PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A number of COVID-19-related unemployment programs are slated to end this upcoming Saturday.
However, officials in Pennsylvania are trying to find more targeted ways to help unemployed Pennsylvanians get back on their feet.
Pennsylvania Labor and Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier said more than 558,000 people in the Commonwealth will be affected by the end of those federal unemployment programs.
"They've helped Pennsylvanians buy food, pay bills, get medicine and pay for housing," Berrier said.
She said the state is now ready to return to a place where they address these hurdles so many are dealing with, with more specific assistance.
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"We're connecting individuals with more specific programs like Childcare Works, PA CareerLink and disability benefits," Berrier explained.
Department of Human Services Deputy Secretary for the Office of Income Maintenance Inez Titus says rent assistance programs, healthcare coverage and supplemental food programs are all things they want people to know are out there and can help them.
"If you have a family with children, you may be eligible for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF," Titus said, adding there should be no shame or stigma with asking for help, and they want anybody who may need it to know that.
Additional links:
- PA CareerLink
- Pennie
- Compass
- Food Security