The Coronavirus pandemic has presented enormous hardships for millions of individuals across the country and the world.
For all of us, this is a time of tremendous uncertainty and it will require everyone to come together to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. And, we are already planning ahead so we can adapt our services and be ready to respond to the needs of our communities as they emerge and rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
We are proud to offer additional resources for our community during this difficult time. Below is some information we’ve gathered from a variety of sources, that we hope you will find useful. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think it might help.
Community Resources:
Eviction information:
In response to the coronavirus emergency, many courts are closed and no evictions are being processed at this time. As a result, landlords may attempt to remove tenants illegally for nonpayment of rent or other reasons.
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA can help you to file an emergency petition with the courts. Attached is a “know your rights form” in English and Spanish with more details.
What do you do if you’re illegally locked out?
- Call the police. Show them proof that you are a tenant.
- Call Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) at 877-429-5994 or www.lasp.org/applyhere
Flexible Spending Account Temporary Rule Changes:
This applies whether you have a Flexible Spendinng Account through the YW or not (note that this is not the Dependent Care Spending Account):
Included in the Stimulus Act is a provision reauthorizing the ability of participants in health care FSAs, to have over-the-counter medications as items eligible for reimbursement without the necessity of a prescription–assuming their employer’s plan documents so allow. In addition, expenses for menstrual care products are added to the list of eligible items under an FSA. These provisions are retroactive to January 1, 2020 (again, if the plan documents so allow) and do not expire until Congress changes its mind again.
Until the plan/cards have been changed, it is suggested that you retain receipts so you can submit them for reimbursement once everything’s been updated. There’s no timeline on it as of yet.
Additional Useful Resources:
PA Attorney General re EVICTIONS (March 31, 2020): https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/press-releases/ag-shapiro-to-landlords-pennsylvanians-cannot-be-evicted-during-state-emergency/#.XoNjzbfMSw1.twitter
PA’s request for “major disaster declaration” approved (March 31): https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-approved/
Gov. Wolf stay-at-home order extended to April 30 (including Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties): https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-and-sec-of-health-expand-stay-at-home-order-to-carbon-cumberland-dauphin-and-schuylkill-counties-extend-school-closures-indefinitely/
Senator Bob Casey’s Resources for Pennsylvanians: https://www.casey.senate.gov/coronavirus
YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This is our mission. We will get through this.
Do you have a dependable resource that has helped you manage your mental health? Share with us by emailing marketing@ywcatricountyarea.org.
