$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Pennsylvania Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Pennsylvania
SSDI in Pennsylvania - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Pennsylvania - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and can no longer work because of a disability. It is based on your earnings record, not your income or savings, so it is money you already earned. If you are approved, your family members may qualify for benefits too, and Medicare follows after a waiting period.
AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT
$1,630
The average monthly SSDI payment for all disabled workers in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
WORK AND STILL QUALIFY
$1,690/mo
You can earn up to this substantial gainful activity limit in 2026 and still be considered disabled ($2,830 if blind)
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
WHY GETTING IT RIGHT MATTERS
62% denied
About 62 percent of initial disability claims were denied nationwide in fiscal year 2024, so strong medical evidence matters
SSA Office of Decision Support FY2024 Workload Data
Who qualifies
- Workers who paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough to be insured
- People with a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- People earning under $1,690 per month ($2,830 if blind) in 2026
- Certain family members of a disabled worker, including some children and spouses
How to apply
The fastest way to file a strong SSDI claim is through Turnout. We start with a free consultation, gather the medical evidence Social Security looks for, and handle the paperwork so nothing gets missed. You pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid, while SSI is based on financial need for people with limited income and resources. Some people qualify for both at the same time.
Can I work while getting SSDI?
Yes, within limits. In 2026 you can generally earn up to $1,690 per month ($2,830 if blind), and a Trial Work Period lets you test working while keeping your full benefit in any month you earn over $1,210.
When do I get Medicare with SSDI?
Medicare starts 24 months after your SSDI benefits begin. While you wait, you may qualify for Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) to cover the gap.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Pennsylvania - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Pennsylvania - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays a monthly benefit to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. Unlike SSDI, it does not depend on your work history. In Pennsylvania, the state adds a small State Supplementary Payment (SSP) on top of the federal amount, and most SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
MAX FEDERAL BENEFIT
$994/mo
The maximum federal SSI payment for an individual in 2026 ($1,491 for a couple)
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
PENNSYLVANIA SUPPLEMENT
$22.10/mo
The maximum Pennsylvania State Supplementary Payment added for an eligible individual ($33.30 for an eligible couple)
PA DHS OIM Policy Manual, Chapter 720 (2026)
RESOURCE LIMIT
$2,000
The countable resource limit for an individual ($3,000 for a couple), not counting your home or one car
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
Who qualifies
- People who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- People with limited income and few countable resources
- Individuals with countable resources under $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple)
- Pennsylvania residents who are U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
The fastest way to file for SSI is through Turnout. We offer a free consultation, help document your income, resources, and medical condition, and guide you through the interview. You pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania add money to my federal SSI check?
Yes. Pennsylvania pays a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) on top of the federal benefit, with a maximum of $22.10 per month for an individual and $33.30 for a couple where both qualify. The SSP is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Will getting SSI qualify me for other help?
Yes. In Pennsylvania, SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and you may also qualify for SNAP food benefits and LIHEAP heating help.
Can I get both SSI and SSDI?
Yes, if your SSDI benefit is low enough you may receive both at once, which is called a concurrent claim. SSI can top up your total to the federal benefit rate plus Pennsylvania's supplement.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
VA Disability Benefits
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA Disability Benefits
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans who were injured or became ill during military service, or whose service made an existing condition worse. Your payment is based on a disability rating from 10 percent to 100 percent. Pennsylvania adds its own benefits on top, including a full real estate tax exemption for many 100 percent disabled veterans.
100% RATING, TAX-FREE
$3,938.58
The monthly payment for a veteran alone rated 100 percent disabled in 2026
VA.gov 2026 Disability Compensation Rates
PA PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
$0 property tax
Qualifying 100 percent disabled Pennsylvania veterans can be fully exempt from real estate taxes on their home
PA DMVA / 51 Pa.C.S. Ch. 89
INCOME PRESUMPTION
$114,637
Applicants with gross annual income at or below this threshold are presumed to have financial need for the PA tax exemption
PA DMVA (2025 threshold)
Who qualifies
- Veterans with a current condition linked to military service
- Veterans whose service worsened a condition they already had
- Pennsylvania veterans rated 100 percent permanently and totally disabled with wartime service, for the property tax exemption
- Surviving spouses of eligible veterans in certain cases
How to apply
The fastest way to file or appeal a VA disability claim is through Turnout. We start with a free consultation, build the medical and service evidence VA needs, and manage the filing. You pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Is VA disability compensation taxed in Pennsylvania?
