COVID-19 Resources for Delaware County, PA

Last Updated May 13, 2021

Have resources that should be added to these lists? Please send them to info@helpmlp.org.

Interested in volunteering to help with the COVID-19 crisis in Delaware County? The Citizen Corps of Delaware County is looking for volunteers.

Webinar – The American Rescue Plan Benefits for Delaware County

On May 11, 2001, The Foundation for Delaware County and HELP: MLP hosted a webinar with subject matter experts from organizations across Delaware County to provide information and resources to advocates and community members on how to access benefits through the American Rescue Plan.

Resources from Delaware County government agencies

There are two numbers for residents to call for COVID-19 related resources and questions:

  • 610-344-6225 – the Chester County Health Department Hotline (Monday-Sunday 8:30am-4:30pm)
  • 1-800-722-7112 – the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline (24/7). 

Residents should register for the DelcoAlert notification system for information and alerts related to emergencies.

Public Transportation

SEPTA riders are asked to wear masks on all transportation lines. SEPTA is providing updates on its website daily.

Health-related resources

On March 19, 2020, the Delaware County and Chester County entered into an agreement to allow the Chester County Health Department to lead Delaware County’s COVID-19 response.

Delaware County residents seeking COVID-19 resources and information can call the Chester County Health Department Hotline at 610-344-6225 from 8:30-4:30pm seven days weekly. Residents can also call the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days weekly at 800-722-7112.

Resources for families with young children

Women’s Infants & Children (WIC)

WIC is still accepting new participants. If you would like to apply for benefits, please call 484-471-3320.

Some Delaware County WIC Offices are open, though primary operations are through telephone or pick-up/drop-off. The best information can be found by calling your local WIC office. WIC office staff will begin issuing all benefits via mail and calling participants to collect intake information so that benefits can be mailed. Clients will be directed to call the clinic where they participate:

  • Springfield Clinic 484-479-3086
  • Eddystone Clinic 484-480-8800
  • Upper Darby Clinic 610-713-5800

Resources for people experiencing intimate partner violence or abuse

  • The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County‘s office is open, though most services are being conducted over the phone. Their 24/7 hotline is open at 610-565-4590, and virtual support groups can be found here.
  • The Delaware County Women Against Rape and Crime Victims Services’ office is currently closed; however, their 24/7 hotline is open at 610-566-4342. Additional services can be reached at:
    • Victims of Other Serious Crimes 610-566-4386
    • Crime Victims Law Project 610-566-6463

Resources for people in recovery

Behavioral health resources

  • Pennsylvania Statewide Support and Referral Hotline is available at 1-855-284-2494, For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
  • The PA Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 by texting “PA” to 741741. Services are confidential and free.
  • The Delaware County Crisis Connections Team Warm Line is available at 855-464-9342. The Warm Line is staffed by Certified Peer Specialists to support individuals with mental health and emotional challenges.
  • The Delaware County Crisis Connections Team Mobile Crisis Service is available at 855-889-7827 24/7. The Mobile Crisis Service provides crisis response, on-site mobile crisis assessment, and referral services.
  • Delaware County suicide prevention resources (Prevent Suicide PA)

Public benefits and income supports

If you have lost your job, or have had a reduction in your hours, you may be eligible for SNAP (“food stamp”), Medicaid (“Medical Assistance”), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (“TANF” or “cash assistance”) or heating bill assistance (LIHEAP). You can apply for benefits through Compass. The County Assistance Offices are currently closed to the public, but they are accepting applications. If you already receive these benefits, but you’ve lost income, you may be eligible for an increase in SNAP or TANF. Because the County Assistance Offices are closed to the public, you should submit information about a change in income in one of the following ways:

The SNAP maximum allowance has been increased by 15% from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021. The added extra 15% will be added in the second half of the month for January. Afterwards, the new SNAP amount will come in the first half of the month on your normal payment date.

The new maximums are $234 for a household of 1, $430 for a household of 2, $616 for a household of 3, $782 for a household of 4, $929 for a household of 5, $1114 for a household of 6, $1232 for a household of 7, and $1408 for a household of 8 ($176 for each added person).

There are currently extra SNAP benefits in January 2021, Emergency Allotments (EAs). This is separate from the 15% increase in SNAP benefits boost. These benefits will continue for the duration of federal and state emergency public health declarations. From January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021, you are eligible for the EAs if you received SNAP in January 2021 and didn’t get the maximum benefit for your household size. The extra benefits will be loaded to your EBT card in the second half of January. You do not need to file additional paperwork for the EA.

The USDA approved maximum benefit allotment for all households receiving SNAP, though no additional benefits were provided for households already receiving maximum benefits. The CLS sued, and with cooperation from the Department of Human Services, lowest-income and no-income households in Pennsylvania can receive additional SNAP on top of their maximum benefit allotment.

Some people and families may also qualify for temporary cash assistance through the TANF Diversion payment program.

Pandemic unemployment benefits have been extended for 11 weeks, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). They must be claimed by April 5, 2021, and they don’t apply to any weeks of unemployment before January 2, 2021. If your unemployment claim is inactive, you do not need to file a new claim to receive the extension; instead, reopen your claim and continue filing. 

Unemployment claimants who qualify for an extra $300/week (e.g. those who qualify for Unemployment Compensation (UC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and Extended Benefits) will be automatically paid out until March 13, 2021. You do not need to file a separate application, and the benefits are not retroactive.

