Philadelphia COVID Resource Guide

Last Updated: 7/21/20 12:30pm

 **disclaimer- this is information gathered through public resources not put together by a lawyer. This is not official legal advice** This is being updated frequently each day.

For suggested changes/questions/to add a resource to the list email: jennasiegel93@gmail.com or katherinescholle@gmail.com 

Si tiene preguntas, comentarios o quiere recomendar recursos por favor contacten a Karla en su correo electrónico, Karlax215@gmail.com o por teléfono al (267)449-9895

Table of Contents Last Updated 4/28

Applying for County Assistance Office Benefits-

SNAP,

Medical Assistance (Medicaid),

LIHEAP, etc.

Where to apply:

If you are applying for Medical Assistance because you need care urgently,

Phone numbers for County Assistance Office Benefits:

Change Center 215-560-7226

State Customer Service Line: 877-395-8930-

BenePhilly: 844-848-4376-

Income Limits Info:

Non Citizens - benefits eligibility

Non Citizens  with HIV or take atypical antipsychotic medications -

Over income Limit and Need Medical Insurance:

“Households,” dependents, and benefits

Answering application questions:

Tips for applying for benefits:

HIV/AIDS:

Benefits Counseling

Financial planning and counseling

Dealing With Medical Bills

Other Medical Systems Tricks and Tips

Jobs

Utility Company Information

PGW

Philadelphia Water Department

Resources for  reduced utilities.

Immigrant Resources & updates https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b9cUPmqEvZ_GbwQdPBnXa8E4_a-vJfojuu0yvGnKSSU/edit#gid=1262208058

Taxes

Stimulus Check

Voting

Immediate Resources

Masks

Housing

Relief Funds Available

Childcare

Baby Supplies

Diapers, food, and formula through Catholic Services

Breastfeeding Support

Food:

Food - North Philly

Food - South Philly

Food - West Philly

Food - Center City

Food - North West

Food - Online

Phone and Internet access:

Comcast

Verizon

AT&T

T Mobile

Sprint and Boost Mobile

TRANSPORT

SEPTA

Trains

Airport

Corona Specific healthcare

Hotlines

Primary Care

Payment

Testing

Rite Aid

Radnor-

West Philadelphia-

Jefferson

Mainline Health System Testing

CHOP

Cheltenham Mall - American Family Care

Jefferson Abington

Temple Ambler

Sexual and Reproductive Health

HIV testing -

STI Screenings

Mental Health

Crisis Response Centers

Medicaid

Philly LGBTQ Mental Wellness Resource List

Domestic Violence

Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders

Women Against Abuse Legal Center:

Women in Transition

Hotlines

Addiction Resources

MAT/ Suboxone - For individuals needing:

Buperenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone (Vivitrol.)

Alcohol

Remote meetings for those in Recovery/Sobriety Support:

Harm Reduction Supplies in PHL:

Jail visits

List of Links to Offer Help, Donate

List - Donate money!

List - Donate time, energy and general resources

List - Sign petitions

Contact decision makers

Other very helpful COVID Resource Guides

24HrPHL Resource Guide for Nightlife, Arts and Culture and Service Industry

HATIWGPhilly’s COVID-10 Mutual Aid Resources

Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources

Loom COVID 19 Small Business Community Resource Guide

Legal Services

Community Legal Services

  • Their Housing intake hotline will remain open for new cases and can be reached at 267-443-2500.
  • If you have an issue with Medicaid, you can reach the Health and Independence Unit at 215-227-2400 Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-5pm
  • For assistance with home ownership issues, including mortgage and tax foreclosures, please call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-4663.
  • If you are a parent dealing with a DHS-involved case, please call the Family Advocacy Hotline at 215-981-3765
  • For organizational updates about services: https://clsphila.org/coronavirus/

Coalition of Law Students

  • Not official legal advice but will help with answering questions and getting access to resources, fill out the interest form here

Philadelphia Legal Assistance

  • Unemployment compensation, bankruptcy, probate, lawsuit defense, homeownership issues, public benefits, tax income disputes and any other general intake legal problem, will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 215-981-3800. https://philalegal.org/apply 
  • Philadelphia Legal Assistance has set up a hotline for unemployment compensation issues. Their UC hotline: 215-999-6910
  • Monday 9 am - 1 pm
  • Tuesday 1 pm - 5 pm
  • Wednesday 3 pm - 7 pm
  • Thursday 3 pm - 7 pm
  • Friday 10 am - 2 pm

SeniorLAW Center

  • Helps older adults facing challenges in health, housing, financial exploitation and poverty. They operate the only helpline in the state dedicated solely to seniors. Those numbers are 215-988-1242 Philadelphia/ 610-910-0210 Bucks and Montgomery,610-910-0215 and statewide 1-877-727 7529.  Website is www.seniorlawcenter.org 

Education Law Center

  • Education Law Center is a not-for-profit law firm that advocates for the rights of PA’s public school students.
  • ELC remains fully operational, working remotely to connect students and families with resources to help navigate this unprecedented crisis.
  • If you need to seek legal advice, please contact our Helpline at 215-238-6970 (Eastern and Central PA) or 412-258-2120 (Western PA).
  • Please visit ELC’s COVID-19 Response page to find frequently updated resources and information. ELC’s “5 Things to Know” guides are publications focusing on students’ rights while schools are physically closed, such as the rights students with disabilities and students experiencing homelessness are entitled to while school buildings are sheltered.

Homeless Advocacy Project

  • Established in 1990, the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) is the only legal services organization dedicated to providing direct civil legal services to  individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. HAP also advocates for the needs of the City’s homeless population, promoting positive changes in policies that impact those needs.

  • If you have a legal concern or question, call their office at 215-523-9595 and leave a message, and one of their staff will get back to you as soon as they can.

Legal Services for Non Citizens

  • Using Medical Assistance for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis and treatment creates no public charge risk.  As has always been the case under the new public charge rule, the very large majority of people who are eligible for Medical Assistance can receive Medical Assistance without any public charge risk.  In addition to this, USCIS announced that COVID-19 testing, diagnosis and treatment (including a vaccine if/when one becomes available) will not be considered during public charge tests, even if Medical Assistance is used to access these services.

Philly Tenant

City Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylees

Unemployment 

You are eligible if:

  • Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
  • Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
  • You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
  • You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts

How does the unemployment process work?

