You can get free help applying for public benefits through the BenePhilly program.
The program can help you:
- Complete public benefit applications.
- Organize key documents for applications.
- Track 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.
How to get started
Call the BenePhilly Helpline at (800) 994-5537. The helpline staff at Clarifi will ask a few questions to figure out which BenePhilly center is right for you. Then, you will be transferred to the appropriate location.
Locations
BenePhilly centers
BenePhilly centers are located at the community-based organizations below. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
| Organization | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic Charities of Philadelphia – Southwest Family Service Center | 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 (for new or returning medical center clients only) | 1233 Locust St., 19107 | (215) 525-8636 | Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Utilities Emergency Services Fund (UESF) | 743 N. 24th St., 2nd Floor, 19130 | (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. |
| Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity | 1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 1800, 19103 | (215) 685-3654 | 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.