I’m a senior. Where do I start?
With the money-back programs people miss: the Property Tax / Rent Rebate (up to $1,000 back, renters too, 2025 claims open until December 31, 2026), PACE and PACENET for prescriptions (PACE is for single incomes up to $14,500; PACENET up to $33,500), free SEPTA rides at 65+, and the Senior Food Box. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging helpline (215-765-9040) is the human backstop for all of it.
Can I get help if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Some programs on this site do not ask about citizenship — food distributions and 2-1-1 referrals among them — while state and federal benefits have their own rules, which each program page states as the organization states them. When in doubt, call the program and ask; asking never costs anything. Note: Medical Assistance for noncitizens changed on October 1, 2026 — the Medical Assistance guide carries the current rules.
I need help today, not this week.
Food today: dial 2-1-1 for the closest open pantry (Philabundance’s network runs across the city), or check the city’s food finder at phila.gov/food. A shut-off notice: call UESF (215-972-5170) and your utility the same day — do not wait. An eviction filing: the Eviction Diversion Program (215-523-9901) and the Philly Tenant Hotline (267-443-2500) are built for this week, not next month.
