State Rep. Emily Kinkead lists winter programs available for residents struggling to pay their bills: ”There’s absolutely no shame in asking for help.”

Photo: Office of Rep. Kinkead

Happy New Year!

As the new year dawns, I am optimistic for all the opportunities to serve our community that lie ahead in 2022. These harsh winter months can bring new burdens for many of our residents, and I want to emphasize that there are government programs and resources available to help the vulnerable members of our community. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help, and I encourage you or your loved ones to take advantage of these programs, if eligible. As one of your elected officials, it is a top priority of mine to ensure that the people in our district are kept warm, housed, healthy and free from hunger throughout this winter season.

This time of year, weather outside can undoubtedly be frightful. Regardless of your financial situation, home should be delightful. If you find yourself stressing over how to pay home heating bills this winter, help is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Through LIHEAP, eligible families may receive between $500 and $1,500 in the form of a one-time cash grant that will not need to be repaid. Applications are open now until May 6 and can be completed online or on paper. Please contact my office for more information or assistance with applying.

Also, if you own or rent a home, you may be eligible to receive funds from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The program is dedicated to helping eligible Pennsylvanians receive rebates for their property taxes or rent, whether they rent or own. It’s open to state residents 65 or older; widows and widowers 50 or older; and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Applications are open throughout the year. Contact my office or the program office at 1-888-222-9190 for more information on how to apply.

It is incredibly difficult to access affordable health insurance in these unprecedented times. Thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, nearly every Pennsylvanian qualifies for health care savings through Pennie, the Commonwealth’s health care marketplace. Pennie connects customers with financial aid and helps them shop for, compare and purchase health insurance. Call 1-844-844-8040, visit pennie.com, or contact my office to get more information on how to find affordable health care. Act quickly to secure savings, as open enrollment for the program ends on Jan. 15, 2022.

Food insecurity affects families and communities in all areas of Pennsylvania; Allegheny County is no exception. However, we are quite fortunate to have several food pantries in our area that are dedicated to filling empty stomachs year-round. In fact, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and North Hills Community Outreach food banks received a portion of the $11.4 million in state grant funds announced last month to expand cold food storage for pantries across the state. These investments will be a great asset in the fight to end hunger in our Commonwealth.

For more information on food pantries in our area, contact my office or call 412-460-3663 x655.These are just a few of the programs that are available through the state to help you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns or need assistance, my staff and I are here to help you. Please call 412-321-5523 or email RepKinkead@pahouse.net.