The pandemic had a significant negative impact on the local economy of Pittsburgh. However, In the first half of 2022, Pittsburgh is not only recovering but growing. The 2022 Economic Outlook survey shows, “Confidence in the Pittsburgh economy rose to 27%, up from 15%, while confidence in the Pennsylvania economy increased eight percentage points to 18%.”
For the residents that still need some help, many financial assistance resources are available, from rideshare programs helping seniors get to medical appointments to grants for disabled children’s adaptive medical equipment.
This resource aims to provide various financial assistance programs available to Pittsburgh residents. Below are seven different resources helping seniors, children, people with limited mobility and low-income families.
Senior Transportation Assistance Program
The Traveler Aid Society is one of Pittsburgh’s oldest social services agencies and has been serving western PA for almost 100 years; however, this transportation program is the first in the agency’s history focused on helping aging adults.
The Travelers Aid’s Senior Transportation Assistance Program provides seniors transportation to medical appointments. Aging adults 60 years or older may be eligible for transportation assistance. This transportation is provided through ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
Eligibility depends on a partner referral—Call 412-281-5474 to learn more about the partner agencies and eligibility.
Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) pays for health care services for disabled individuals. MAWD allows Pennsylvanians with disabilities to take a high-paying job and not lose medical coverage due to earning too much money.
However, the program is designed for disabilities that are expected to last over a year. There are no wage or work hour requirements, and self-employed workers are eligible with proof of self-employment.
Eligibility for MAWD requires the following:
- Be at least 16 years of age but less than 65
- Be employed and receive compensation
- Have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s standards
- Have countable income below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
- Have $10,000 or less in countable resources (resident property and one automobile are not countable assets)
You can apply online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/ or call 1866-550-4355 or review Frequently asked questions to learn more.
Senior Citizen ConnectCard
The Pittsburgh Regional Transit provides people aged 65 or older a Senior ConnectCard, allowing seniors to ride for free. The ConnectCard will also give seniors access to other public transportation services across Commonwealth Pennsylvania.
You can apply for a Senior Citizen ConnectCard at many locations across PA.
Hair Peace Charities
Hair Peace Charities provides financial assistance to women and girls fighting cancer in Western Pennsylvania. The organization will provide $200 towards a purchase of a wig and support and information regarding fighting cancer.
To be eligible for financial assistance, you must call 412-327-5177.
Clean Water Assistance Fund
ALCOSAN’s Clean Water Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to low-income families. The $40 grant automatically applies to your water and sewage bill every three months. Eligible homeowners must meet certain Federal Government set income requirements and live in service areas like Pittsburgh.
The fasted way to get information on the Clean Water Assistance Fund is to contact the Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816. To apply, you will need documentation such as proof of income, a copy of the sewage bill and other personal information.
Allegheny Valley Association of Churches – Emergency Financial Assistance
Allegheny Valley Association of Churches provides emergency assistance to families in the Allegheny area and recently received additional funding from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. The short-term service includes help with rent and utilities, prescriptions, food, and clothing.
Variety – the Children’s Charity’s
Variety – the Children’s Charity help children who have a disability or disadvantage. Variety’s purpose is to provide a future for less fortunate children and provide assistance in three ways.
- Variety’s Care Program delivers critical life-saving medical equipment and services, healthcare and well-being to individual children and children’s health organizations.
- Variety’s Freedom Program delivers vital life-changing equipment and services for mobility, independence and social inclusion to individual children and children’s organizations.
- Variety’s Future Program delivers crucial life-enriching communication equipment and services, education and self-esteem to individual children and children’s organizations.
Variety provides eligible children with adaptive equipment like My Bike® an adaptive bike that allows disabled children to safely ride a bike and experience the enjoyment and independence that comes with riding a bike.
Variety – the Children’s Charity has a Pittsburgh chapter close to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Harmar Mobility for Pittsburgh
Hopefully, you have found these seven resources helpful. Harmar is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair lifts for automobiles, stairlifts for the home, and residential and commercial vertical platform lifts and ramps.
We are in the business of making lives easier at home and while on the road for anyone in need of assistance, from those aging in place to parents of children with special needs to our veterans.
For Harmar mobility and accessibility solutions in Pittsburgh, PA, find an authorized dealer near you.
