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Pennsylvania Local Resources

Pennsylvania residents can begin with PA 211 to identify local food, housing and other community assistance. State benefit applications have a different route through COMPASS or a county assistance office. For an older adult’s support needs, the Department of Aging’s local resources directory helps identify the Area Agency on Aging serving the county and the appropriate place to ask questions.

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division; LC-DIG-highsm-16892 (digital file from original) LC-HS503-2972 (color film transparency) · Rights information

Community Resource Guide · Sources Checked October 2, 2026

Start With PA 211

PA 211 is Pennsylvania’s statewide information and referral system for community resources.

PA 211

Call 211 or search the PA 211 website for local resources.

Visit PA 211Call 211

A county assistance office and an Area Agency on Aging have different roles, even when both are useful to the same household. Use the assistance office for benefits application help and the aging directory for community aging services. Keep the name of each contact alongside the particular task you need that office to handle.

Glassman Disability provides this independent guide. The linked organizations operate their own services.

Official Pennsylvania Resource Directories

Use the links below to choose a starting point. Ask the provider about the services available in your community.

PA 211

Search Pennsylvania community resources and ask for local referrals. Confirm service boundaries and intake requirements with the listed organization before relying on a directory result.

www.pa211.org

Pennsylvania benefits application routes

Follow official COMPASS links or find a county assistance office for application help. The state page explains additional application methods for particular benefit programs.

www.pa.gov

Pennsylvania local aging resources

Locate the Area Agency on Aging responsible for your county. Use this local entry point to ask about aging services and community support options.

www.pa.gov

Plan Your Next Steps

  1. Use PA 211 to identify a nearby provider, then contact that provider about service coverage and its current intake process.
  2. Review Pennsylvania’s Apply for Benefits page for COMPASS, county assistance office and other application options.
  3. Find the Area Agency on Aging serving your county and ask about local support for the older adult or caregiver involved.

Questions To Ask Your Local Provider

  • Do you serve my ZIP code, and are you accepting requests?
  • What information should I bring, and can I apply by phone or online?
  • Can you help me arrange language access, an accessible appointment or transportation?
  • If this program is full, where should I try next?

Common Questions

Where do I start for local help in Pennsylvania?

Start with PA 211. PA 211 is Pennsylvania’s statewide information and referral system for community resources.

Does a 211 referral mean assistance is approved?

A referral gives you a place to ask for help. Contact the listed provider to confirm its service area, current availability, application process and requirements.

What if I cannot reach the right 211 service?

Use the official service website listed on this page or the national 211 locator. Search with the ZIP code or county where help is needed, especially if your phone number is from another area.

Sources & Further Reading

Source review: October 2, 2026. Program details can change; confirm current requirements and availability with the organization.

Continue Reading

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