U n e m p loy m e n t

Resource Guide

IntroductIon
This Resource Guide provides a general overview of many services and programs that can help unemployed Pennsylvania residents. Much of the following information has been taken from the Commonwealths online resource guide, www. heretohelp.pa.gov, and individual department websites found through www.pa.gov. You are also encouraged to contact your local PA CareerLink office and your County Assistance Office, Area Agency on Aging, or Veterans Affairs Office, as they apply to you. These agencies can help you to identify programs that match your needs, provide assistance with applications, and offer more detailed information on individual programs mentioned in this guide. They may be able to inform you of any additional resources in your community as well as specialized programs that are available based on your individual situation (such as programs dedicated to seniors or military families). Your State Representative can provide contact information for nearby CareerLinks and assistance offices, as well as help you learn more about programs mentioned in this guide.

resource GuIde contents

1. Employment and job training resources 2. Unemployment Compensation and other financial benefit programs 3. Programs that can help with household and family expenses 4. Health-care coverage and prescription resources Page 5

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1. employment and job traInInG resources

Visit your local CareerLink office
Your first stop as a job seeker should be at your PA CareerLink office, which is a one-stop resource. CareerLinks can help job seekers identify or improve skills, develop a resume, and find targeted education, training, and/or employment programs. By participating in this service, youll have access to a network of job openings; information about employers; training opportunities; and labor market information. As well, youll have access to staff support, which can provide much-needed assistance and individualized suggestions and referrals. CareerLinks also maintain a wide variety of pamphlets, brochures, and books available for employment and training related issues. And, as many resources are available on the Internet, CareerLinks contain public computers that you may use to search for employment and training opportunities, research data on conditions in all of Pennsylvanias labor markets, and prepare your resume. CareerLinks can provide individualized information based on your skills, goals, and personal and employment history, including opportunities for veterans and older Pennsylvanians. Ask your State Representative to refer you to the CareerLink closest to you, or search for service locations through the website, at www.cwds.state.pa.us.

Visit the Pennsylvania Workforce Development website, www.paworkforce.state.pa.us

From this portal, you will be able to access a number of online resources that provide information on conducting a job search, Unemployment Compensation, disability services, labor market information, the Trade Act program, training and education, Veterans benefits, grants and financial aid. The website includes contact information for CareerLink offices.

 Search for state and federal job opportunities

The Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commissions website, www.scsc. state.pa.us, contains a listing of information on current state civil service examinations that are open for application. The job description and qualification requirements for each opening are listed, and you can download or complete applications online. The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Employment website, www.bse.state. pa.us, contains a listing of information on state non-civil service jobs that are currently open. The job title and description for each position are listed on the website, along with applications and resume instructions. The official website that lists federal employment opportunities is www.usajobs.gov. Other sites that allow you to search for federal opportunities include www.fedjobs.com, which is provided by the Federal Research Service, Inc., and provides a toolkit of information to help you land a federal job. The website www.govjobs.com also lists federal job openings in addition to openings in military, state, and local government entities.

Employment Services for Veterans

There are numerous and diverse career programs specifically available to veterans. If you are a veteran or member of the military, you may be eligible for several training and work initiatives as well as receive hiring preference in certain employment opportunities. Your CareerLink office and veterans organizations will be able to offer information and assistance on special opportunities for military and veterans; however, you can also review a number of services on your own. First, CareerLink offices offer specialized help to veterans through the Veterans Program, which provides priority in employment services to qualified individuals. The Veterans Program provides a full range of assistance, including referral services, job development, recommendations for training, and referral to state and local veteran service agencies. Veterans Program
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representatives can also help you match your job skills to job openings and contact employers on your behalf for consideration in hiring. The program includes emphasis on helping disabled veterans secure employment opportunities and Transition Assistance Programs (TAP), which help veterans who are preparing to leave the military. TAP consists of workshops where attendees learn about employment and benefits, conduct job searches, and create resumes and cover letters. Comprehensive outreach and assistance is also provided to veterans and their families through the Governors Veterans Outreach and Assistance Centers. The centers serve as a link between you and your family and public and private agencies. Ask your State Representative to refer you to your local CareerLink office to learn more about these services. Your local veteran service organizations, including your County Veterans Affairs Office or charity or nonprofit organizations, can also assist you in locating job opportunities and provide other fundamental support. Your State Representative can direct you to an agency serving your community. You can also visit the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website, at www. milvet.state.pa.us, for a listing of offices. A directory of veteran service organizations throughout the country can be found on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, www.va.gov. Know that you can transfer the skills youve developed in the military to a variety of careers. Some of the programs you may want to consider include: The Helmets to Hardhats program, which is a national, non-profit initiative that helps veterans and active military or reserve members transition into good paying, skilled employment positions in the building and construction trades. View details about the program or apply at www. helmetstohardhats.org or call 1-877-877-0321.