No. VA disability compensation is not taxed by the federal government or by Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania also does not tax military retirement pay.
How do I get the Pennsylvania disabled veteran property tax exemption?
Apply through your County Director of Veterans Affairs, who forwards your application to the State Veterans' Commission at Fort Indiantown Gap. You must be rated 100 percent permanently and totally disabled with qualifying wartime service, and processing can take up to 90 days.
Can I get VA compensation and Social Security disability at the same time?
Yes. VA disability and SSDI are separate programs with separate rules, and receiving one does not reduce the other. Many veterans qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicare Advocacy in Pennsylvania
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Medicare Advocacy in Pennsylvania
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for younger people who have received SSDI for 24 months or have certain conditions. It has different parts for hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, and the choices can be confusing. In Pennsylvania, free unbiased counseling is available through PA MEDI (formerly APPRISE), the state's official Medicare help program.
WAIT AFTER SSDI
24 months
Medicare begins 24 months after your SSDI benefits start if you are under 65
SSA / CMS
FREE PA COUNSELING
PA MEDI
Pennsylvania's State Health Insurance Assistance Program gives free unbiased Medicare help through local Area Agencies on Aging
PA Department of Aging
AVERAGE PA ADVANTAGE PREMIUM
$22.99/mo
The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium available in Pennsylvania in 2026
PA Department of Aging (PA MEDI)
Who qualifies
- People age 65 and older who are U.S. citizens or long-term legal residents
- People who have received SSDI for 24 months
- People with end-stage renal disease or ALS
- Pennsylvania residents seeking help choosing or comparing Medicare plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get Medicare guidance is through Turnout, and this advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you. We help you understand enrollment windows, compare Part C, Part D, and Medigap options, and avoid late penalties.
Frequently asked questions
What is PA MEDI and is it the same as APPRISE?
PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) is Pennsylvania's free Medicare counseling program, and it is the same program that was called APPRISE before July 1, 2021. Counselors do not sell insurance; they give unbiased help.
Do I have to pay for Medicare if I get SSDI?
Part A is usually premium-free, but most people pay a monthly Part B premium that is deducted from their SSDI check. If your income is limited, Pennsylvania's Medicare Savings Programs can help pay your Part B premium.
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period runs from three months before the month you turn 65 to three months after. If you get Medicare through SSDI, you are enrolled automatically after 24 months of benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Special Education & IEPs
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Special Education & IEPs
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan that spells out the special education services and supports a child with a disability will receive at school. In Pennsylvania, if you ask in writing for an evaluation, the school must respond and follow strict timelines. Getting the evaluation and the goals right early makes a real difference in what your child receives.
EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
Pennsylvania schools must complete an initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your signed consent, not counting summer break
PaTTAN / PA Chapter 14 (2026)
IEP DEVELOPMENT
30 days
If your child is found eligible, the IEP team must develop the plan within 30 calendar days of the evaluation report
PA Chapter 14 / 22 Pa. Code 14.131
REPORT BEFORE MEETING
10 school days
You must receive the evaluation report at least 10 school days before the IEP meeting unless you waive it in writing
Office for Dispute Resolution (PA)
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 who have a disability that affects learning
- Students who need specially designed instruction to make progress
- Families who suspect a disability and request an evaluation in writing
- Children already identified who need their plan reviewed or revised
How to apply
The fastest way to secure the right services is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, help you request an evaluation in writing, review the school's findings, and join IEP meetings alongside you so your child's needs are heard.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start the IEP process in Pennsylvania?
Put your request for an evaluation in writing to the school. The school must then give you a Permission to Evaluate consent form to sign, and the 60-calendar-day clock starts when you return it.
