Resources
RCFS provides the following links as helpful starting points for individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals seeking information related to disability services, benefits, housing, and other community supports.
Community & Government Resources
We are pleased to provide these external resources for the benefit of our clients and their families. These websites are maintained by other organizations, so RCFS does not control their content, availability, or future changes. Please contact RCFS if you have questions about these or other related resources.
Disability Services & Advocacy
Organizations and programs providing disability services, rights advocacy, assistive technology, financial resources, and support for individuals and families.
Disability Rights Pennsylvania — disabilityrightspa.org
Get disability-rights information, advocacy assistance, publications, and help with specific concerns.
The Arc of Pennsylvania — thearcpa.org
Find advocacy information, disability resources, local organizations, and family support.
Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council — paddc.org
Explore advocacy, policy, and resources supporting people with developmental disabilities.
Pennsylvania Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services — pa.gov
Find services, supports, providers, and eligibility information for IDD and autism.
TechOWL — techowlpa.org
Explore assistive technology, device lending, demonstrations, training, and consultations statewide.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation — patf.us
Find financial resources and guidance for obtaining assistive technology and equipment.
Medicaid & Health Benefits
Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, also known as Medical Assistance, provides health coverage and access to services and supports for eligible individuals, including people with disabilities. Home and community-based programs can help individuals receive needed care and support while remaining in their homes and communities.
Pennsylvania Medicaid / Medical Assistance — pa.gov
Learn about Pennsylvania Medicaid coverage, eligibility, services, and application information.
Pennsylvania Medicaid Waivers — pa.gov
Review waiver programs that provide specialized services outside institutional settings.
Community HealthChoices (CHC) — pa.gov
Learn about coordinated healthcare and long-term supports for eligible Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project — phlp.org
Find Medicaid guidance, healthcare-rights information, and help resolving coverage problems.
Housing & Community Supports
Finding appropriate housing can involve affordability, accessibility, support services, and eligibility for public programs. These resources can help individuals and families explore housing options, locate community-based assistance, and connect with programs that support independent living.
Pennsylvania DHS — Housing Resources — pa.gov
Find statewide housing programs, assistance, accessible housing, and local support resources.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency — Renters — phfa.org
Find affordable housing, rental assistance information, and resources for Pennsylvania renters.
Section 811 Supportive Housing — phfa.org
Learn about supportive rental housing for eligible people with disabilities.
HUD — Pennsylvania — hud.gov
Explore federal housing programs, vouchers, counseling, and affordable housing information.
PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources — pa.gov
Connect with local services supporting independent living and community-based needs.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) — pa.gov
Explore services that help eligible Pennsylvanians remain in their homes and communities.
LIHEAP — pa.gov
Find assistance with home heating costs and emergency energy needs.
ABLE Accounts
PA ABLE is a tax-advantaged savings program for eligible individuals with disabilities. Funds can be used for qualified disability-related expenses such as housing, transportation, education, health care, assistive technology, and other needs, while generally helping preserve eligibility for means-tested benefits such as Medicaid and SSI. Eligibility is based on having a qualifying disability that began before age 46.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project — phlp.org
Check eligibility requirements, enrollment information, and answers to common questions.
PA ABLE Qualified Expenses — paable.gov
Learn which disability-related expenses can be paid using PA ABLE funds.
Social Security — ABLE Accounts and SSI — ssa.gov
Understand how ABLE savings are treated under SSI program rules.
Caregiver & Respite Support
Resources for caregivers and families who need temporary relief, short-term support, or assistance caring for a loved one—or even a pet—during difficult circumstances.
Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program — pa.gov
Find respite care, caregiver support, and possible reimbursement for caregiving expenses.
Pennsylvania Services and Supports Directory — Respite Services — hcsis.dhs.pa.gov
Search by county for providers offering short-term respite services and supports.
Paws Across Pittsburgh — SAFE Program — pawsacrosspittsburgh.com
Find temporary foster care for pets during medical or other emergencies.
End-of-Life, Funeral & Burial Resources
Resources to help individuals and families navigate end-of-life planning, burial assistance, benefits, and important records.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging — End-of-Life Care — pa.gov
Find guidance for caregiving, planning, and practical needs surrounding end-of-life care.
Pennsylvania DHS — Burial and Cremation Assistance — pa.gov
Learn about burial or cremation assistance available for certain eligible Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania Vital Records — Death Certificates — pa.gov
Learn how to obtain certified Pennsylvania death certificates for estates and benefits.
Social Security — Burial Funds and SSI — ssa.gov
Understand how funds set aside for burial expenses are treated under SSI.
Veterans Resources
State and federal resources for veterans and their families seeking benefits, financial assistance, caregiving support, fiduciary services, and burial information.
Pennsylvania Veterans Affairs — pa.gov
Explore Pennsylvania veterans’ benefits, programs, services, and statewide assistance resources.
PA VETConnect — pa.gov
Connect Pennsylvania veterans and beneficiaries with appropriate local and statewide resources.
County Directors of Veterans Affairs — pa.gov
Find local assistance identifying and applying for state and federal veterans’ benefits.
VA Aid and Attendance & Housebound Benefits — va.gov
Learn about additional pension benefits for eligible veterans needing daily assistance.
VA Fiduciary Program — va.gov
Learn about assistance for beneficiaries unable to manage their VA benefit payments.
VA Burial & Memorial Benefits — va.gov
Find information about burial allowances, cemeteries, memorials, and related benefits.
Additional Support Resources
More useful resources for everyday needs that may arise for RCFS clients and families.
PA 211 — pa211.org
Search local programs for food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other assistance.
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources — pa.gov
Find Pennsylvania mental-health, crisis, treatment, and substance-use support services.
SNAP — pa.gov
Learn about Pennsylvania food assistance, eligibility requirements, benefits, and applying.
Adult Protective Services — pa.gov
Learn how to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of vulnerable adults.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) — pa.gov
Explore employment and vocational services for eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
Need Help Finding the Right Resource?
Government programs, benefits, and service requirements can be difficult to navigate. If you are unsure where to begin, cannot find what you need, or have questions about which resources may apply to your situation, contact RCFS.
Contact us. We can help point you in the right direction.