  • Apply online- do this ASAP: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/File%20an%20Initial%20Claim.aspx
  • When it asks for your pay/hours worked the week prior and if your pay/hours had been cut due to the virus, enter the hours or income that they ask for in that space, but use any space in the application where you can further explain your situation to state  that the previous week does not reflect your normal pay/hours, and inform them of your pay/hours of your normal work schedule. There should be a space for a BRIEF explanation; make it short and sweet ie: hours were cut due to the business’s response to COVID-19.
  • Anything stated on this form can be used against you if your benefit is challenged at a later date.  Be 100% honest, and keep explanations to a minimum - only facts.
  • You will receive two letters in the mail and a four-digit PIN to complete your registration
  • If approved you should receive your check in 4 weeks
  • There’s no longer an unpaid waiting week, so if you are found to be eligible, you’ll receive compensation from the day you send your application in.  There is also no longer a need to prove you are looking for work at this time.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

  • Provides 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to people who are NOT eligible for regularly unemployment compensation
  • This includes those e are self-employed (independent contractors, gig economy workers,) those seeking part-time employment, people without sufficient work history, and those who otherwise don’t qualify for regular unemployment.
  • See this website for more info and FAQs.
  • Apply online here.

Worker’s Compensation

 

Do you believe you were exposed to COVID-19 at the workplace? You may be eligible for a worker’s comp claim!

What to do:

  • If you have medical proof: notify your employer in writing, ask them to file a “disease-as-injury” claim (take screenshots of this + any response you may get from your employer)
  • If there are more cases of COV-ID 19 in your particular industry than in the general public, ask them to file a “occupational disease” claim (take screenshots of this + any response you may get from your employer)
  • If you are denied there is an appeals process through the worker’s comp office
  • If you work in a union shop- contact your union to help with this process!

Essential Employees

  • Document everything- have as much interaction with your higher-ups via email + text; take screenshots and store them on a personal computer. If there’s an in person or over the phone conversation take notes afterwards and send a follow-up email to your higher-up summarizing the conversation.
  • You have the right to refuse to come to work if you don’t feel safe/ have symptoms. Email or text your boss with concerns and make sure to document responses.
  • Request safety equipment/adjusted hours via Email or text
  • You may be eligible to use sick days, even as an hourly employee. Request in writing to use those days- you’ve earned them

Youth Service Dashboard

This dashboard is intended to inform young people, their families, and their service providers about what youth-serving public service programs are open and accessible during the novel coronavirus crisis in Philadelphia (starting March 16, 2020).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14WWyGUq0zcLc_XR-4cDHObr6CHprFDQ-pIwRYXLVXVI/edit

AIDS Law Project

Has a great guide of updates to Philadelphia benefits and services: https://www.aidslawpa.org/coronavirus/

Disability Rights during COVID-19:

https://www.disabilityrightspa.org/covid19/

Applying for County Assistance Office Benefits-

SNAP,

Medical Assistance (Medicaid),

LIHEAP, etc.

Where to apply:

BenePhilly offers FREE one-on-one enrollment support to help Philadelphia residents apply for over 20 public benefits. To apply for public benefits, call BenePhilly at (844) 848-4376 or apply online. They can help you with applications and provide more information and clarification on the application process!

You can also apply directly through the states website at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/Public/CMPHome

If you are applying for Medical Assistance because you need care urgently,

 indicate that on your application. The CAO is supposed to prioritize the processing of applications where there is a medical emergency.

Phone numbers for County Assistance Office Benefits:

Change Center 215-560-7226

If you live in Philadelphia. M-F 8:30-5  This is a call center where all your calls go to speak to someone in the benefits office.  At the call center, they can look at your records and provide information but do not make decisions about your case. You’ll get a different person every time you call.  If you need to make a change, or speak to the worker assigned to your case, the Change Center employee will “put in a ticket” (write this number down!) and the worker who DOES make decisions about your case will call you back.  (Keep your phone on and pick up calls!)  If the person is not helpful you can hang up and call back again and get a different worker. Fax: 215-218-4699.  

State Customer Service Line: 877-395-8930

if you live outside of Phila. Your record number will start with 2 numbers indicating county.  It works the same as the Change Center

BenePhilly: 844-848-4376

They can help you with applications and provide more information and clarification on the application process!

Income Limits Info:

 https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/SNAP-Income-Limits.aspx When they are talking about monthly income- they mean gross (as in what’s on your check before taxes and deductions)- not take home (which is what you actually get).  If you are a PA resident even if you just got here yesterday you could be eligible for PA benefits.  There is currently no limit to the amount of money assets (what’s in your bank acct, cash at home etc) you can have for Medicaid and SNAP,  if your current income falls within the income limit guidelines.  Resource limits do not apply to MAGI (anyone falling under the Modified Adjusted Gross Income categories), but DO apply to people on Social Security and Immigrants not eligible for MAGI, people eligible for MAWD, and Waiver.  

Non Citizens - benefits eligibility

*Thanks to Luis Bravo for the below information.

In response to the Coronavirus, the United States Congress has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

As part of these laws, people with valid social security numbers that have filed taxes in 2018 or 2019 are entitled to $1,200 for single tax filers or $2,400 for joint filers, plus an additional $500 per child under the age of 18. These checks should arrive to your bank account or by mail automatically. You can check the status of your stimulus check at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

In addition, every worker – regardless of immigration status – is entitled up to 12 weeks of protected leave to take care of children (meaning you can’t lose your job if you have no one to take care of your kids) and after 10 days of unpaid leave, 2/3 of of a person’s original pay (up to $200 a day). Head of households may be entitled to larger financial support from their employer if directly impacted by the Coronavirus. These laws only apply to employers with under 500 employees and certain exceptions exist for companies with less than 50 employees. Speak with your employer to see if you qualify.

Moreover, Everyone, including people without an immigration status, qualify for Emergency Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania for treatment related to the Coronavirus. What is Emergency Medical Assistance?  Emergency Medical Assistance is a free, health insurance plan run by the state of Pennsylvania that exists to help people receive medical treatment for health conditions that require rapid attention and could result in serious bodily harm. To apply for Emergency Medical Assistance, residents of Pennsylvania could visit their local county assistance office, call the DHS hotline at 1-800-451-5886, complete a form PA-600HC and mail it to their local county assistance office, or complete an application online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

Using Emergency Medical Assistance for the Coronavirus does not create a risk for immigration petitions nor does it trigger the “public charge rule,” under current laws. For more information you can visit: https://clsphila.org/coronavirus/immigrants-medical-assistance-covid-19/

Non Citizens  with HIV or take atypical antipsychotic medications -

If you are a non citizen or do not have a social security number you can apply for SPBP, a program that covers these meds. (see section below for this information- also, see immigrant resources/info doc)

Over income Limit and Need Medical Insurance:

Do you have a disability that requires medication or ongoing treatment and you are over the income limits listed above? You may be eligible for MAWD. “Disability” defined by MAWD could include a mental health condition, chronic illness, etc that requires ongoing treatment and meds.  You will need help from your doctor to provide medical info and sign forms. They can provide minimal info, or you can send it in if you have access to an online patient portal (Rx list, last appt note, last lab) even though CAO will always ask for ALL info.  You will want to include the Health Sustaining Medication Form (PA-1671 http://services.dpw.state.pa.us/oimpolicymanuals/ma/PA_1671-SG.pdf ) and the Employability Assessment Form (PA-1663).  http://services.dpw.state.pa.us/oimpolicymanuals/ma/PA_1663_(SG)_(2-10).pdf Benephilly may be helpful with this process.

