The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) closed county assistance offices (CAOs) in coordination with Governor Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In-person visits will not be available, and staffing for phone lines may be diminished. As we focus on keeping Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, now is a great time to utilize DHS online resources.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information. With COMPASS, you can:
- Look up your benefits wherever you are, at any time
- Review any information you receive
- Check the status of applications you submit
- Upload documents
- Report changes directly from your phone or desktop computer
Visit COMPASS or download the MyCOMPASS phone app to apply for benefits for programs, such as:
- Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP
- Child Care Works Program
- Long-Term Care Services
Report Abuse or Neglect
People who are mandated reporters under the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) should report abuse online at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis, but ChildLine is also available to anyone wishing to report, 24/7 at 1-800-932-0313.
Adult Protective Services protects adults who are between the ages of 18 and 59 with a physical or intellectual disability that limits one or more major life activities. Reports can be made 24/7 to 1-800-490-8505.
Clearances & Licensing
DHS encourages individuals to submit clearance applications online whenever possible. Mandated reporters are encouraged to use the self-service portal on the Keep Kids Safe website, to avoid long hotline wait times.
You can find forms and information on the DHS Clearances & Licensing webpage.
DHS Updated Information
Program Office helplines and email addresses
📌 The latest information on COVID-19 is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.