 The Troops to Teachers program, which is a partnership between the Department of Education and existing intern programs. The program allows qualified veterans to begin a career in teaching immediately and offers financial assistance for eligible applicants for certification costs. Visit www. proudtoserveagain.com or call 1-866-242-3295 for additional information. There are several online job search engines geared specifically toward veterans, including www.vetjobs.com, www.veteransacrossamerica.org, www.militaryconnection.com, www.jofdav.com (Job Opportunities for Disabled American Veterans), and www.hireveterans.com. A number of websites and online communities also provide services and support for military spouses and families, such as the Military Spouse Resource Center, www.milspouse.org.

Employment services for individuals with disabilities

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), within the Department of Labor and Industry, provides individualized services to assist people with disabilities to pursue, obtain, and maintain satisfactory employment. OVR employment counseling and placement services are provided at no cost to eligible individuals with disabilities. Contact information for OVR offices can be found on the departments website, www.dli.state.pa.us, by following the Disability Services link. Additionally, you can call 1-800-442-6351 (1-800-233-3008 TTY) or ask your State Representative to refer you to your local agency.

2. unemployment compensatIon and other fInancIal benefIt proGrams

Dont hesitate to apply for unemployment compensation or other assistance. Remember that youve helped to fund these programs through your tax dollars. These programs exist so that you can get help when you need it.

Unemployment Compensation
What is Unemployment Compensation? Unemployment Compensation (UC) is a program administered by the PA Department of Labor and Industry to provide income if you lose your job through no fault of your own. If you qualify, you will receive money for a limited time while you look for another job. To be covered by the UC program, you must be a worker who performed services covered by the UC Law for an employer that is required by law or elects to pay into the UC Fund. Comprehensive information about the program, including eligibility guidelines and online application instructions, can be found on the departments website, www.dli.state.pa.us (keyword unemployment). How does it work? To provide a brief overview of the UC process, the first step is filing an initial application for benefits, which can be completed on the PA Department of Labor and Industrys website or by calling your regional UC Service Center. After your initial application is completed, you will file biweekly claims for benefits online or by calling the automated system, Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT). How do I apply? You can apply by phone or online. The toll-free number for the UC Service Center is 1-888-313-7284. You may also contact your regional UC Service Center. (Additional contact information is listed below and
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on the next page.) Online applications and instructions are found on the departments website. If you do not have Internet or phone access, your local PA CareerLink office provides courtesy phones and computers for your use. PLEASE NOTE: UC Service Centers experience a heavier call volume on Mondays. For faster service, call Tuesday through Friday when call volume is lighter. If you get a busy signal, please call later in the day or week. Due to high call volume, hours for the statewide toll-free number for UC Service Centers have been expanded to Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In an effort to efficiently process new and biweekly claims, the department advises individuals to call on certain days based on their Social Security number. People with a Social Security number ending in an even number are asked to call on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays; while those ending with an odd number should call on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If you are unable to get through to a UC Service Center after repeated attempts, please contact your State Representatives office for assistance.