Can the school put my child on a waiting list for an evaluation?
No. If the school agrees to evaluate, it cannot use a waiting list; it must give you the consent form and finish the evaluation within 60 calendar days, minus summer months. If it refuses, it must explain why in writing.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specially designed instruction under special education law for students who need it, while a 504 plan provides accommodations for students with a disability who can learn in the general classroom. A child qualifies for one or the other based on their needs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying residents.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying residents.
Medicaid in Pennsylvania is called Medical Assistance (MA). It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so most adults under 65 qualify based on income alone, with no asset test and no requirement to have children.
EXPANSION ADULT LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults ages 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, about $22,025 a year for one person in 2026
PA DHS / healthinsurance.org (2026)
PENNSYLVANIANS COVERED
3.1 million
More than 3.1 million Pennsylvania residents are covered by Medical Assistance
PA DHS Office of Medical Assistance Programs
KIDS AND CHIP
319% of the FPL
Children qualify for Medical Assistance or CHIP in families earning up to 319 percent of the poverty level
PA DHS (2026)
Who qualifies
- Adults ages 19 to 64 with income up to 138 percent of the poverty level
- Children in families earning up to 319 percent of the poverty level
- People who are aged, blind, or disabled who meet income and asset rules
- SSI recipients, who are automatically eligible
How to apply
Apply online through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355, or in person at your County Assistance Office. Have your income, household size, and identity documents ready. Most decisions come within 30 days, or up to 90 days for disability-based cases.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medical Assistance the same as Medicaid?
Yes. Medical Assistance (MA) is simply Pennsylvania's name for Medicaid. They are the same program.
Will I be turned down if I have savings or a car?
For most adults, children, and pregnant people, there is no asset test, so savings and a vehicle will not disqualify you. Asset limits apply only to aged, blind, disabled, and long-term care categories.
What if I earn too much for Medical Assistance?
If your income is too high for MA, you can shop for subsidized private coverage through Pennie, Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace. Because Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid, there is no coverage gap.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly grocery benefits to help cover food costs.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly grocery benefits to help cover food costs.
SNAP helps low-income Pennsylvanians buy groceries with a monthly benefit loaded onto a PA ACCESS Card, the state's EBT card. Pennsylvania uses a more generous income rule than the federal minimum, so many working households qualify. You can apply for SNAP, Medical Assistance, and other help in one place through COMPASS.
PA INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Pennsylvania sets the SNAP gross income limit at 200 percent of the poverty level, well above the federal 130 percent floor
PA DHS SNAP Income Limits (Oct 2025-Oct 2026)
FAMILY OF 4 MAX
$994/mo
The maximum monthly SNAP allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and DC
USDA FNS (2026)
PENNSYLVANIANS FED
Nearly 2 million
SNAP helps nearly two million Pennsylvanians afford groceries each month
PA DHS
Who qualifies
- Households with gross monthly income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level
- Most households with no asset test under Pennsylvania's broad-based categorical eligibility
- U.S. citizens and qualified non-citizens living in Pennsylvania
- Working adults, older adults, and people with disabilities who meet income rules
How to apply
Apply online through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us, by phone, or at your County Assistance Office. Have proof of income, household size, and housing costs ready. Standard applications are decided within 30 days, and expedited cases in as few as 5 days in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pennsylvania's income limit for SNAP?
Pennsylvania uses a 200 percent of poverty gross income limit, which is $2,610 a month for one person and $5,360 for a family of four as of October 2025. This is higher than the federal 130 percent standard, so more households qualify.
Will my savings or car count against me?
For most households, no. Pennsylvania eliminated the asset test for the majority of applicants under broad-based categorical eligibility, so a home, car, and modest savings generally will not disqualify you.
How fast can I get help in an emergency?