“Households,” dependents, and benefits  

Do you have dependents that live with you? List them in your household.  Do you live with others? You may or may not need to list the people you live with. If you list people in your household you will be required to provide information about them like their legal name, DOB, finances, etc, and the CAO will consider included finances in determining your eligibility.   If you live with people but do not share meals and groceries, you are not required to list your roommates. Are you separated from your legal spouse?  Consider whether you are a household.  The CAO will not know information about who is in a household or not with you unless you specifically tell them.

Answering application questions:

Be truthful and also know that the more information you provide, the more you will need to prove.  It can be helpful to provide truthful and CONCISE information.  Starred questions are REQUIRED for the application and must be answered.  Non-starred questions are NOT REQUIRED.  A non-starred question that is helpful to answer is your SSN and phone number- could help your app go through faster with that info.  

Don’t let questions that don’t fit trip you up.  If you don’t know the answer it is ok to estimate.  For example if it’s hard to pin down *exactly* how much you make per week right now, you can write an estimate to answer the required question, and send in the proof of income you have. What matters is what’s on the proofs you send in. Same with bank acct- if you report a bank acct but don’t know how much money is there or if it fluctuates, don’t worry. Write what it is right now, and send in some proof of the account- they will look at the documents.

Tips for applying for benefits:

Download the PDF at the end, and get your supportive documentation in ASAP. At the end of your application, you will be able to download a PDF summary of the application. Towards the end there will be a page that says “W#________” (your application number) and what you need to send in.  Sometimes, they will not list something they need so it is important to follow up to confirm.  You can attach documents at the end of the application or you can login to compass to attach them or you can fax them.

Follow up!!   The CAO is a bureaucracy that creates barriers to access; caseworkers are overworked and underpaid at the best of times--and this is not the best of times.  Keep that in mind.  You have to advocate for yourself. CALL the change center and follow up.  Ask for clarification if you don’t understand.  Ask them if there is anything else they will need. Do not assume you can wait 30 days to submit that document because that’s what the paper says.  Typically it takes 30 days for them to make a decision once they have all your documentation- it could be less. Plan to call back in a week after application to check on the status and if anything else is needed to complete your application.

Send proof of residence (ID with current address, utility bill or bank statement in your name, or a note from someone stating you are renting a room from them, etc, send a letter stating “My ID says _____ But currently I live at and receive mail at______ and use current address)

If you have income, send proof of income. If you recently lost a job, or are on unpaid leave indefinitely because of quarantine, send proof to the CAO (could be an email or text from from your employer) that you no longer have employment income- the CAO may assume (thru your SSN) that you still work there.  If you report income they will need ONE MONTH worth of income from recent time (within the past month or 2) Try downloading paystubs from your payroll company! You can get a lot of things online.

If you can’t get proof of income/updated income/1 months worth of proof right now or if it is too much of a hassle to get proofs or letters signed by someone, paystubs, etc, you can always attest to your own income.  If you cannot get proof of address you can have someone verify your address in writing.  If you cannot get proof you no longer work at a job, you can write a letter attesting you no longer work at that job.  Write up a letter with specifics (I am self attesting to my income/self attesting to that I no longer work at___ as per CAO law, I work(ed) for ______(company) located at______ since _______. and I make(made) $______ per ________ and I cannot get other proof of income at this time/ my job was terminated on____ Sign and date.)

If you need to show proof of expenses for SNAP the CAO sometimes sends a letter in the mail to be filled out by the landlord.  You can submit a rent receipt, a lease, a letter signed by a person subletting to you, a letter stating you are temporarily staying at ______ and pay $____/month.  If you can’t get someone to fill something out for you or sign something, or it might endanger you, etc- at least try to self attest first.

Sign up for email notices if you can.   This is helpful so if you get mail you can see it right away instead of it getting lost, and if you move or can’t access mail at that address, you will still be able to get the notices.

Renewals:  Most benefits are renewed every 6 months.  Check your renewal dates and benefits status on my compass account online or by calling the Change Center and asking when the date is.  Put this in your calendar.  Renewal date will be the last day of a month so if your renewal date is 6/30/20 it means 6/30 is your last date to renew.  You can renew online (do not need to fill out the paper renewal app that comes) by logging in between 6/1 and 6/30.  PA requested a waiver from the US Dept of Agriculture for SNAP renewals to be extended by 3 months and this may be applicable soon.

What does the CAO know about you from the back end?  What they CAN do is ping your social security number to see work history and income (basically what a credit report could access. They can also access data about you that’s been stored to verify your identity and have you answer those questions like “what high school did you attend? What address have you lived at?” Things from your credit record)  They can also cross check with other agencies.  Once you have told them something on your benefits app, over the phone, etc. they know it.  (For example, If you reported a bank account last year, they’ll ask about it again if you didn’t report it this time.)  It is like talking to the police in a way- anything you say can be used. When you provide information, do it carefully and concisely AND be truthful.

Questions that don’t quite apply but are required? Even if you don’t know *exactly* how much you make per week right now, you can write an estimate and send in the proof of income. What matters is what’s on the proofs you send in.

SNAP info and interview- For SNAP, it can be helpful to report expenses like rent and utilities compared to your income if you do have income.  You will be required to prove whatever you tell the CAO.  Have your lease ready or a letter from someone stating how much rent/utils you pay.  Even if your roommate has the bill in their name you can provide a letter stating this, and that you pay your roommate x/month.  The CAO worker will interview you for SNAP and ask some of the same questions on the phone.  They will call you on the phone within 48 hrs- have your phone on and answer for unknown philly calls.  A lot is a repeat of what you put on application.  Be truthful and CONCISE.

  • Important update: Effective immediately and through 5/31/20 (at least), all interview requirements for SNAP applications have been waived.
  • You do not need to wait for a phone call, and your application will not be rejected if we don't speak to you.
  • All EBT cards still have to be put in the mail, even if you are eligible for emergency SNAP
  • This new policy pertains to SNAP renewals as well. If you got a notice saying that you have an interview this month, you can disregard it; and if you were supposed to have an interview last month but missed it, they are not going to close your benefits.

Info to know: Your record number will start with 51/ __________ (51 means Philadelphia) once you are approved.  Keep this number handy in case you need to make a new compass account or send something in.  Anything you send in: put your W# or Record # on.  You can always call the Customer Service Center and verify other personal information to obtain your record number.  It will also be on any documentation you receive from the CAO (whether it’s by mail or e-notice if you signed up for receiving documentation thru email).

Get someone to help! It’s good to have support and it’s ok to ask for help!  These applications are not easy to understand and complete, ESPECIALLY under stressful times.

Use My Compass or contact the Philadelphia or Statewide change center to update phone numbers and addresses where mail can be received. This will be especially critical if relief checks are sent out!

