HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has embarked on a mission to dismantle barriers to the Unemployment Compensation (UC) system. By channeling over $2.5 million in grants to seven strategic community-based organizations, L&I aims to streamline access to UC benefits for all Pennsylvanians, particularly those facing economic hardships and language barriers.
In 2022, Pennsylvania became one of only seven states to receive a Navigator grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This financial boost has empowered local organizations to directly assist residents in navigating the complexities of UC applications and claims. “Ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to Unemployment Compensation benefits is not just a goal — it’s a commitment to supporting our workforce during challenging times,” stated L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. She highlighted the collaborative efforts with community organizations as a cornerstone of this initiative.
The grant recipients are diverse, each playing a crucial role in their respective communities:
- Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. (CSO) operates in multiple counties, including Northumberland and Centre. This non-profit focuses on economic and workforce development. With the Navigator grant, CSO has been instrumental in reaching individuals with limited internet access, conducting outreach events, and serving 285 claimants in the latest quarter through in-person appointments.
- Mon Valley Unemployed Committee targets low-income and rural communities across counties such as Allegheny and Erie. By leveraging relationships with local organizations, it expands its reach to those most in need. The committee provides direct assistance through phone consultations, addressing specific UC-related queries.
- Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center, Inc. serves as a resource hub for legal aid and community organizations. Located in Philadelphia, it focuses on low-income individuals, particularly Spanish-speaking workers in North Philadelphia. Recently, it assisted 246 claimants through face-to-face consultations.
- Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia collaborates with VietLead to support Cambodian and Vietnamese communities. This partnership ensures multilingual outreach and navigation services, helping over 200 individuals understand UC eligibility and application processes.
- ACLAMO operates primarily in Montgomery County, addressing the needs of Latino families. By offering a one-stop shop approach, it aids in reducing employment disparities and served 45 claimants in recent months through in-person sessions.
- Campaign for Working Families, Inc. focuses on Philadelphia, providing free tax services and public benefits screenings. Its expansive outreach, in multiple languages, targets hard-to-reach populations, assisting 20 claimants recently with personalized appointments.
- Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) supports the Chinese immigrant community, providing language-specific UC services. It distributed over 1,300 informational brochures in the latest quarter, ensuring widespread awareness of UC benefits.
Pennsylvanians experiencing job loss can also access assistance through L&I’s UC helpline (888-313-7284), email (UCHelp@pa.gov), and live chat services. These community-based organizations, however, offer a valuable alternative, often addressing language and geographic barriers more effectively. The Shapiro Administration strongly encourages residents to utilize these local resources.
This strategic use of grants not only improves UC system access but also reflects a broader commitment to empowering Pennsylvanians, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, regardless of their circumstances.
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