by Christin Brown | April 12, 2018 | News Releases
The senator partnered with PA Treasurer Joe Torsella to help folks with tax returns, unclaimed property searches and financial benefits programs.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 12, 2018 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione joined PA Treasurer Joe Torsella and the Campaign for Working Families Inc. on Tuesday to provide a myriad of personal financial services to dozens of constituents at her Financial Freedom for Working Families event.
“In today’s economic environment with rising costs and stagnant wages, working people should try to take advantage of every opportunity to get ahead,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Through this program, Treasurer Torsella and I were able to connect residents of the 2nd Senate District and the Philadelphia area with the free financial resources available to them.”
About a dozen visitors were already on hand when the four-hour event kicked off at 10 a.m. And response to the program grew as the hours progressed. Volunteer CWF tax professionals prepared 2017 income tax returns for many visitors, while other patrons took advantage of the state treasurer’s unclaimed property search services. One constituent found the hidden proceeds from an old blue-chip stock transaction, while another found savings in a long-forgotten bank account. Others claimed old, uncashed paychecks and unused retail credits or gift cards.
Those wishing to search for unclaimed property on their own can do so anytime by visiting the website PATreasury.gov and following the “Unclaimed Property” link on the “Programs” menu. Make sure to use the official PA Treasury site. The home page URL address must contain the “.gov” domain.
In addition to those services, Senator Tartaglione’s staff helped many constituents prepare their rent and property tax rebate forms and their home-heating assistance (LIHEAP) applications. The extended deadline for LIHEAP applications is April 13. All LIHEAP applications must be filed by then. The rent and property tax rebate application process is ongoing.
Contact Senator Tartaglione’s district offices at 215-533-0440 (1061 Bridge St.) or 215-291-4653 (400 W. Allegheny Ave.) for information about state-related financial programs.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | October 30, 2017 | News Releases
Families will celebrate Halloween while learning how to prepare for the winter months
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 30, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins invite families to celebrate Halloween at the Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night on Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wissinoming Park in Philadelphia.
Children are encouraged to attend in costume while enjoying lively games and candy giveaways. Meanwhile, parents will be offered valuable information about seasonal programs to help them prepare for the cold-weather months, including Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP energy assistance program, home weatherization and other state-related services.
WHO: State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins
WHAT: Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Wissinoming Park, 5801 Frankford Ave. (Entrance on Cheltenham Avenue)
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | November 6, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2014 – To help keep heaters working and the lights on through winter, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said the time is now for low-income residents in her district to apply for the popular Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; better known as LIHEAP.
The application window for federally funded LIHEAP grants will stay open through the beginning of April.
“LIHEAP will help people pay for emergency repairs they didn’t budget for,” Tartaglione said. “Whether it’s a frozen pipe or the threatened termination of electrical service, LIHEAP’s crisis grants can help people who need help to get through the winter.”
The energy assistance program delivered grants totaling $14.3 million last winter.
If needed, LIHEAP can provide a cash grant of up to $1,000 per customer. The grants are directly paid to a utility or other vendor, like PECO. Grants can cover payments to get service restored. The maximum grant funding for emergencies is $500.
Annual household income limits apply. A one-person household must not earn more than $17,505 while an eight-person household can earn a maximum annual stipend of $60,135. Add $6,090 for each additional person.
“My office can help residents apply for the LIHEAP program if they have questions or concerns,” the senator said.
Either of Tartaglione’s district offices can provide applications. Questions may be asked by calling her Bridge Street office, 215-533-0440, or her Susquehanna Avenue office, 215-291-4653.
The LIHEAP application is also available online.
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by Christin Brown | December 12, 2012 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12, 2012 – Philadelphians who have had their electric service terminated should check into their eligibility for a state program that provides utility grants in crisis situations, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
As part of Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Department of Public Welfare has implemented the LIHEAP Crisis Exception Program. This program will provide grants for customers that have been terminated and have not been restored.
“For thousands of families, the effects of the recession linger and losing electric service in the winter can be life-threatening,” Tartaglione said. “Residents who have had their service terminated should consider applying for the crisis grants to help them get through tough times.”
According to the Department of Welfare, PECO will conditionally accept crisis exception grants for customers that are terminated and have arrearages under $4,000. Grant acceptance on customers with balances over $4,000 will be addressed on a case by case basis.
To apply for the LIHEAP Crisis Exception Grant, the customer must appear in person at the Philadelphia Assistance Office, 1348 W. Sedgley Avenue. The customer will be required to provide either a PECO Service Denial Letter, or a notice stating service has been terminated (less than 30 days old).
If, the customer’s service was terminated less than 30 days ago, and they are requesting a notice to apply for the grant; the County Assistance Office will accept the Post Termination Notice left at the property as proof of termination. Customers will be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for all members of the household
- A bill for their primary heating source
- Identification/Social Security information for all members of the household
If, the customer’s service was terminated more than 30 days ago, PECO will provide the customer with a Service Denial Letter or tell them to bring their post termination notice to the Assistance Office.
For more information on the Crisis Exception Grant Program, call 215-560-1583
