There are many social service agencies in Allegheny County that can help you and your family. Here are a few that can help you access public assistance programs and other supports:
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – Works with a network of 850+ partner agencies across 11 counties to not only make sure no one has to go hungry, but also to stabilize lives and confront issues of chronic hunger, poor nutrition and health.
Neighborhood Legal Services Association – Provides free legal services to low-income people in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties.
- Call their helpline at 1-866-761-6572
- Use their legal wellness checkup tool if you’re not sure if you need legal aid
- Learn your rights with their legal resources
- Apply for their help online
Pennsylvania Health Access Network – Provides free assistance in understanding, applying for, and enrolling in health coverage, as well as troubleshooting problems.
- Call their helpline at 1-877-570-3642
- Use this online form to request help
Pennsylvania Health Law Project – A non-profit law firm that represents Pennsylvanians who need help getting or keeping Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance or MA).
- Call their helpline at 1-800-274-3258
- Access self-help materials in their resources library
United Way Helpline – The United Way of Southwestern PA has the most extensive database of health and human services programs in the region.
- Access this database online
- Call their helpline at 1-888-553-5778 or 2-1-1
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh – As the largest comprehensive social service/civil rights organization in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh provides services in the areas of education, health advocacy, housing, early childhood and youth development, hunger services, employment and career training and counseling, and economic empowerment.
Official PA Dept. of Human Services Links
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) – (PA Dept. of Public Welfare until Dec. 2014.) PA DHS’s website is a helpful way to learn more about state public assistance programs.
COMPASS – PA DHS’s website for applying for or renewing benefits online.
Manuals and Policies – Access all DHS policies and manuals on Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance/Medicaid, LIHEAP, and Long-Term Care.
Pennsylvania DHS CAO Offices – PA DHS’s contact information for all of its County Assistance Offices in Pennsylvania.
