pennsylvania; and all Amazon Pennsylvania customers. It will not cover delivery costs.

The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger strives to build a community where all people have the food they need to lead healthy lives. The Coalition connects people with food assistance programs and nutrition education; provides resources to a network of food pantries; and educates the public and policymakers about responsible solutions that prevent people from going hungry. They do this through:

• Immediate Relief: We connect people in need to food pantries and soup kitchens in their neighborhood; often able to find an option that will provide food that very day.
• Short-Term Relief: We help people apply and obtain SNAP (food stamp) benefits through our SNAP Hotline.
• Long-Term Relief: We advocate on behalf of those who face food insecurity to ensure that they have a voice in shaping responsible solutions to hunger in both local and national policy recommendations.

Coalition Contact: 215-430-0555
SNAP Hotline: 215-430-0556

Modivcare is a service that provides transportation for Medical Assistance patients:

• Provides transport to medical appointments with curb-to-curb pickup.
• Must reside in Philadelphia County. Must be disabled and on Medicaid. Must schedule transport three days in advance. Can schedule up to 30 days in advance. Individuals on dialysis will need MD letter to have a standing order for transportation. Only does transports that are for medical reasons. Example: Doctor visits, d/c from a hospital, dialysis, chemotherapy treatment, etc.

Pennsylvania numbers:

• Humana National Medicare (MCR): 1-866-588-5122
• Pennsylvania Medicaid: 1-877-835-7412
• Philadelphia/PA Keystone VIP Choice: 1-877-917-4146
• Philadelphia/PA AmeriHealth VIP Care: 1-877-659-6137
• UnitedHealthcare Medicare National: 1-866-418-9812

Some Insurance programs have services:

Keystone First (PA) has a Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), available for all people on Medical Assistance. It will provide public transportation, mileage reimbursement, or paratransit services for covered appointments.

• Humana National Medicare (MCR): 1-866-588-5122
• Pennsylvania Medicaid: 1-877-835-7412
• Philadelphia/PA Keystone VIP Choice: 1-877-917-4146
• Philadelphia/PA AmeriHealth VIP Care: 1-877-659-6137
• UnitedHealthcare Medicare National: 1-866-418-9812

MTM Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) [website]

MTM is a medical transportation company that develops innovative solutions for clients to access healthcare, increase independence, and connect with community resources in the most cost effective manner. 

PA Health & Wellness has also contracted with MTM to provide mileage reimbursement to family and caregivers providing transportation to medical appointments.

Use patient’s address and insurance to determine eligibility and services available. 

CCT Connect is SEPTA's complementary paratransit operation (for seniors and disabled). It provides two types of door-to-door service for registered customers by advance registration:

• Shared Ride Program (SRP) for Philadelphia residents over the age of 65, funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.
• ADA program for people who are functionally unable to use the regular accessible transit system for all or some of their transportation needs, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related regulations.

SEPTA's CCT Connect operation handles administration, takes reservations, prepares schedules, dispatches, and monitors service for Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.

Some other notes:

• CCT routes mirror the routes SEPTA has in place.
• Specific locations cannot be accommodated.
• Fare is $4 each way.
• 3-4 week application process (application must be mailed).
• Individual would need to call to determine if they can be approved for CCT and county transportation.
• Curb-to-curb pickup.
• Can take someone shopping and other places.
• They have a ramp to assist people out of their home.

Washington Township offers Municipal shuttle bus service to Washington Township Senior Citizens (55 and over) and disabled residents having doctor appointments or needing any medical testing done within Washington Township, Monday thru Friday, and out of town appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:00 PM.

Got to website Washington Twp Gloucester, NJ for more information 

Call the patient’s existing pharmacy to see how they can assist the patient. If current pharmacy cannot assist, refer to the below which deliver and provide prepackaging:

• Centennial Pharmacy: 267-324-5347
• Baederwood Pharmacy: 215-887-7877
• Fairmount Pharmacy: 215-567-0364
• Glendale Pharmacy: 215-722-6200
• Knight Pharmacy: 215-638-1256

For example, Centennial Pharmacy Services offers free delivery for prescription-receiving patients of Centennial Pharmacy throughout the Philadelphia area. They also provide free delivery services to the North East, Chester, Delaware County, Main Line, South Jersey, and other Philadelphia suburbs.

