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Pennsylvania Economic Impact Payment Access
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Campaign for Working Families (CWF), roughly 350,000-450,000 Pennsylvanians may have missed their $1200 Pennsylvania Economic Impact Payment (EIP). If Pennslyvanian did not file taxes, it can still be completed on the non-filer form for the EIP until October 15, 2020. The CARES Act Economic Impact Payments do not affect the benefits of Pennsylvanians who receive assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Medical Assistance.
Secretary Teresa Miller says, “We know that many people may be struggling due to lost jobs or reduced hours because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know that every bit of assistance can help someone make ends meet. The federal Economic Impact Payments are meant to pay bills and cover expenses to get through these tough.
She continued by saying, “Nobody should forego collecting the CARES Act Economic Impact Payments that they are entitled to because they are concerned about losing their benefits. These payments will not affect your benefit amount or eligibility, so I encourage anyone who has not yet applied to receive their stimulus payment to do so.”
The United States Department of Treasury has issued funds known as Recovery Rebates or as Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to most Americans beginning April 10, 2020. Citizens may be eligible for a payment of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, in addition to $500 per qualifying child. Current recipients of assistance in the form of TANF, SNAP, or Medical Assistance can still access the federal stimulus money, and this payment does not count as income or assets in determining eligibility for benefits.
Again, the deadline to request EIP is October 15, 2020. If you do not file taxes or file taxes and receive your tax refund by check, you may need to provide information to the IRS to claim an EIP. For more information or to claim an EIP, call 800-919-9835 or visit this website. is offering assistance to people who If you need help filing an EIP The Campaign for Working Families is offering assistance. Those who file taxes and receive tax refunds via direct deposit will have had their EIP automatically deposited into their account and there is nothing further to do.
Pennsylvanians who have experienced a change in income or job loss, regardless of its relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, can apply for benefits like TANF, SNAP, or Medical Assistance online at any time at Compass. Those who prefer to submit paper documentation can print from the website or request an application by phone at 1-800-692-7462 and mail it to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. Applications are processed around six days for SNAP and 11 days for Medicaid. Once a benefit is approved, it can be immediately obtained.
For more information on public assistance programs visit the Department of Human Services.