HIV/AIDS:  

You may be eligible for SPBP (Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program) which pays for your medications.  It can be used as a stand-alone medication coverage, or as a supplement to private insurance plans or to Medicare plans (However you cannot have SPBP if you have Medicaid).  Info and application page: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/HIV/Pages/Special-Pharmaceutical-Benefits.aspx you must get a signature on one page from your provider verifying your status and eligibility- you can email your doctor the application or ask their office to print that page, fill it out, and fax it to SPBP for you if you cannot see your doctor in person to sign. If you have no income write a letter stating so, if you do not have proof of address you can write a letter stating your address.  You can call back 3 days after app was submitted to check the status- they are usually approved in 3-5 days if you have submitted all documentation.  You can get SPBP coverage if you are a non-citizen that does not qualify for Medicaid or if you are undocumented without a social security number.

If you take Atypical Antipsychotics (Abilify, Clozaril, Clozapine, Geodon, Invega, Risperdal, Risperidone, Seroquel or Zyprexa) you may be able to get SPBP coverage for those medications if you are uninsured/ineligible for Medicaid, or need secondary coverage in addition to your private insurance to cover the costs of these medications.  You can get SPBP coverage if you are a non-citizen that does not qualify for Medicaid or if you are undocumented without a social security number.

Benefits Counseling

  • BenePhilly offers free, one-to-one support to help people navigate benefits and figure out what they’re eligible for. They’re available M-F, 9am-5pm. Their number is 833-373-5868.

Financial planning and counseling

  • Clarifi is a non profit that provides free financial counseling (in both English and Spanish)
  • They’re open and working remotely
  • They can help you develop an emergency financial plan and coach you on how to talk to lenders, landlords, credit card companies etc right now
  • They can also help connect you to more resources!
  • Visit their website for more info or call 215 563 5665

 Dealing With Medical Bills

  • If Medicaid was active at time of bill then bill is incorrect- could be medical facility error, speak with billing department. Ask them to check date of service. If you keep getting bills in the mail keep calling back until resolved.  
  • If you had/have commercial insurance plan- Call billing dept of hospital to go over bill and ensure charges are correct. May need to call insurance company to get plan information.
  • Every hospital has a thing called “Charity Care”- Google the hosp name and charity care- you will find it.  Similar income elig. requirements to Medicaid- can reduce bill or zero out depending on income- will need to submit application and copy of bill. This is a slow and annoying process- don’t give up (appeal! Call back! Speak to the supervisor!)
  • If you can’t pay the bill consider trying to make a deal with the billing office. Ex. $1000 bill “I can pay you $200 now to close it out, or I can pay you $10/month for 100 months..” or ask for a payment arrangement!  They will be open to negotiating.  Be confident! Keep trying!  
  • Bills are generated and sent automatically.  When you get a bill remember that you have time. You can figure out a solution. It can feel urgent- they want you to feel like you have to pay NOW but remember that you actually do not have to.  Eventually, bills can be sold to a collection agency where fees can accumulate but this takes a while.  You will usually get a letter in the mail stating this.  Staying in touch with the billing office is always a good option!

Other Medical Systems Tricks and Tips

  • If you are uninsured or paying out of pocket for meds: try Good Rx https://www.goodrx.com/
  • The state has lifted some of the refill limitations. At this time, anyone with Medicaid insurance is able to get early refills for up to 30 days of non-controlled substances, by asking the pharmacy to perform an override at point of sale. This is to help ensure folks have a full supply of chronic condition meds (diabetic care, high blood pressure, psychiatric illness, etc) at home and reduce the need for urgent care, if possible. As you stated, this is not available for controlled substances (opiates, benzodiazepines, stimulants, sedatives, etc), which require documentation from the prescriber and insurance to pre-authorize.
  • If you have commercial insurance, call your member services if needed. The phone number is on the reverse of your insurance card.
  • Can’t get a refill on your prescription?  Try these steps:
  • Getting thru to an actual human: don’t press the number they say for “refills” because it will keep you in their automated system. Listen to whole menu and try  “other” and say “speak to pharmacy staff” if it asks you to say what you need.  Try the option for doctors/medical staff too. The route for medical staff usually goes to the same pharmacy workers as the route for regular patient calls.
  • Call Pharmacy to see when the medication is due to be filled and if in stock. Your insurance will only let you fill every so often. Folks with lots of meds may find it helpful to create a calendar with med due dates.  
  • If pharmacy tells you that Rx needs to be updated- call or message the provider to update.  If controlled substance or other specialty med, a prior authorization may be needed- Ask provider if prior auth is up to date.
  • If sent to wrong pharmacy your provider will need to re-send it to correct pharmacy
  • You can ask your doctor to fill your Rx for a longer period of time if you can pay out of pocket and also could request a prior authorization for a larger supply
  • You likely cannot get a larger supply of a controlled substance.

 Jobs

  • CareerLink is connecting people with transitional and temporary jobs. Click here for more info.
  • The Census Bureau is still hiring Enumerators at $25.50/hour and Clerks at $23/hour. No degree required, and Medicaid/Medicare/SSA/SSI benefits are not affected while you work at the Census. Go to www.2020census.gov/jobs to apply now.
  • Timberlane in Montgomeryville is hiring temporary workers to make face masks. They pay $15 an hour. More info here.
  • This google doc has a compiled list of remote jobs (that do not require a college degree) that are hiring now.

Utility Company Information

Shut offs

  • You cannot be shut off for non-payment! The Public Utility Commission has mandated that utility companies do NOT terminate any services at this time. The Water Department has also guaranteed they will not shut off service.
  • When shut offs do resume, you may be able to seek payment arrangements or receive help with lowering your bill.

Resources for  reduced utilities.

  • You may be eligible for reduced utilities.  Check income guidelines for each program at their website.
  • Tell the utility company if your income has gone down due to COVID, and ask that they use your current income to calculate eligibility or recalculate your discount.
  • See Community Legal Services’ guide to utility affordability. Their Energy unit is taking new cases through phone intake- call 215 981 3700.
  • PECO: CAP Program
  • Monthly household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
  • https://www.peco.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/CAPRate.aspx Fill out the information and send in proof of income.  You can apply online and attach proof.  If you do a paper app it can be faxed or mailed.
  • For more information, call 1800 774 7040
  • PGW: CRP program
  • Water- TAP program

Immigrant Resources & updates https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b9cUPmqEvZ_GbwQdPBnXa8E4_a-vJfojuu0yvGnKSSU/edit#gid=1262208058 

  • See above for SPBP medication coverage information- if you are living with HIV or take atypical antipsychotics

--Juntos will be updating https://vamosjuntos.org/covid-19 to be more comprehensive and user-friendly soon.  

