There a number of Philadelphia organizations that can help you pay back rent, utilities, or a security deposit.
The following may have available assistance. Please check with the organization directly to see if they are accepting applications at this time and have funding available.
Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry
Apply for assistance with past-due rent and security deposits for Northwest Philadelphia residents in area codes 19118, 19119, 19126, 19138, 19144 and 19150.
Call 215-843-2350; or
Email info@crisisministry.org; or
Schedule an in-person appointment and visit 35 W Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Monday – Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Office of Homeless Services (OHS)
Call the Homelessness Prevention InfoLine at 215-686-7177 and follow the instructions; or
If you still need help applying, email the OHS Prevention, Diversion, and Intake Unit at OHSPrevention@phila.gov.
Catholic Social Services (CSS)
Contact the CSS Helpline at 267-331-2490; or
Email CSS at csshelp@chs-adphila.org
County Assistance Office (CAO)
CAO provides grants for past-due rent for tenants who apply. Submit applications and renewals at your local county assistance office drop box or online using your COMPASS account; or
Call 215-560-1976; or
Visit in person at 801 Market St #6, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Offers assistance with past due rent or security deposits.
Request an appointment online; or
Call 215-324-0746
Contact the Urban League for rental assistance at housing@urbanleaguephila.org; or
Family Promise of Philadelphia (FPP)
FPP provides grants for past-due rent, utilities, and security deposits for tenants who apply. Apply online.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must have children 18 or younger
Must be less than 85 days behind your rent
Provides rental assistance for past-due rent.
Email prevention@hopephl.org; or
Call 267-720-4673
Eligibility Requirements:
Prioritize children and families with household income.
Landlords willing to accept their services and provide all the landlord required documents.
DHS Prevention Assistance Fund
If you have an open case with DHS, they may have funds to assist with past-due rent. Contact your DHS or CUA caseworker by phone or email to apply.
Congreso de Latinos Unidos (Congreso)
Provides rental assistance for past-due rent and security deposits.
Call 215-763-8870; or
Email info@congreso.net
Visit in person at 216 West Somerset St. Philadelphia, PA 19133
Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m – 5 p.m.
Remote support may be available at the preference of the client.
Apply for assistance with past-due rent.
Call 215-426-8610
Provides comprehensive supportive services to low-income Veterans who are currently experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of losing their leased homes.
Call 215-923-2600; or
Visit in person at 213-217 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Eligibility Requirements:
Veteran with Active Duty service (other than for training) who is the head of household.
Under 80% Area Median Income.
Facing a housing crisis as defined by the program.
Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF)
Utility Assistance Inquiry Form (Water Only)
Supplemental Services Inquiry Form (Benefit Access Center)
Low Income Home Emergency Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP will pay the utility company to lower your utility bill. Apply online on you COMPASS Account; or
Visit in person at 1163 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Download the application from the LIHEAP website, fill it out, then bring it to the office.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
PECO has a wide range of assistance programs to help you catch up on your electric bill. You can get money during a financial hardship, catch up with a payment arrangement, request a due-date extension, and more.
PGW Customer Responsibility Program
PGW provides debt forgiveness and a lowered monthly bill for low-income tenants, offering decreased gas bill up to 50%
Philadelphia Water Revenue Bureau: Tiered Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP provides customers with lower incomes or those experiencing special hardships with a water bill based on their income.