Contact Information for UC Service Centers TOLL FREE STATEWIDE: 1-888-313-7284 TOLL FREE TTY (Hearing Impaired): 1-888-334-4046 PENNSYLVANIA TELECLAIMS (PAT) TOLL FREE: 1-888-255-4728 PAT TTY (Hearing Impaired): 1-888-411-4728 PAT GRATIS en Espaol: 1-877-888-8104

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Allentown: Local: 610-821-6735 Local TTY: 610-821-6771 Local PAT: 610-821-6659 Fax: 610-821-6281 Altoona: Local: 814-946-7224 Local PAT: 814-941-6849 Fax: 814-941-6801 Duquesne: Local: 412-267-1315 Local PAT: 412-267-1494 Fax: 412-267-1475 Erie: Local: 814-871-4311 Local PAT: 814-878-5700 Fax: 814-871-4863 Indiana: Local: 724-599-1250 Local PAT: 724-599-1004 Fax: 724-599-1068 Lancaster: Local: 717-299-7711 Local PAT: 717-299-7560 Fax: 717-299-7557 Philadelphia: Local: 215-856-6990 Local PAT: 215-560-1978 Fax: 215-560-6981 Scranton: Local: 570-496-2332 Local TTY: 570-562-4871 Local PAT: 570-562-4800 Local PAT TTY: 570-562-4870 Fax: 570-562-4872

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What do I need when I file an application for UC? You will need: - Your Social Security Number - Your PA drivers license number (if you have one) - Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) - Name and address of employer(s) - Your Employer Information Form (if you have one) - Your mailing address - Dates of employment and reasons for leaving - Your most recent pay stub (optional, but helpful) - Your Personal Identification Number, PIN (if you have one) You may also need: - If you worked in another state in the past 18 months, youll need the names and mailing addresses for your employer(s). - If you worked for the federal government, you will also need Standard Forms 8 or 50, W-2s and/or pay stubs. - If you were in the military in the last 18 months, you will need your DD214, Member Copy 4. - If you are covered under Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) or Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA), you will need your TA-W petition number.

What if I am turned down for UC benefits? You have the right to appeal. Please be aware that your appeal must be filed within 15 calendar days of the mailing date of your determination letter from the department. It is important to appeal if you believe you are wrongly being denied benefits. By appealing a determination, you will have the opportunity to have your application reevaluated through a review and hearing process. Ineligible determinations can be reversed, depending on the circumstances. For instance, you may be found eligible for benefits if the reevaluation shows that your former employer reported inaccurate information or if a mistake was made in completing or processing your application.

PLEASE NOTE: If you require legal assistance with your appeal and are unable to afford it, legal aid programs in your area may be able to provide free or low-cost assistance. Contact information for regional and specialized legal aid can be found through Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (1-800-322-7572 or www.palegalservices.org). Additionally, you may want to check with your union (if applicable), local Bar Association, or local nonprofit organizations for referrals.
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 Additional programs that can provide financial benefits

The Workers Compensation program is administered by the PA Department of Labor and Industry to provide assistance to eligible workers who have been injured on the job. Further information is available at www.dli.state.pa.us or by calling: WC CLAIMS INFORMATION HELPLINE Toll free inside PA: 1-800-482-2383 Local calls and calls from outside PA: 717-772-4447 TTY 1-800-362-4228 The PA Department of Public Welfare administers cash assistance. It is certainly worthwhile to apply for any and all services that may help you; however, please be aware that the monetary eligibility guidelines for cash assistance may be difficult to meet depending on other members of your household and financial status. You can apply for this program online at DPWs COMPASS website, www.compass.state. pa.us, or by contacting your County Assistance Office. You can also find information about this program at the DPW website, www. dpw.state. pa.us. You may be eligible to receive federal Social Security retirement or disability benefits, depending on your circumstances. You can learn more about this option by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). Veterans may be eligible for other assistance be sure to contact your Veterans Affairs Office to inquire about programs that can help.

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3. proGrams that can help wIth household and famIly expenses

Utility and Heating Expenses
The state administers several programs that can offer financial help, advice, or mediation services for problems concerning utility expenses. Links to detailed information about the following programs, as well as tips to reduce your utility bills, can be found online at Pennsylvanias Turn, Seal, Save website, www.turnsealsave.org, or by calling 1-866-550-4355. Older Pennsylvanians should contact their Area Agency on Aging, where staff will assist in completing applications and provide referrals to programs that are specifically available for seniors and additional programs that may exist on a regional basis. LIHEAP The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides cash and crisis grants to eligible families to help pay for heating bills during winter months. Applications are available at your County Assistance Office and online at www.compass.state.pa.us. You can also call the Statewide LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095 or TDD for the hearing impaired 1-800-451-5886. Weatherization Assistance The Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program helps residents save money by helping them make their homes more energy efficient, educating them on how to properly use installed equipment, and providing day-to-day energy conservation tips. The program looks to first serve those low-income persons of higher risk, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Services are provided through a network of public and private not-for-profit agencies. To find the agency closest to you, contact your County Assistance Office or the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development at 1-800-379-7448.