Stimulus Check

  • How large will the payments be? Most adults will get $1,200, although some would get less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.
  • How many payments will there be? Just one. Future bills could order up additional payments, though.
  • What year’s income should I be looking at? 2019. If you haven’t prepared a tax return yet, you can use your 2018 return. If you haven’t filed that yet, you can use a 2019 Social Security statement showing your income to see what an employer reported to the I.R.S.
  • Will I have to apply to receive a payment? No. If the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has.
  • When will the payment arrive? Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he expected most people to get their payments within three weeks.
  • Single filers who make less than $75,000 annually will receive the full amount
  • Heads of household making less than $112,500
  • Married couples making less than $150,000.
  • Who WON’T be receiving a Stimulus check?
  • Single tax filers who make above $99,000 annually will not be receiving a stimulus check.
  • The head of a household making above $136,500 will not receive a check.
  • Married couples making $198,000 or more with no dependents will not receive a check, either.
  • While parents will receive $500 per child, those children above the age of 16 who are claimed by their parents are not eligible to receive a check. This means that college students who are claimed by their parents will not be eligible for their own $1,200 check.
  • Dependents under the age of 24 whose parents still pay for at least half of their expenses will also not be receiving a stimulus check.
  • Immigrants without a green card will not receive a stimulus check
  • This includes those who are ineligible for a Social Security number and have been paying taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • If you don’t have a direct deposit on file with the IRS, you can enter your payment info on the IRS site so you don’t have to wait months to get the payment.
  • If you receive Social Security retirement, SSDI, survivor benefits or Railroad Retirement, the IRS already has your direct deposit on file even if you did not filed taxes in the past 2 years, and you do NOT have to fill this out.
  • For help with any of this, call Homeless advocacy Project’s Stimulus Payment Help Line at 215-523-9581.
  • The Homeless Advocacy Project’s guide to the Stimulus check for non filers
  • Don't lose your stimulus payment to a debt collector! If your bank account is frozen because of a judgment, call Community Legal Services right away at 215-981-3700. Leave them a message and an advocate will call you back.

Immediate Resources

Cooling Centers

  • See this map of cooling centers in Philadelphia
  • The following sites will be open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday:
  • Libraries
  • Haddington Library at 446 N. 65th Street
  • Lillian Marrero Library at 601 W. Lehigh Avenue
  • Logan Library 1333 Wagner Avenue
  • Schools
  • West Philadelphia High School at 49th and Chestnut Streets
  • Kensington High School for Creative and Performing Arts at 1901 N. Front Street
  • SEPTA Cooling Buses
  • Germantown and Allegheny Avenues
  • Wyoming and Rising Sun Avenues
  • Frankford and Allegheny Avenues
  • 52nd Street and Larchwood Avenue

Masks

  • Sewfacemasksphilly.com
  • Use their website to request and/or donate masks for individuals, families and hospitals
  • Varying quantities of FREE masks will be packaged and clothespinned to the fence in front of 2031 Amber Street every other day (or more often if possible).  Come by and grab one and get protected! Please-- limit one per person (it's an honor system)!

Emergency Rental Assistance

A second round of rental assistance is now available for Philadelphia tenants affected by COVID-19. Residents can apply starting July 6 at 2 p.m. Renters and landlords may submit their application online, by fax, or by mail. More info here. 

Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Applicants must be Philadelphia residents.
  • Landlords and renters must each provide information.
  • Renters must have lost more than 30% of their income due to reduced work hours/wages because of COVID-19 or have become unemployed after March 1 due to COVID-19.
  • Renters who applied for PA unemployment assistance must have done so after March 1.
  • Renter's income before March 1 must be no more than 100% of the area median income, or $87,000 for a family of three. (The income limit for Phase 1 was 50% of AMI).
  • Assistance is limited to $750 per month per household and $4,500 over six months.
  • Payments will be made to landlords.
  • Landlords must agree to the terms of the program and may not displace the household or begin eviction proceedings for at least 60 days from the final month of rental assistance

The program will run until Wednesday, September 30 or until there is no more funding.

Housing

  • If you see a person sleeping on the streets, call the Philadelphia Homeless Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984 or 1-877-222-1984. Outreach workers will come meet the person and explore how they can connect them to any services.
  • There is a moratorium on evictions or foreclosures until September 2nd, 2020. NO EVICTIONS ARE PERMITTED IN PHILADELPHIA DURING THIS CRISIS UNLESS THE EVICTION IS RELATED TO THE TENANT BEING VIOLENT. If your landlord is trying to remove you from your home by locking the doors, shutting off utilities,or threatening you, this is an illegal eviction, and a crime.
  • Call 911 and tell them a crime is in process
  • Call Tenant Legal Aid at 267 443 2500. Leave a message, and someone will return your call within 1-2 business days.
  • If you had a court date scheduled between July 6th and August 31st you do NOT need to go to court on that date. You will get a new court date in the fall.
  • Save Your Home Philly hotline
  • For assistance with home ownership issues, including mortgage and tax foreclosures, please call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-4663.
  • This is the only government-authorized foreclosure prevention program in Philadelphia. It is staffed by trained lawyers and paralegals who can assist you with your case, connect you with a housing counselor or, in certain instances, refer you to legal services available to eligible low-income homeowners.
  • All services are FREE
  • Daily Tenant Rights Workshops
  • The Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN) is providing free, daily tenant rights workshops at 12:30pm to educate tenants about their legal rights and responsibilities during the COVID 19 pandemic.
  • Register online at least one day before the workshop you wish to attend. If you don’t have access to a smartphone or computer, call 215 940 3900 ext 1221 and leave a message to register.

Relief Funds Available

Childcare

  • Now that the Stay at Home order has been lifted, this is the best place for people to find childcare.
  • YMCA Childcare Relief Program is offering childcare for healthcare workers and other essential staff including essential store personnel, emergency workers. Call 215-220-9199 for more info.
  • Child care services will be offered Monday through Friday, 6:00 am -6:00 pm for children 6 weeks-12 years of age (ages vary per location).

Baby Supplies

  • The city has opened new 10 diaper pickup sites throughout the city. Residents can visit one of the sites below to pick up free food and baby supplies. Many sites require appointments, so make sure to check the list and call ahead. See the map of locations here. List of contact information and more details here.
  • Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network

The PIHN Northwest Family Center will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10AM – 6PM, and Saturdays from 10AM – 2PM for food and diapers. 215-247-4663, 7047 Germantown Ave, Phila, PA 19119. www.philashelter.org

  • WIC has stopped requiring infants, children, and/or pregnant women to come in for their WIC benefits – participants can send someone to come in for them if they tell WIC staff over the phone who will be coming to pick up their benefits and that person needs to bring photo identification. Website: http://northwic.org/  

Sites:  Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7am–1pm starting March 23rd  

