RESOURCES LIST FOR AFFECTED FILM CREW WORKERS

HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

  • Compass – https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/
    • Apply for benefits through Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (PA DHS). Assistance programs offered include healthcare coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, and more.
    • Compass uses one application to determine your eligibility for all assistance programs offered through DHS.  This flyer provides more details on available programs and the application process. If you are having trouble with your Compass application, please call the benefits helpline, 1 (800) 692-7462 or visit your local assistance office. The full list of local assistance offices can be found

Please note that any uninsured child residing in Pennsylvania qualifies for healthcare coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program regardless of household income.

Please view the 2024 CHIP Income Guidelines Chart to see if you qualify for subsidies.

  • Pennie – https://pennie.com/
    • Pennie, offered through the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, allows Pennsylvanians to purchase insurance during their open enrollment period or a qualifying life event. If you have lost your insurance coverage, you qualify to purchase insurance through Pennie outside of the open enrollment period.  9 out of 10 Pennie customers qualify for financial savings.  If you are having difficulties with the application process, you can get help from a certified assister or insurance broker.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/snap.html
    • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases. Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available.
  • Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/
    • The Food Bank is committed to making sure all of our neighbors have access to enough food.
    • There are many ways to get help with food. Click the button below to use our food finder application, or view our Get Help Guide here. Find Food
    • Please call our Call Center at 412.460.3663 x655 with any questions you have, or to get help with signing up for food assistance programs.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • PA 211 Southwest – https://pa211sw.org/
    • Offered through the United Way of Southwestern PA, PA 211 Southwest makes it easy to search for services offered by local Health and Human Services providers in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties.
    • Participating providers offer assistance with housing, shelter, food, utilities, transportation, and more. If you need help with navigating these resources, you can call, text, email, or chat with a live agent. A full list of contact options is available here.
  • Allegheny County Resources – https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/County-Assistance
    • Allegheny County offers a wide range of services and resources to support residents in times of need. Whether faced with emergencies, physical or mental health challenges, housing concerns, or food insecurity, Allegheny County has the resources to help.
    • To explore more resources and support, visit the Department of Human Services (DHS) support hub. https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/

MUTUAL AID PARTNERSHIPS

Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their immediate basic living expenses (housing, food, utility bills or health care) due to the ongoing work stoppages in the film and tv industry.