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Utility Payment Assistance As required by law, Pennsylvanias major utilities offer assistance programs for low-income customers. Ask your utility company if you qualify for its Customer Assistance Program (CAP); Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program (CARES); Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP); $1 Energy Fund Hardship Program; or other hardship programs or funds. Also ask your utility company to put you on a budget billing plan, which will reduce the amount of your monthly bill by spreading your energy costs over a 12-month period. Budget billing is available to customers of any income level.

Help with Utility Billing Disputes & Termination Notices The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) can help to resolve billing disputes and termination notices from utility companies. While you should first try to resolve the issues directly with your utility company, if you are unsuccessful, you can contact the PUC at 1-800782-1110. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is a state agency that also represents the interests of Pennsylvania utility consumers and may be able to aid in problems concerning your electric, gas, phone, or water bill or connections. To contact them, call 1-800-684-6560.

Housing Expenses
State Mortgage Assistance Any resident who is struggling to pay their mortgage or who is worried about foreclosure should contact the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) at 1-800-822-7375. This agency can provide the resources you need to prevent foreclosure on your home. PHFA offers several programs that can provide emergency mortgage assistance, help eligible residents refinance mortgages, provide loans for certain home repairs, and make referrals for financial counseling or other services. Visit www.phfa.org to learn more about each program.

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Additionally, HOPE NOW is an alliance between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved counseling agents, servicers, investors, and other mortgage market participants that provides free foreclosure prevention assistance. Information is available at www.hopenow.com or by calling 1-888-995-HOPE. PHFAs website, www.phfa.org, also offers an affordable apartment locator tool for renters to link consumers to affordable housing options throughout the Commonwealth. Under the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, seniors and disabled residents can receive up to $650 to pay for property taxes each year. Eligibility and rebates were recently expanded, making many more residents eligible for the program. You can find applications for this program in your State Representatives office or call 1-888-222-9190.

Personal Finances
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking offers accurate information and honest advice on a variety of consumer financial issues, including information on potential scams and enforcement actions taken by the department. Call 1-800-PA-BANKS. The Office of Financial Education within the Pennsylvania Department of Banking can provide information on state and community-based resources for financial education and counseling services. Their Moneys Best Friend website (www.moneysbestfriend.com) offers introductory information, tips, and how-to instructions on many financial topics, including budgeting, banking, credit, and retirement (to name a few). They also supply links and contact information for local resources.

Family Expenses
If you do not have enough money to buy food for yourself and your family, you can receive a Pennsylvania Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card. This food stamp program is administered by the PA Department of Public Welfare. Once enrolled, you will receive a card that works like a bank debit card and allows you to make food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets. You can apply for these benefits from the comfort of your home by using COMPASS (www. compass.state.pa.us) or through your County Assistance Office.

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You can also use COMPASS or visit the County Assistance Office to enroll your children in the National School Lunch Program, which is a federal program that provides free or reduced-priced, nutritious school lunches. As well, you may want to review the other DPW services and programs that may be of use to you, including assistance with child care costs and other support for children and individuals. The Pennsylvania Department of Agricultures website, www.agriculture. state.pa.us, maintains information on additional food assistance programs for low-income families. The Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, www.pahunger.org, also supplies information on food programs and maintains a hotline that can help you determine whether you may be eligible for assistance 1-800-634-2033.

Debt and Creditors

Know that you have rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act regulates the debt collection activities of debt collectors and creditors in Pennsylvania and prohibits them from engaging in certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices while attempting to collect debts. You can learn more at www.attorneygeneral.gov or report problems through the Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-441-2555.