  • North Philadelphia WIC Office: 215-229-3786, 1300 W Lehigh Ave #104, Phila, PA 19132  
  • South Philadelphia WIC Office: 215-463-5571, 1165 S Broad St, Phila, PA, 19146
  •  Overbrook WIC Office: 215-477-3360, 5610 Lancaster Ave #1400, Phila, PA, 19131  
  • Aramingo WIC Office: 215-533-9597, 2401 E Tioga Street, A4, Phila, PA, 19134  
  • Germantown WIC Office: 215-284-1500, 301 E Chelten Ave, Phila, PA, 19144  
  • Northeast WIC Office: 215-745-7251, 7959 Bustleton Ave, Phila, PA, 19152  
  • Olney-Logan WIC Office: 215-927-1950, 5751 N Broad Street, Phila, PA, 19141  
  • Woodland WIC Office: 215-726-1142, 1741 S 54th Street, Phila, PA, 19143  
  • Northeast Philadelphia: 215-624-5920, 7340 Jackson Street, Phila, PA, 19136
  • Monday–Friday, 9-11:30am & 1-2pm
  • Casa del Carmen: 267-331-2500, 4400 North Reese St, Phila, PA, 19140
  • Monday–Thursday, 8:30am-1pm
  • Southwest Philadelphia: 215-724-8550, 6214 Grays St, Phila, PA, 19142
  • Food only: Monday 10-1pm; Diapers only: Tuesday 11-1pm; Wednesday & Friday 10-1pm

  • Breastfeeding Support

  • Pacify: A FREE mobile app that provides on-demand access to lactation specialists right from your smartphone.
  • Get the app “Pacify” in the Apple Store or Google Play
  • Enter the enrollment code PHILLY at signup for FREE 24/7 access
  • Breast pumps: You can reach out to your insurance provider to request a breast pump delivered to your home.

Food:

  • Sites are open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Residents can pick up one box per household. Supplies will last up to five days.
  • Residents do not need to present an ID or proof of income for eligibility.
  •  Food sites are supported by the City, Share Food Program, and Philabundance.
  • No ID or documentation required!
  • They have 35 lbs of food for each car!
  • Individuals with disabilities can have food boxes delivered to them through Liberty Resources. The program begins in May- you can call 215-709-9619 or email food@libertyresources.org to sign up now.
  • Apply for free groceries for those affected by COVID 19- note, applying is easy, but you get placed in a virtual queue and then get notified if and when your order gets filled. There is no guarantee your order will be filled, but worth a try.
  • Share food program throughout the city for seniors and people with disabilities
  • Sharing LOVE has a new hot meal and grocery box program at 514 South Street. They’re open every Saturday and Wednesday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Anyone who stops by can get both a meal and a box of groceries.
  • Lutheran Settlement’s Food pantry is open to anyone who needs food right now.
  • There is no income requirement
  • No ID is required
  • When you arrive, you will have to fill out 2 forms with your name and zip code
  • You can come to the pantry once a week
  • They’re open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm at 1340 Frankford in Fishtown- right across from La Colombe.
  • Philadelphia area stores with dedicated shopping hours for the elderly, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised:
  • Acme is reserving 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. every weekday for people ages 60 and older, as well as customers with compromised immune systems.
  • Aldi announced on Facebook that its stores will be open to senior citizens, expectant mothers, and customers with health concerns from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday
  • The Fresh Market is open to seniors and “other individuals most at risk” from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays
  • Giant Food Stores has designated 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily for customers 60 and older, as well as those who are immunocompromised. The company has since announced that in-store pharmacies will open at 6 a.m. for those customers
  • Trader Joe’s said in a statement that every day between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., its stores will maintain an “additional line outside the front door” for senior customers so that they can have “an expedited entrance” to shop
  • Customers 60 and older can shop at Whole Foods Markets one hour before regular operating hours.
  • Devereux Memorial United Methodist Church serves food Wednesdays at 12pm. Located at 2527 W Allegheny, 215-221-5050.
  • St Francis Inn serves  To-go meals Mon-Thurs. 4:30-6pm, Fri-Sun. 11:30am-1pm, Coffee and pastries T/W/Th. 10am-11amLocated at 2441 Kensington Ave, 215-423-5845.
  • Our Brother’s Place has To-go meals Mon-Fri 12-1pm pick-up in garage. They serve men only. Located at 906 Hamilton Street, 215-985-1600.
  • Church of the Advocate has to go meals daily at 12pm. Located at 1801 Diamond St, 215-978-8000.

  • Food - South Philly

  • Rowhouse Grocery- 17th + McKean: Offering a 15% discount for service workers
  • South Philly Barbacoa- Half kilo of vegan barbacoa 6-8 pm until friday 3/20 pay what you can
  • Pay what you wish meals at Kalaya from 3pm-5pm daily (764 S 9th S)
  • Giordano’s Food Market- $35.00 produce, vegetable, dairy, nuts and dried fruit box; delivery or pick-up: call 215-389-6500 or email giordanogardengrocers@gmail.com

  • Food - West Philly

  • West Philly Food Not Bombs distributes free food every Friday at 4:30pm at Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine)
  • Food Not Bombs Solidarity distributes free food every Thursday from 5-6pm at the 46th Street El Stop (46th and Market.)
  • Crusaders for Christ Church distributes food on Fridays from 3-4 PM. (Please call on Friday morning to be sure they are still distributing food: 215-387-3014.) Location: 1201 South 42nd Street, Philadelphia PA 19143
  • Paradise Emmanuel Tabernacle church distributes food on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9 AM-12 Noon. (215) 571-5406; 4704 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143.
  •  DOPE is offering non-perishables and frozen food every Friday from 3-5 at 46th and Kingsessing. They will deliver to elderly folks and parents with young children. Their number is 267-281-4931. They will continue to do this through the duration of the shutdown.
  • Chosen 300 West has to-go meals Mon & Fri. 6-7:30pm. Located at 3959 Lancaster Ave, 215-765-9806.
  • University Lutheran Church has meals Mondays 6pm; Tuesdays 5pm. Located at 3637 Chestnut Street, 215-387-2885.
  • Abundant Life Healing Fellowship Church at 100 N 63rd St (215-472-4236) offers pre-filled bags of food 9am-12pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Photo ID and proof of address still required

  • Food - Center City

  • Broad St Ministry is offering to go meals M-F 11:30am-2pm. Located at 215 S Broad.
  • Chosen 300 is distributing carry out meals on Wednesdays from 5:30-8pm and Fridays from 5:30-8pm. Located at 1116 Spring Garden Street, 215-765-9806.
  • St John’s Hospice offers carry out meals M-F 12pm-1pm. Located at 1221 Race Street, 215-563-7763.
  • St Mark’s is offering Saturday soup to-go from 7am-9am and is serving food Tues-Fri 9:30-11am at Parish Hall Door. Located at 1625 Locust Street, 215-735-1416.
  • Sunday Love Project serves food on Sundays at 5pm, Mondays at 10am and Tuesdays at 5pm. Located at 1904 Walnut Street, 267-241-8348.
  • Muslims Serve serve to go food outside the Municipal Services Building Thurs-Monday at 4pm. 833-486-4370 ext. 2.