For non-prescription receiving patients, they offer OTC delivery for $1.99. This service is only available within the city of Philadelphia.

Pharmacy Options: Prepackaged Medications

Medications/Pharmacy: Ask if current pharmacy delivers or provides prepackaging.

Call patient’s existing pharmacy to see how they can assist the patient. If current pharmacy cannot assist, refer to the below, which deliver and provide prepackaging:

• Centennial Pharmacy: 267-324-5347
• Baederwood Pharmacy: 215-887-7877
• Fairmount Pharmacy: 215-567-0364
• Glendale Pharmacy: 215-722-6200
• Knight Pharmacy: 215-638-1256

The Medicare Extra Help Program (Low-Income Subsidy) provides assistance for patients in paying for their Part D monthly premium, annual deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. The amount of subsidy depends on the individual’s income compared to the Federal Poverty Level and resource limitations set by the Social Security Act.

Program Information

To apply for the Medicare low-income subsidy, your patient will need to fill out an "Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs" (SSA-1020) form with Social Security.

Apply Form & Submit

You may call Social Security at 1-800-771-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and request an application be mailed to your patients or assist them in applying over the phone. Social Security representatives are available by phone Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Your patients may also apply in person at their local Social Security office.

Another Option:

PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067
Open: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday

Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) offers free Medicare counseling to older Pennsylvanians. They can assist patients to apply for the Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help Program, and PACE.

According to the website, PA MEDI Counselors can help you:

• Understand Medicare eligibility and enrollment.
• Understand your Medicare benefits by explaining what services are covered under Medicare Parts A and B and your Medicare Summary Notice.
• Understand your Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) benefit.
• Make informed choices about Medicare coverage options, Medigap policies, and Medicare Advantage Plans
• Understand financial assistance programs that may be available to help pay for your Medicare premiums, deductible and copays, as well as your prescription drug needs (Extra Help and Medicare Savings Plan).
• Understand and assist with the Medicare appeal process.
• Understand benefits under Long-Term Care policies.

Pennsylvania's prescription assistance programs for older adults, PACE and PACENET, offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. For more information, call: 1-800-225-7223.

PACE Criteria:

• You must be 65 years of age or older.
• A Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.
• You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Service's Medicaid prescription benefit.
• For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less.
• For a married couple, combined total income must be $17,700 or less.

PACENET Criteria:

• You must be 65 years of age or older.
• A Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.
• You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Service's Medicaid prescription benefit.
• PACENET income limits are slightly higher than those for PACE.
• For a single person, total income can be between $14,500 and $27,500.
• For a married couple, combined total income can be between $17,700 and $35,500.

To apply, you can help your patients submit online or print the forms, fill them out, and mail them in. Link to online portal and forms.

Good RX

Drug prices vary widely between pharmacies. GoodRx finds the lowest prices and discounts. Collect and compare prices for every FDA-approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. Find free coupons to use at the pharmacy and show the lowest price at each pharmacy near you. Have your patient download the app on their phone.

$4 Medications

• ShopRite
• Costco
• BJ's
• Target
• Walgreens
• Generic Drug Program: Generic drugs used for maintenance therapy at $9.99 for a 90-day supply or $3.99 for a 30-day supply.

No prescription plan required.

Rx Hope provides "a helping hand" to people in need of obtaining critical medications that they would normally have trouble affording – they help patients to navigate the "patient assistance programs."

You can assist your patient in filling out an RX Hope "online patient assistance request" by following this link.

The APPRISE Program (through Einstein Medical Center) provides free assistance and counseling to Philadelphia residents age 60 and older, with all types of health insurance, including Medicare; Medicaid; private policies such as Long-Term Care; Managed Care; and Medicare Supplement Insurance. APPRISE counselors answer questions about benefits; help with claims and billing questions; refer to appropriate government agencies; show how to be protected against fraud and abuse; try to assist the homebound if counseling can be done over the phone. If necessary a home visit can be arranged.

APPRISE Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia serves ZIP codes 19111, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 24, 26, 28, 35, 36, 38, 40, 41, 44, 49, 50, 52 and 54.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Contact Einstein Medical Center: 215-456-7600

BenePhilly services and locations

Of note, BenePhilly can help your patients apply for (but not limited to):

• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Welfare (TANF)
• Health Insurance (CHIP, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)
• Assistance with heating bills (LIHEAP)

They will help with completing applications AND follow-up on the application process. FREE service for any Philadelphia resident.