If you are an app-based driver, you are now eligible for regular unemployment benefits in PA. You can apply for benefits if your work involves assignments through a mobile app, predetermined rates for trips or assignments, customer reviews, negative consequences for declining assignments, GPS tracking of your driving, and restrictions on your ability to subcontract AND you have lost work through being fired, lack of work (received significantly fewer assignments and your weekly pay has decreased by at least 25%), or voluntary quit (health condition that prevents you from driving, high-risk for COVID-19 or share a house with someone who is high-risk for COVID-19, lost childcare, no access to vehicle). You will need to email UCappeals@pa.gov 10 days after you apply or once you receive a Notice of Determination. Include your full name and mailing address, the date of your application to UC benefits, last four digits of your social security number, and proof of your earnings from each driving company you work for (e.g. 1099s and monthly pay statements).

Telephone health insurance enrollment helplines

Food assistance

School district food access locations for students:

Food banks and pantries:

Housing

  • There is currently a CDC and federal moratorium on evictions
  • Governor Tom Wolf announced a statewide prohibition on evictions through August 31, 2020. No eviction hearing will be heard in Pennsylvania until September 2, 2020. The federal moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for FHA-backed homeowners has been extended, but Governor Wolf has not extended the statewide moratorium.
  • Rental and mortgage assistance through the CARES Act is available to applicants beginning July 6, 2020. Delaware County is collaborating with Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) to process applications for rental assistance. CAADC can be reached at (610) 874 – 8451. The application period for this is now over.
  • Beginning June 1, 2020, Delaware County courts are operating on a limited, staggered basis. Please check the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas website for updates.
  • If your landlord changes your locks, takes your possessions, or cuts off your utilities, the Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN) provides the following advice:
    • Call 911 and report an illegal self-help eviction to the police.
      • If your landlord is still on site and the illegal eviction is still in progress, an officer may be dispatched to assist you.
      • If your landlord is not still on site, you should make a police report. Make sure you write down the DC number so you can request a copy later.
      • You can ask the police for other assistance, like calling your landlord.
  • Family & Community Service of Delaware County
  • Delaware County Department of Human Services
  • All evictions and foreclosures on HUD-backed properties have been suspended until the end of the year.
  • Beginning March 27, 2020, there’s also a federal eviction moratorium for 120 days on the filing of any new evictions against tenants in any type of federally-related subsidized housing, including LIHTC and Housing Choice Voucher Programs (including “Section 8 housing”). Though this expired on July 24, 2020, more information about the extended moratorium can be found here.
  • Tenants are still required to pay rent during the COVID19 crisis. If tenants cannot pay rent during the COVID-19 they should immediately let landlords know in writing that they will not be able to pay rent due to being impacted or affected by the pandemic.

Utilities

  • The utility shutoff moratorium appears to continue for the duration of the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation (November 30), and the winter moratorium begins on December 1 to protect low-income consumers (at/below 250% of the federal poverty level).
  • LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program
  • PECO is offering assistance programs to individuals facing hardship. Individuals seeking assistance should contact PECO Customer Care as soon as possible by calling 888-480-1533.
  • Comcast offers affordable, high-speed internet through Comcast Internet Essentials. 
  • Comcast will not disconnect customers’ internet service or assess late fees. Customers must contact Comcast and choose a new billing date at https://www.xfinity.com/myaccount.

Legal services

  • Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) is temporarily canceling walk-in intake appointments at their offices. They will continue to take applications for civil legal services by phone at 877-429-5994 (Monday through Friday 9am to noon and 1-4pm) or online.
  • The Delaware County Senior Law Center office is currently closed; however, all of their staff are working remotely. Call 610-910-0215 for services.
  • The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County‘s office is currently closed; however, their 24/7 hotline is open at 610-565-4590. They do assist with filing protection from abuse orders.
  • The Delaware County Women Against Rape and Crime Victims Services’ office is currently closed; however, you can reach their Crime Victims Law Project at 610-566-6463.
  • HIAS Pennsylvania provides legal representation to immigrants who meet their eligibility criteria. Call 215-832-0900 Wednesday 9:30am-12pm or Thursday 2pm-4pm to be included on their intake list.
  • Community Legal Services of Philadelphia provides information for immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free tax preparation

Free, virtual tax preparation is available for low-income families through the Campaign for Working Families at GetYourRefund.org. Once there, verify your identity, answer some required questions, and upload your tax documents.

People with families or friends in state prison

The Pennsylvania DOC has suspended all visits indefinitely. Only staff, vendors and contractors will be allowed to enter any of the state prisons, pending the results of a screening. The DOC has begun video visitation in place of face-to-face visits.

The Pennsylvania Prison Society provides updated information on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania prisons, including frequently asked questions and disease tracking.

Funding for non-profit organizations

The Foundation for Delaware County (TFDC) has established a Response Fund for non-profit organizations serving Delaware County during the COVID-19 crisis.

TFDC is considering three funding priority levels:

(1) Front Line Grants: funding for community-based nonprofits that have increased demand for services due to COVID-19. These nonprofits have deep roots in community and a strong track-record serving people who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis. Examples of the types of nonprofits in most need: community-based health clinics, food pantries, organizations that support seniors, meal delivery programs, homelessness programs.

(2) Service-Challenged Grants: funding for nonprofits that are modifying their in-person service delivery modes due to COVID-19 and need assistance to do so.

(3) Long-Term Recovery Grants: funding for nonprofits facing extreme difficulty due to lost revenue from closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges.

Questions about the fund should be directed to Mischico Warren at grants@delcofoundation.org or 610-744-1016.