If your income is very low or your housing costs are high, you may qualify for expedited SNAP within 5 days in Pennsylvania. Otherwise a standard decision comes within 30 days.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC in Pennsylvania - Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC in Pennsylvania - Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. In Pennsylvania, WIC is run by the Department of Health, and benefits load onto a PA WIC EBT card you use at authorized stores. If you already get Medical Assistance, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet the income rules.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185 percent of the poverty level qualify for WIC
PA Department of Health WIC (2025-2026)
AUTOMATIC ELIGIBILITY
MA, SNAP, TANF
Getting Medical Assistance, SNAP, or TANF makes you automatically income-eligible for WIC
PA Department of Health WIC
WHO IT SERVES
Women with children
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of 5
PA Department of Health WIC
Who qualifies
- Pregnant people and those up to 6 months postpartum, or up to 12 months if breastfeeding
- Infants and children up to their fifth birthday
- Households at or below 185 percent of the poverty level
- Families already on Medical Assistance, SNAP, or TANF, who qualify automatically
How to apply
Call the PA WIC hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) or pre-apply online to schedule an appointment at a local WIC clinic. Bring proof of identity, Pennsylvania residency, income, and immunization records for children. Most applicants who meet income guidelines are certified the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get both WIC and SNAP?
Yes. WIC and SNAP are separate programs and you can use both. At checkout, use your PA WIC card first for WIC-approved items, then your SNAP EBT card for the rest.
Does my immigration status affect WIC?
WIC does not require proof of citizenship or immigration status, and it is excluded from public charge determinations. Eligibility is based on category, residency, income, and nutritional risk.
Do I have to be low-income if I already have Medical Assistance?
No. If you or a family member receives Medical Assistance, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement and do not need to prove income separately.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP (Heating Assistance)
Help with heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP (Heating Assistance)
Help with heating and cooling costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Pennsylvanians pay winter heating bills. It offers a one-time cash grant sent directly to your utility or fuel provider, plus separate crisis grants if your heat is shut off or about to be. LIHEAP is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and you apply through COMPASS. It is a grant, not a loan, so you never pay it back.
CASH GRANT RANGE
$200-$1,000
The one-time LIHEAP cash grant for the 2025-2026 season, based on household size, income, and fuel type
PA DHS (2025-2026 season)
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Households at or below 150 percent of the poverty level qualify, about $23,940 a year for one person
PA DHS (2025-2026 season)
CRISIS HELP
Up to $1,000
Crisis grants of $25 to $1,000 are available if your heat is off or in danger of being shut off
PA DHS (2025-2026 season)
Who qualifies
- Renters and homeowners responsible for heating costs
- Households at or below 150 percent of the poverty level
- Pennsylvania residents regardless of whether they get other public assistance
- Households facing a heating emergency, for crisis grants
How to apply
Apply online through COMPASS at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by paper application at your County Assistance Office, or by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. You must apply each season. The 2025-2026 season ran from December 3, 2025 through the extended deadline of May 8, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay LIHEAP back?
No. LIHEAP is a grant, not a loan, so it never has to be repaid. The cash grant goes directly to your utility company or fuel provider and is credited to your bill.
Can I get help if my heat is already shut off?
Yes. LIHEAP crisis grants of $25 up to $1,000 are available if your heating service is shut off, about to be terminated, or you are nearly out of fuel. You can receive more than one crisis grant per season up to the $1,000 maximum.
Do I need unpaid bills to qualify?
No. You do not need to be behind on your heating bills or already receiving public assistance to qualify for a LIHEAP cash grant. You only need to meet the income guidelines.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Pennie (ACA Marketplace)
Cut your monthly premium - sometimes $0.
Pennie (ACA Marketplace)
Cut your monthly premium - sometimes $0.
Pennie is Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace, and the only place Pennsylvanians can get financial help to lower the cost of a private health plan. If you do not have coverage through work, Medicaid, or Medicare, you can shop and compare plans on Pennie. Most enrollees qualify for tax credits that reduce their monthly premium.
