Pennsylvania assistance programs

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is the front door for three of the six kinds of help on this site: its County Assistance Offices decide TANF cash and LIHEAP heating grants, and its Office of Child Development and Early Learning pays for Child Care Works through 19 regional Early Learning Resource Centers. Homebuyer help comes only through PHFA's participating lenders, student grants come from PHEAA, and most business money is lent, not granted, by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

One online system, COMPASS, takes applications for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance, LIHEAP Cash and Crisis grants (from November 2, 2026) and Child Care Works, which it routes to the Early Learning Resource Center for your ZIP code. Unlike many states, Pennsylvania has DHS staff at the County Assistance Office, not community action agencies, decide LIHEAP, and receiving SNAP, TANF or SSI does not qualify you automatically. Weatherization is the exception: you apply directly to the DCED agency named for your county. The Pennsylvania energy guide covers the 2026-2027 season and the winter shutoff rule.

Much of the money is a loan. PHFA pays down payment help only as second mortgages tied to its own first mortgages: K-DATE, K-FIT or Keystone Advantage, each needing a 660 credit score. Its only true grant is $500 with an HFA Preferred loan, though Philadelphia (Philly First Home, up to $10,000) and Pittsburgh (URA, up to $7,500) run their own help (homebuyer guide). DCED put the state's $267.8 million SSBCI share into loan funds and venture investment, so the few business grants pay for training, exports, energy upgrades or farm planning (small business guide).

Some figures barely move and others just rose. DHS has paid TANF on the same Family Size Allowance schedule since January 1, 1990, by four county groups (cash assistance guide). PHEAA raised the PA State Grant to a record $6,000 for 2026-27, with PA-TIP covering job programs shorter than two years; the FAFSA is the only way in (student grants guide). Child Care Works raised its entry limit on May 4, 2026, and free PA Pre-K Counts runs separately through the Department of Education (child care guide).