Public Assistance Programs in Allegheny County, PA
The county's Department of Human Services (DHS) coordinates a broad network of government benefit programs — some run directly by the county, others through state and federal agencies — designed to help low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities meet their basic needs and work toward stability. People can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and LIHEAP in one place.
Government benefits pages are accurate but rarely tell you where to start. This guide explains what Allegheny County's programs actually cover in plain terms — and which ones to pursue first if you're in a crisis right now. The fastest way to apply for most benefits is online through COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us), Pennsylvania's benefits portal. You can also apply in person or by phone through your local County Assistance Office (CAO), reachable at 412-565-2146. For the full DHS services directory, call 412-350-3837 or visit alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS.
Food Assistance
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is available to income-eligible Allegheny County residents and is one of the most widely used benefits in the region. While enrollment varies, in general more than 150,000 county residents receive it. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores. Contact your CAO caseworker or call Just Harvest at 412-431-8960 for help navigating the current work requirements for the benefit.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) provides supplemental food, nutrition counseling, and health referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five who meet income requirements. Apply through the Allegheny County Health Department.
For emergency food, the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank supports a network of more than 300 food pantries, soup kitchens, and distribution programs across the county. Visit https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/ to find a location near you.
Cash Assistance and Financial Benefits
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides short-term cash assistance to low-income families with children. Adult recipients are generally required to participate in work or training activities. Apply through COMPASS or your local CAO.
General Assistance (GA) is a state-run cash program for low-income adults who don't qualify for TANF — typically individuals without dependent children who have a disability or other barrier to employment. Contact the CAO at 412-565-2146 to find out if you qualify.
Employment and Job Training
If you receive TANF or SNAP, you may be referred to the EARN program (Employment, Advancement and Retention Network), which provides case management, job readiness training, skills development, education support, and job placement help. EARN also offers supportive services including help with child care and transportation during your first months of employment.
Referrals come through your CAO caseworker. For the broader public, PA CareerLink locations serve job seekers of all income levels, offering resume help, job listings, vocational training, and connections to employers.
Health Insurance and Medical Care
Medicaid (Medical Assistance) covers low-income adults, families, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Apply through COMPASS or the CAO. If you currently receive benefits or recently lost them due to changes in government funding or requirements, check https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs.for current guidance.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) covers uninsured children up to age 18 regardless of immigration status, with costs on a sliding scale based on family income. Call 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) or apply at chipcoverspakids.com.
Medical Assistance Transportation (MATP) provides low-cost or no-cost transportation to medical appointments for Allegheny County residents with a Medical Assistance card. To apply, email [email protected] or drop off an application at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, 1st floor, Pittsburgh.
Energy and Utility Assistance
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with heating costs and utility bills during the fall and winter. There is also a crisis component for households facing shutoff, loss of fuel, or broken heating equipment — including one-time emergency payments. Apply through COMPASS or your CAO. For more on Pennsylvania's LIHEAP and weatherization programs, see our Pennsylvania LIHEAP energy assistance page.
Home Weatherization assistance through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh helps income-eligible homeowners reduce energy costs through insulation and efficiency improvements.
Child Care and Early Education
Financial assistance for child care is available for working parents who meet income guidelines, administered through the state. Contact the CAO or call the child care information line for Allegheny County to check current eligibility requirements and availability.
Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services for children from birth to age five in low-income families. Enrollment is income-based; call your local program to ask about current openings.
Senior Services
Older adults in Allegheny County can access Meals for Older Adults (home-delivered and congregate meals for residents 60 and older), the Farmer's Market nutrition voucher program for fresh produce purchases, and a monthly commodity food program for income-qualified seniors. Contact Allegheny County DHS at 412-350-3837 for referrals to the specific programs and to check current availability, as enrollment for some programs is limited.
The Allegheny Go program currently offers 50% off all Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) rides for county residents who receive SNAP benefits. The county has committed to exploring expanded fare reductions for low-income riders.
How to Apply
The single best starting point for most benefits is COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us, where you can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and LIHEAP all at once. For in-person help, contact the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 412-565-2146. For the full range of county-administered programs and services, reach Allegheny County DHS at 412-350-3837 or visit https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS.
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