ENROLLED FOR 2026
486,000
Around 486,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled through Pennie for 2026 coverage
Pennie (PHIEA) 2026 Open Enrollment
GET FINANCIAL HELP
4 in 5
Four out of five Pennie enrollees qualify for premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
Pennie (agency.pennie.com)
2026 COST JUMP
102%
Premiums rose an average of 102 percent for 2026 after enhanced federal tax credits expired
Pennie (PHIEA)
Who qualifies
- Pennsylvania residents without affordable coverage from an employer or government program
- Households across a wide range of incomes, many of whom qualify for tax credits
- People who lost other coverage or had a major life event, for a special enrollment period
- U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants
How to apply
Enroll at pennie.com or call Pennie Customer Service at 844-844-8040. Have your household income and Social Security numbers ready to see your savings. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15 through December 15, 2026; outside that window you need a qualifying life event.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pennie the same as HealthCare.gov?
No. Pennsylvania runs its own marketplace called Pennie, so you enroll at pennie.com rather than HealthCare.gov. Pennie is the only place to get tax credits that lower your premium in Pennsylvania.
What if I cannot afford a plan this year?
Check whether you qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) first, since there is no coverage gap in Pennsylvania. If your income is higher, Pennie's premium tax credits may still bring a plan within reach, and four out of five enrollees receive them.
When can I sign up?
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from October 15 to December 15, 2026. Outside open enrollment, you can only enroll if you have a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, moving, or having a baby.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Cash Assistance (TANF)
Short-term cash for families with children in financial crisis.
Cash Assistance (TANF)
Short-term cash for families with children in financial crisis.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), called Cash Assistance in Pennsylvania, provides a monthly cash grant to low-income families with children while they work toward self-sufficiency. The grant amount depends on your family size and which county you live in. Benefits load onto a PA ACCESS Card, and most adults must take part in the RESET work and training program.
FAMILY OF 3 MAX GRANT
$403/mo
The maximum monthly cash grant for a family of three with no income in Philadelphia and most urban counties, ranging from $365 to $421 by county group
PA DHS Cash Assistance Handbook, Ch. 168 App. B
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
Adults can receive TANF cash assistance for up to 60 months total over their lifetime
PA DHS (2026)
RESOURCE LIMIT
$1,000
Countable resources must stay at or below $1,000 to qualify
PA DHS Cash Assistance
Who qualifies
- Families with a child under 19, or pregnant Pennsylvanians
- Households with very low income and countable resources at or below $1,000
- U.S. citizens and certain lawfully admitted permanent residents
- Adults willing to take part in the RESET work and training program unless exempt
How to apply
Apply online through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us or at your County Assistance Office. Have proof of identity, residence, income, and your children's information ready. You can also call the DHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 for help.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash will I actually get?
The maximum grant depends on your family size and county group. For a family of three with no income it is $403 a month in Philadelphia and most urban counties, and it ranges from $365 to $421 statewide. This is the benefit amount, which is different from the income limit used to qualify.
How long can I get Cash Assistance?
Adults are limited to 60 months of TANF over their lifetime. You may qualify for Extended TANF beyond five years in certain situations, such as a disability, caregiving, or domestic violence.
Do I have to work to get Cash Assistance?
Most adults must take part in RESET, Pennsylvania's Road to Economic Self-Sufficiency through Employment and Training, which can include a job, job search, or training. Some people, such as those with a disability, may be excused.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts money back in the pockets of working people with low to moderate income, and it is refundable, meaning you can get cash back even if you owe no tax. Pennsylvania now adds its own refundable credit on top: the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, worth 10 percent of your federal EITC. Watch the name, though: Pennsylvania also has a separate business tax credit for education that is confusingly abbreviated EITC, which is not the worker credit.
MAX WITH 3+ KIDS
$8,231
The maximum federal EITC for a worker with three or more qualifying children in tax year 2026
IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026)
WORKERS WITHOUT KIDS
$664
The maximum federal EITC for a worker with no qualifying children in tax year 2026
IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026)
PENNSYLVANIA STATE EITC
10% of federal
Pennsylvania's Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit adds a refundable 10 percent of your federal EITC, up to $805
PA Department of Revenue WPTC (2026)
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income below the federal limits for their family size
- Workers with or without qualifying children
- Filers with a valid Social Security number and investment income under the IRS limit
- Both single and married filers who meet the rules
How to apply
Claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return with the IRS, even if you owe no tax and are not otherwise required to file. Free help is available through IRS Free File and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across Pennsylvania. Use the IRS EITC Assistant to check your eligibility first.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania have its own EITC for workers?
