Northwestern Legal Services

This article about the expiration of the rental eviction moratorium includes an interview with our attorney, John Gandrud, Manager of our Central Intake Unit. If you need help with an eviction, you can apply for services by calling 1-800-665-6957 or apply online at nwls.org https://www.meadvilletribune.com//article_deea1781-fdec-5f

Learn about evictions during the pandemic, including an interview from John Gandrud, Manager of our Central Intake Unit. https://www.yourerie.com//digital-exclusive-evictions-dur/

Systemic and institutional racism is against NWLS’s mission. We will continue to fight for equal justice for all and to strengthen our communities. We support PLAN’s Call to Action On Systemic Racism.

If you are not working because you are on leave, on layoff, or have lost your job, there are options for health care for yourself and your family. Act quickly though as you should secure coverage within 60 DAYS of when you lose coverage through your employer, or you will lose the opportunity to get affordable benefits through the Marketplace until the end of the year. Community Legal Services publishes this breakdown of the options and what you need to know. https://clsphila.org//Health-insurance-for-people-not-work

"What's wrong with my UC claim?" troubleshooting guide explains common issues that many claimants may experience please review suggested action steps that can help speed up the process or fix the issue. Access guide here: http://bit.ly/2YXrOuY

The Current Pennsylvania and Federal Moratorium Impact on Mortgages, presented by MidPenn attorney Jamie Bonser. The purpose of this presentation is to inform t...he viewer of the current status of foreclosure actions in Pennsylvania as of May 8, 2020. This information was accurate at the time of the recording. See more

Need help in applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or just have questons? Visit this summary about who may be eligible, things to know before you file, details on monetary determinations, and the process involved. www.nwls.org//610084_apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assis For legal advice contact Northwestern Legal Services at 1-800-665-6957 or apply on line at www.nwls.org

Currently we are all relying on the internet more than ever during this period of social distancing and isolation. Whether you are a student trying to stay connected to school, a remote worker trying to hold onto your job, or just trying to connect with loved ones, the need is great. Here are some internet providers offering free and low-cost internet solutions to low-income families and households. https://www.nwls.org//682267_free-and-low-income-internet-

See this great guide by PA government entitled Scenarios & Benefits which lists many auxiliary aids and services which are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. hwww.uc.pa.gov//4_27_20%20Expanded%20Scenario%20Infographi

PA government website offers many resources including a list of Paid Leave Options for Employees, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/Services-for-PA-COVID19.aspx

How Are Student Loans Affected During COVID-19? Federal Student Loans: On March 27, 2020, the President signed the CARES Act, which, among other things, provides broad relief in response to COVID-19 for federal student loan borrowers whose loans are owned by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The servicer of these loans should have contacted you to attempt and explain the law and its impact on your student loans, likely through a letter to your account online or a letter... through the mail. During this time, all federally held student loans have been placed in an administrative forbearance making the loan holders payment amounts $0 until at least the end of August. Private Student Loans: If you have private student loans and are unsure as to the status of them, you should reach out to your loan provider for guidance on the status of them. If you are in a time of hardship and have lost your job due to COVID-19, you should reach out to your loan provider to report this if you are still being required to make payments. Further Questions? If you have further questions about your student loan payment options, please contact your individual loan provider(s)!

COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT: Social Security Retirement, Survivors, or Disability Beneficiaries; and SSI Recipients consult this guide for more information www.nwls.org//021610_ss-and-ssi-financial-info-covid-19.pdf

PHLP publishes their May newsletter covering many important health related topics for Pennsylvanians. Read at https://bit.ly/2L4twCx

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) System is fully functional. You can now file your weekly PUA certifications. Use our guides available to help navigat...e the system at www.uc.pa.gov/PUA. The PUA system will backdate your weekly claims to when you first became unemployed, as reported by you when you entered your last day of work in your initial PUA claim. You can now file weekly certifications for all these previous weeks for PUA benefits. Individuals can file weekly certifications for backdated claims for previous eligible weeks beginning today and the first payment will arrive within one week or less. Starting Sunday, PUA claimants can file their continuing weekly certification, and payment will arrive within three business days. If you have questions or need assistance, please email [email protected]. This email address is for PUA questions only. Emails not related to PUA will not receive a response. Learn more: https://www.media.pa.gov/P/Labor-and-Industry-Details.aspx