Free help in Philadelphia
Find the benefits you qualify for.
Food, health coverage, rent help, utility help, and more — real programs with real phone numbers, checked by hand. Answer a few questions and see what fits your household.
Right now · October 2026
LIHEAP opens November 2, 2026: heating grants of $200-$1,000 (plus Crisis grants) for households at or under 150% of the poverty level. Apply free on COMPASS.
• Section 8 list closed — public housing open for some (wheelchair-accessible, 55+, referrals). The alert signup lives on the PHA program page.
• Pennie open enrollment: November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027 (enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage). Pennie is Pennsylvania's own marketplace — the only place for premium tax credits.
• Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 – December 7. Free, unbiased counseling: PA MEDI through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, 215-765-9040.
Email signups happen on the checker and the Apply for Me form — nowhere else.
What do you need help with?
Start with a category, or take the 2-minute check above and let us match you.
How it works
Answer a few questions
Household size, income range, ZIP code, and what you need help with. Nothing is stored with your name.
See your matches
We show the programs that fit, with the phone number and the official application link for each one.
Call or apply
Most programs take applications by phone or on their official site. If you want, we can prepare your guide for you.
Start with a guide
Plain-word walkthroughs of the programs people here use most.
Want us to do the legwork?
Tell us your situation once and we will prepare a personal guide — the programs that fit you, in order, with exactly who to call. It is free, and a person checks every guide before it is sent.
Apply for Me — freeQuestions people ask
Is this really free?
Yes. Philadelphia Benefits is a free community resource. Applying to the programs listed is always free at the official sites, and this site never charges you anything. We are not a government agency.
Do you apply for me, or do I apply myself?
We prepare and guide — you always submit your own application to the agency or organization running the program. We never ask for your Social Security number or bank details.
I was denied Medical Assistance. Now what?
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid in 2015, so many low-income adults DO qualify — up to $22,025 a year for one person. If you were denied, the notice says why: the common causes are a missing document or a renewal that never got completed. Your children may qualify at higher incomes (Free CHIP runs to 208% of the poverty level), and BenePhilly (800-994-5537) helps you re-apply or appeal, free. Run the checker to see your route.
How do I know these programs are real and up to date?
Every listing was verified against the organization's own website or office in October 2026. If you find something out of date, use the “Report a problem” link on that program's page.
Do I need an account or sign-up?
No. The checker and the directory are free with no account. We only ask for your email if you want your guide or the newsletter sent to you.
What happens after I fill out Apply for Me?
A person reads your answers, builds your personal guide — the programs in order, who to call, and what to bring — and emails it to you free. We never ask for your Social Security number or bank details.