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are nonprofit organizations that receive public funding and provide an array of services to individuals with disabilities. Centers throughout focus on civil rights and advocacy and provide information and referrals, peer support, and independent living skills training. Locate CILs serving your area by visiting the Pennsylvania Council of Independent Living website, www.pcil.net. Should you need assistance in purchasing assistive technology devices that support independent living (such as adapted vehicles, stair glides and lifts, home modifications, hearing and low vision aids, specialized software, etc.), please contact the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF). This organization may be able to help you finance your purchase through their low-interest loan program. For further information, call 1-888-744-1938 (Voice/TTY) or visit www.patf.us.
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 If you are turned down for state assistance programs, dont be discouraged. You should remain in contact with your local assistance office to report any changes in your finances or household. Make sure that you are clear that you are interested in any and all programs for which you may be eligible, and ask for referrals to any local groups that can help you and your family.

Household Expenses Dont be afraid to look for additional help. Check with your local United Way, Salvation Army, and churches. Review postings on community bulletin boards at your community center or library or search online for community web pages. There are many nonprofit and private businesses that seek to help residents. However, be mindful in this endeavor be wary of any services that you are required to pay for and be sure to check out the reputation of any business or service that you plan to utilize.

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4. health care coveraGe and prescrIptIon resources

Certain residents and their families may have the option to continue health benefits through their former employers group health plan for a limited period of time, as allowed by the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Be aware that you may be required to pay the entire cost of your premium if you choose this option. Look for any mention of this plan in documents that were provided to you about your health plan. Further information and eligibility guidelines are available on the U.S. Department of Labors website, www.dol.gov. You should evaluate your eligibility for Medical Assistance (MA), also referred to sometimes as Medicaid, which provides payment for health care services on behalf of eligible low-income individuals. As well, there are a number of other health services offered by the Commonwealth, including prenatal care, dental care, and prescription drug assistance. Inquire about additional programs at your County Assistance Office, or review the Health and Human Services Resource Guide available on the PA Department of Healths website, www.health.state.pa.us. If you are not eligible for MA, determine your ability to enroll in the adultBasic program, which also provides health care coverage for eligible adults. Through contracts with four insurance companies throughout the state, adultBasic offers basic benefits including preventative care, physician services, diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, in-patient hospitalization, out-patient hospital services, emergency accident and medical care. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, and you can apply through the COMPASS website, www.compass.state. pa.us, or your County Assistance Office or by calling 1-800-GO-BASIC. There may be a waiting list for adultBasic; however it is important to have your name added to that waiting list sooner than later.

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 Pennsylvanias Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers health insurance to ALL uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. There is no income limit for this program. To apply, call 1-800-986-KIDS (TTY/TDD 1-800-451-5886), visit www.chipcoverspakids. com or contact your County Assistance Office. Seniors seeking assistance related to health-care programs, including Medicare and PACE/PACENET, should contact their Area Agency on Aging. If you are turned down for state assistance programs, again, dont be discouraged. You should remain in contact with your local assistance office to report any changes in your finances or household. Make sure that you are clear that you are interested in any and all programs for which you may be eligible. Also ask for referrals to other local programs or for information on medical clinics that provide free or low-cost services. If you are ultimately unable to obtain health-care coverage through state programs, private insurance companies offer individual insurance plans. Depending on your age and health, you may be able to obtain a plan that you can afford. If you are in good health, you may want to consider a temporary major medical plan, which can be more affordable than others. You can review plan costs through individual companies or use online tools such as www.coverageforall.org, which can offer tips on gaining coverage based on your needs. For help with prescription drug costs, contact manufacturers. Many brandname drug companies offer assistance programs and may be able to supply you with free or low-cost medicines. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is also a good resource for finding affordable pharmaceuticals you can contact them at 1-888-4PPA-NOW or www.pparx.org. Needy Meds, Inc., is a similar online resource (www.needymeds.org) that provides links to coupons for medications as well as information on low-cost clinics.

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46th LegiSLative DiStRict

Capitol Office: 102B east Wing p.O. Box 202046 harrisburg, pa 17120-2046 (717) 783-6437 Fax: (717) 780-4781 District Offices: Cecil: 3855 Millers Run Road p.O. Box 285 cecil, pa 15321 phone: (724) 746-3677 Fax: (724) 746-3799 Burgettstown: 1541 Main St. Burgettstown, pa 15021 phone: (724) 947-4422 Fax: (724) 947-5386 Canton twp.: 2403 Jefferson ave., Suite c Washington, pa 15301 phone: (724) 222-4192 Fax: (724) 222-4194

Jesse White

State RepReSentative