BenePhilly Center Locations

Catholic Social Services – Casa Del Carmen, 4400 North Reese St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 (Mon-Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) Phone: 267-331-2500

Catholic Social Services – Southwest Family Services Center, 6214 Grays Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19142 (Mon-Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) Phone: 215-724-8550

Impact Service Corporation – 5847 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144 OR 1952 E. Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134

Philadelphia FIGHT – 1207 Chestnut St., 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Mon- Fri, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Project HOME – 1515 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130 (Mon-Wed: 9:00 am - 6:30 pm; Thurs, Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Every other Sat: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

UESF – 1608 Walnut St.., Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Mon-Wed: 9:00 am - 7:30 pm; Thurs: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

United Communities Southeast Philadelphia, Houston Center – 2029 S. 8th St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (Mon-Wed: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm; Thurs and Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm)

Your patients may be eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). With the assistance of your CHW, consider helping your patient complete the necessary information online to apply. 

COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information.

HHS.gov facilitates signing up for medical insurance through the insurance marketplace.

Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging (PCA) assists older Philadelphians and those who care for them to find the services and resources they need.

Request Assistance

Have a question?
Email them: info@pcaphl.org

Want to talk with someone?
Call the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040; or TDD: 215-765-9041
(Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm)

Reports of suspected abuse may be made 24/7 by calling 215-765-9040, or call toll-free from outside Philadelphia: 1-888-482-9060.

The Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging (PCA) Caregiver Support Program serves caregivers of functionally impaired adults 60 and up, and caregivers 55 and up of individuals 19-59 with a disability or dementia, or of children under 18 living with a relative who is not the parent. The caregiver must provide and be responsible for the routine care of the individual and meet financial eligibility requirements.

The program includes care management, financial assistance, education and training, information and referral, and benefits counseling.

Families who qualify financially can also receive assistance from PCA with purchasing items and services, including: Home adaptations and assistive devices such as lift chairs, bathroom safety grab bars and hand-held showers, which can help the care recipient to be more independent. Assistance may also be available to help with purchasing medically needed supplies such as Tylenol skin care products, adult briefs, and bed pads not covered by insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid. Assistance may also be available to help with personal care services; homemaker services; companion care; and adult daycare.

Eligibility Guidelines for Financial Assistance:

• Support is provided on a sliding scale, based on the household income where the care recipient resides. Home modifications of a lifetime benefit up to $2,000 can also be made. PCA’s Caregiver Support Program provides assistance up to $200 a month to unpaid caregivers of impaired adults age 60 or over; or caregivers (age 55+) for individuals between 19-59 years of age who have a disability or who have a diagnosis of dementia. The caregiver must be age 18 or older and must be providing daily hands-on care.
• Call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 to learn more. PCA’s care managers also counsel families on their eligibility for other programs including: PACE and PACENET pharmaceutical programs, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program.

Maximus is the Independent Enrollment Broker, a contracted statewide entity to facilitate and streamline the eligibility/enrollment process for applicants seeking services for several Pennsylvania waivers/programs. The Independent Enrollment Broker provides enrollment services for applicants who are aging or with physical disabilities, applying for Aging, Attendant Care, COMMCARE, Independence, and the OBRA Waivers or the Act 150 Attendant Care Program.

The PA Independent Enrollment Broker will work in close collaboration with service coordination providers and key stakeholders to respond to needs, address issues, and ensure participants receive prompt, high-quality service.

You may access the Maximus (PAIEB) site by clicking here.

Jewish Family and Children's Service (JFCS) offers financial assistance (and more) for seniors and older adults:

• Financial emergencies that might require assistance with expenses like rent, utilities, and clothing.
• Home care assistance such as bathing or meal preparation so that an older adult can stay in his or her home.
• Chores and housekeeping when an older adult cannot perform household tasks.
• Transportation.
• Nutritious, home-delivered meals.
• Home safety equipment.
• Assistance with accessing available public and private benefits.
• Financial assistance for seniors and older adults.

Call 866-JFCS-NOW or email: info@jfcsphilly.org. You may also assist your patients by filling our an online request for services.