  • Food - North West  

  •   Free Halal lunch available from Masijidullah Inc. 7401 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia, PA 19138.  Please contact MECCA at mecca.information@gmail.com or call 215-424-44880.
  • Weaver's Way Co-op has expanded their home delivery and I believe is not charging for it. Not the cheapest place to shop but they are very community-minded.

Food - Online 

Phone and Internet access:

  • Comcast

  • Through April 30th, Comcast is offering two free months of Comcast Internet Essentials to new customers with limited means. See their website for eligibility requirements and more details.
  • The simplest, fastest, and easiest way to the apply for the program is from a mobile device at www.InternetEssentials.com. Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) if you are having trouble signing up with your smartphone. However, the call centers are very busy at this time.
  • Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free—including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser

  • Verizon

  • Verizon will now offer low-cost internet access through its Lifeline program to individuals who qualify. Limitations apply. For program details, visit their Lifeline webpage. For answers to your questions, see Verizon’s COVID-19 FAQs.
  • Verizon will waive overage charges and late fees for customers who may be financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Verizon will provide two months waived internet and voice service charges for current Lifeline customers.
  • Verizon will add 15GB of high-speed data for wireless consumer and small business customers.
  • Consumer and small business Fios and DSL broadband internet plans will have no data caps.

  • AT&T

  • AT&T will not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bill.
  • AT&T will waive wireless plan overage charges for data, voice or text. AT& T will also waive any late payment fees that any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer may incur because of economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • AT&T will keep its public Wi-Fi hotspots open for any American who needs them.

  • T Mobile

  • For the 60 days after activation, Metro is offering a new $15 per month plan for unlimited talk and text plus 2GB of high-speed smartphone data. Get details from T-Mobile.
  • New and current Metro customers with any voice line can also get a free 8” tablet (via rebate redemption) with a $15 unlimited tablet data plan.*
  • MetroSmart Hotspot devices will be half off, and the $35 per month data plan will include 20GB—double the normal monthly data—for the next 60 days.
  • All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have legacy plans without unlimited high-speed data will get unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days.
  • T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers on smartphone plans with hotspot data will get an additional 10GB per bill cycle for the next 60 days for each voice line (T-Mobile Connect excluded).
  • T-Mobile is working with its Lifeline partners to provide customers extra free data up to 5GB of data per month through May 13, 2020.

  • Sprint and Boost Mobile

  • For the next 60 days: Sprint will not terminate service and will waive late fees if customers are unable to pay their Sprint bill because of the coronavirus. Get more details from Sprint and Boost Mobile
  • Customers with metered data plans will receive unlimited data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
  • Sprint will provide customers with an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
  • Sprint customers with mobile hotspot-capable handsets who don’t have a mobile hotspot today will now get 20GB as well per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.

TRANSPORT

Neighborhood Bike Works is loaning out bikes for essential employees! Click here for more info.

SEPTA

  • The new regional rail schedules and routes went into effect on 6/30/20
  • Vehicle capacity limits are continuing to be in effect
  • All passengers must wear masks

Trains

  • Amtrak is still largely running, though some services are reduced or suspended.
  • PATCO trains are still running on a modified schedule, with lots of enhanced cleaning promised. See here for more info.

Airport

  • PHL Airport is still operating, with enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols
  • All travelers MUST wear masks
  • Philadelphia was not one of the 13 designated “screener airports” receiving flights from Europe; all flights to and from Europe stopped on Mar. 16. International travel usually makes up about 12% of PHL traffic.
  • For those who are traveling, TSA has temporarily relaxed the rules about how much hand sanitizer you can carry on flights — it’s now a 12-oz limit, instead of 3 oz.

Corona Specific healthcare

  • Hotlines

  • If you’re worried you have Corona symptoms, call the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline: Call the 24/7 helpline to speak with a health care professional. 1-800-722-7112
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has set up a 24/7 hotline for questions and concerns about COVID-19: 800-722-7112. The hotline is for anyone's use (not just cases involving children).
  • Sign up for text updates from the city

  • Primary Care

  • Payment

  • The city has reported that “certain services, such as those provided to children under age 18, pregnant women, and individuals who reside in a facility, as well as laboratory services and emergency services, do not have a copayment. Any copayments for testing, screening, and office visits related to COVID-19 will be waived.” See more on their website.

  • Testing

  • 6731 Woodland Avenue
  • 7401 Ogontz Avenue
  • 2401 East Venango Street
  • 9773 Roosevelt Boulevard
  • ****You do not need to have any symptoms or have approval from your doctor.
  • The testing sites will operate through the stores’ drive-thru window.
  • They will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • There will also be self-testing parking lot sites which will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
  • Patients must pre-register online in order to schedule a time slot for testing. All Rite Aid COVID-19 testing locations use self-swab nasal tests overseen by pharmacists.
  • CVS will begin offering drive through testing at ONE CVS location, starting Friday, 5/15.
  • CVS Pharmacy, 6701 Ridge Avenue, Building 1, Philadelphia, PA 19128
  • Patients must have symptoms and must be 18 or older
  • Patients will need to make an appointment at CVS.com.
  • The site will involve people driving up to a window, where they will receive a swab and be given instructions by employees on how to collect their own sample.
  • CVS reports they take all insurance, but will not turn people away for lack of insurance.
  • Esperanza Health Center
  • Tent is located next to Rock Ministries at 2755 Kensington Avenue
  • Open Monday-Friday from 2pm to 4pm
  • You do NOT need a referral to get tested
  • Walk up testing available to anyone with symptoms
  • Greater Philadelphia Health Action
  • GPHA Hunting Park Avenue Health Center parking lot at 2017 W. Hunting Park Ave. BY appointment only!
  • Testing offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-3pm
  • Walk up and drive through options
  • Call (215) 271-4286 to schedule a telehealth appointment for screening and assessment.
  • Insurance accepted, but GPHA reports no-one will be turned away for lack of insurance
  • Penn Medicine- both locations open daily 10am-4pm

  • Radnor-

  • 201 King of Prussia Road, North Parking Lot

  • West Philadelphia-

  • 4122 Market Street Parking Lot
  • Has both a drive through lane and a walk-up lane
  • This is open to anyone with symptoms- you do NOT need to be a Penn Medicine patient or need a referral to be tested.
  • Those without a referral are encouraged to call Penn Medicine’s toll-free coronavirus hotline at 833-983-1350.
  • No co-pays or deductibles will be charged for testing. Uninsured patients will be tested for free.

  • Jefferson

  • 10th and Sansom- open from 8am to 5pm daily
  • You need to be a Jefferson patient with a physician ordered test
  • Northeast locations- Jefferson Bucks Hospital, Jefferson Frankford Hospital, Jefferson Torresdale Hospital) Open 8am to 5pm daily
  • You need to be a Jefferson patient with a physician ordered test

  • Mainline Health System Testing

  • They are not releasing information about locations- the doctor will give the information when someone is approved by their doctor to get testing

  • CHOP

  • Cheltenham Mall - American Family Care

  • Patients can make a virtual appointment with American Family Care (AFC) by visiting its website. 
  • If it is determined that you meet the criteria, you will receive a doctor’s note to be tested at a one-day drive-through site on Tuesday, March 31, in the parking lot of the former Cheltenham Mall, 2401 W. Cheltenham Ave., Wyncote.

