COMPASS & PA Department of Human Services (DHS)
Phone: 1-800-692-7462
Website: compass.state.pa.us
Mobile App: myCOMPASS PA
Pennsylvania’s centralized online application system for public assistance programs, including SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid (Medical Assistance), TANF (Cash Assistance), LIHEAP (Heating Assistance), and Child Care Works.

Lancaster County Assistance Office
Address: 832 Manor St., Lancaster, PA 17604
Phone: (717) 299-7411
Local state office providing in-person help for applying and managing benefits (ideal for households without internet access). Manages applications, redeterminations, and local appeals for SNAP, TANF, Medical Assistance, LIHEAP, and Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA).

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
State Hotline Phone: 1-866-857-7095
Cash Assistance Info Phone: (717) 299-7543
Seasonal state program providing cash grants paid directly to utility companies/fuel vendors to help pay home heating bills, as well as crisis grants for immediate heating emergencies (e.g., shut-off notices, broken heating equipment, or running out of fuel). Crisis grant amounts range from $25 up to $1,000 per season. Apply online via COMPASS, by calling the state hotline, or in person at the Lancaster County Assistance Office.

Pennsylvania Health Law Project
Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-274-3258
Website: phlp.org
Statewide non-profit providing free legal advice and advocacy via helpline for individuals having trouble enrolling in, maintaining, or appealing denials/terminations for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and CHIP. Does not handle Medicare appeals, private health insurance, or SSI/SSDI applications.

211 Pennsylvania (PA 211 East)
Phone: 211
Website: pa211.org
Free, 24/7 confidential helpline connecting residents to local public benefits assistance, emergency food pantries, healthcare enrollment help, utility relief, and childcare subsidies. Certified community navigators are available on select days at the Lancaster Public Library.

PALawHelp Public Benefit Guides
Website: palawhelp.org
An online legal directory offering free self-help guides, legal rights overviews, and local referrals regarding PA public benefits, including SNAP eligibility, TANF rules, and administrative benefit hearing preparation.