Yes, as of 2025. Pennsylvania's new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit adds a refundable state credit equal to 10 percent of your federal EITC, up to $805, and if you qualify for the federal EITC you automatically qualify for the state one.
Why do I see 'EITC' on Pennsylvania business websites?
In Pennsylvania, EITC also stands for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, which is a completely different program that gives businesses a tax credit for donating to scholarship and education organizations. It is not a benefit for individual workers and has nothing to do with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
Can I get the EITC if I have no children?
Yes. Workers without qualifying children can still receive a smaller federal EITC, up to $664 for tax year 2026, if they meet the income and age rules.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) reduces the taxes owed by families with qualifying children under 17, and part of it can come back to you as a refund even if you owe little or no tax. You claim it when you file your federal return. Pennsylvania does not have its own child tax credit, so this benefit comes from the IRS.
MAX PER CHILD
$2,200
The maximum federal Child Tax Credit per qualifying child
Tax Foundation citing IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32
REFUNDABLE PORTION
$1,700
The portion of the credit you can receive as a refund even if you owe no tax
Tax Foundation citing IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32
QUALIFYING AGE
Under 17
Children must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year to qualify
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under age 17 who has a Social Security number
- Parents and guardians who claim the child as a dependent
- Households within the federal income phase-out ranges
- Filers with earned income, for the refundable portion
How to apply
Claim the Child Tax Credit on your federal tax return by listing each qualifying child. Free filing help is available through IRS Free File and VITA sites across Pennsylvania. If you also qualify for the EITC, you can claim both on the same return.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Child Tax Credit worth?
The credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child, and up to $1,700 of that can be refunded to you even if you owe no federal tax.
Does Pennsylvania have its own child tax credit?
No. Pennsylvania does not offer a state child tax credit, so the Child Tax Credit you claim comes from the federal government through the IRS.
Can I claim the CTC and the EITC together?
Yes. Many families qualify for both the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit and can claim them on the same federal return.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Works (CCAP)
Subsidized childcare for working families.
Child Care Works (CCAP)
Subsidized childcare for working families.
Child Care Works (CCW) is Pennsylvania's subsidized child care program, which helps working families pay for care so parents can hold a job or train for one. The state pays part of the cost directly to your provider, and you pay a share based on your income. The program is run through regional Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs), and you can apply through COMPASS.
INCOME ENTRY LIMIT
200% FPL
Families with annual income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level can qualify to enter the program
PA DHS Child Care Works (2026)
WORK REQUIREMENT
20 hours
Each parent must work at least 20 hours a week, or 10 hours of work plus 10 hours of training
PA DHS Child Care Works
RUN LOCALLY BY
ELRCs
Regional Early Learning Resource Centers determine eligibility and help families find providers
PA DHS Child Care Works
Who qualifies
- Working families with income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level
- Parents working at least 20 hours a week, or 10 hours plus 10 hours of training
- Children from birth through age 12, or through 18 with a documented disability
- Children who are U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents
How to apply
Apply online through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us or contact your regional Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) directly. Have proof of income, work or training hours, PA residency, and your child's information ready. Your ELRC helps determine eligibility and find an approved provider. Call the Child Care Works helpline at 1-877-472-5437 for help.
Frequently asked questions
What income do I need to qualify?
Your family's annual income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to enter Child Care Works. This is Pennsylvania's actual operating threshold, which is more generous than the federal ceiling.
Is there a waiting list?
There can be. If funding is not available when you apply, your child may be placed on a waiting list, so it is worth applying early. Pennsylvania has invested to reduce waits in recent years.
Do I have to pay anything?
Usually yes, a share called a co-payment based on your income and family size, paid directly to your provider. Families at the lowest income levels may pay nothing.
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