  • Jefferson Abington

  • Temple Ambler

  • Coronavirus testing is available by appointment only at the Temple University Ambler Campus at 1440 E. Butler Pike.
  • People can sign up on the Montgomery County website.
  • Anyone with symptoms can be tested regardless of insurance, but all must make an appointment in advance.
  • The site is open to all, not just Montgomery County residents.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

  • If you need help paying for an abortion, Women’s Medical Fund is still operating their Help Line on their normal schedule. You can call them Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-5pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am-12:30pm. Their number is 215-564-6622. More info on their website.
  • Women’s Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill are open and scheduling immediate appointments. Call their toll free number at (800) 869-2330 or visit their website
  • AccessMatters has a hotline for anyone seeking info about sexual and reproductive healthcare services. 215-985-3300. The hotline is open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 6pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Their website is www.accessmatters.org
  • Telehealth options:

  • HIV testing -

  • NURX (birth control, STI testing [options to test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich, HIV, Hep C and/or syphilis] PrEP, EC, herpes tx, COVID19 testing): https://www.nurx.com/

STI Screenings

Health Center 1:  215-685-6570- Walk in hours M-F 7:45 am-3 pm only seeing folks who are having symptoms at this time Located at 1930 S Broad St. 2nd Fl. Philadelphia PA 19145.  SAME DAY RESULTS, calling ahead is a good idea to make sure the doctor is there and they are taking new patients that day

Health Center 5: 215-685-2933 Walk in hours M-F 8:30am-2:30pm Located at 1900 N 20th St. Philadelphia PA 19121.  Results will take up to a week, calling ahead is a good idea to make sure the doctor is there and they are taking new patients that day.

Mental Health

  • Crisis Response Centers

  • Many are turning people away due to capacity- call ahead to see if they are taking people still
  • Friends Hospital: 4641 E Roosevelt Blvd, 215-831-2600
  • Hall Mercer (8th & Spruce): 245 S. 8th St; 215-829-5433
  • Presbyterian: 51 N 39th St. 215-662-9161
  • Temple / Episcopal Hospital: 100 E. Lehigh Ave, 215-878-2600
  • For mental health and addiction services, contact the Community Behavioral Health 24/7 hotline at 888-545-2600
  • For mental health crises, call the crisis hotline 24/7 at 215-685-6440
  • Contact your insurance company’s member services department to inquire about provider availability at this time

  • Medicaid

  • For those on Philly Medicaid covered by CBH for behavioral and mental health, call member services 24/7 at 1-888-545-2600 for a care connection.
  • CBH has developed a comprehensive network changes reference list that is updated daily and has current info on accessing resources such as telemedicine for counseling and psychiatry, treatment and medication/MAT access for addiction, and crisis care access points. Let trained staff help you navigate your care!
  • The website www.cbhphilly.org also has lots of details with provider contact numbers, online behavioral health supports, and the complaints process for quality management within the network.

Domestic Violence

  • Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders

  • Currently, the Courts are operating in a very limited capacity. If you are seeking legal protections to protect you or your child from an abuser, you can seek assistance at the Emergency Filing Unit located at: Criminal Justice Center, Room B-03 1301 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA  19107
  • The emergency Filing Unit will be open 24/7 during this time.  

  • Women Against Abuse Legal Center: 

  • The Women Against Abuse Legal Center will be operating virtually from March 17th 2020 to March 27th 2020. During this time, the office will remain closed and they are unable to meet with anyone in person to provide their regular services.
  • If you are an existing client, please call the main line at 215-686-7082 and leave a message with your name, the best number to contact you and the reason for your call. If you are trying to contact your attorney or advocate, please mention their name in your message.  
  • Individuals in need of legal services or advice- If you believe you are experiencing domestic violence and you are seeking legal services or advice, please leave a message on their line 215-686-7082. Your message should include: *Your name *A number for staff to contact you *Brief idea on how you would like us to help you. Calls will be returned during business hours and they are monitoring the phones daily.

  • Women in Transition

  • The WIT Lifeline is operational, as usual, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. If you’re in need of supportive counseling for domestic violence or recovery, if you would like to talk through what is going on in your life, or if you need updates on our services, call 215.751.1111. If email is safer than calling, email witservices@helpwomen.org (Only send an email if your address is secure and it is safe for you to do so). Just like the telephone line, this option is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
  • They are providing one-on-one telephone counseling as well as running several remote peer support groups. They are still accepting new clients. To make an appointment with a counselor, call the LifeLine.
  • Services are free and do not require insurance

  • Hotlines

  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-723-3014
  • The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free:800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
  • The StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence is available 7am-10pm CT, confidential, and specifically for Native communities:1−844-762-8483
  • The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks 9am-3am CT:1-877-565-8860 This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.
  • The Deaf Hotline is available 24/7 through video phone (1-855-812-1001), email and chat for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled survivors.
  • National Parent Helpline Monday -Friday 12pm-9am CT emotional support and advocacy for parents:1-855-2736

Addiction Resources

  • For individuals in need of immediate opioid treatment support, contact the NET Access Point at 844-533-8200 or 215-408-4987. Or visit Net Community Care.
  • NET Access Point at 5th and Spring Garden is operating 24/7- you can walk in any time for an assessment and connection to treatment

  • MAT/ Suboxone - For individuals needing:

  • If you were referred to Prevention Point’s MAT/Suboxone program, contact 267-549-6196; or come to 2913 Kensington Ave: 9am -2pm Mon-Thurs, 11am-3pm Fri or 10am-2pm Sun
  • If you were not referred to Prevention Point, ARS Treatment Centers also take new intakes for MAT. Call 1-866-866-9277 or www.arstreatmentcenters.com to schedule

  •  Buperenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone (Vivitrol.)

  • CleanSlate can take new intakes for Buperenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone (Vivitrol.) Call 215-433-1855 or visit www.cleanslatecenters.com
  • Mental Health Partnerships is available at 215-751-1800. They can help connect you to the right resources and get help.
  • They serve the following counties in PA: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia

  • Alcohol

  • If you know someone who might be dependent on alcohol- Check in!!- withdrawal from alcohol (and benzos) can be life-threatening and state liquor stores are closed- they should not detox at home. If someone is detoxing from alcohol or benzos they may need medical care immediately!

Remote meetings for those in Recovery/Sobriety Support:

Harm Reduction Supplies in PHL:

Jail visits

List of Links to Offer Help, Donate

  • List - Donate money!

  • List - Donate time, energy and general resources

  • List - Sign petitions

  • Support Black owned business!

  • See this map of Black owned restaurants and businesses in the Philadelphia area.

Other very helpful COVID Resource Guides