You can get free help applying for public benefits through the BenePhilly program.
The program can help you with:
- Completing public benefit applications.
- Organizing key documents for applications.
- Tracking your applications’ statuses.
BenePhilly counselors guide you through the process. They can:
- Tell you about different benefit programs.
- See if you are eligible for programs.
- Help you fill out your applications.
Some of the benefits we help with include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PT/RR)
- Medicaid/Medical Assistance (MA)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Homestead Exemption
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
BenePhilly is operated by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.
Get help in person
BenePhilly centers
BenePhilly centers are located at the community-based organizations below. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
| Organization | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic Social Services: Southwest | 6214 Grays Ave., 19142 | (215) 724-8550, ext. 6 | Mon – Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| PA CareerLink Philadelphia, Northwest | 5847 Germantown Ave., 19144 | (215) 298-9292 | Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Impact Services | 1952 East Allegheny Ave., 19134 | (215) 739-1600, ext. 156 | Mon – Fri, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Philadelphia FIGHT | 1233 Locust St., 19107 | (215) 525-8636 | Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Utilities Emergency Services Fund (UESF) | 1608 Walnut St., Ste. 600, 19103 | (215) 814-6845 | Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Esperanza | 4261 N. 5th St., 19140 | (215) 324-0746, ext. 108 |
Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Mobile unit
The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity also has a mobile Benefits Access Unit. Staff members drive a special vehicle with internet access to:
- Public offices.
- Nonprofit social services organizations.
- Targeted and underserved areas.
- Neighborhood events.
Staff members provide information about public benefits and can start the application process on the spot.
To request a visit from the mobile unit, complete our online form.
Get help over the phone
Call (215) 685-3654, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A BenePhilly counselor will tell you about different benefit programs, see if you are eligible, and help you finish any applications.
Phone calls are toll-free and confidential. Help can be provided in more than 170 languages.