Social Services

GHNPSS Social Service Coordinator

Looking for food stamps, SNAP benefits or Medicaid applications? Do you know if you qualify for the monthly food box for seniors? Need help with all the forms or understanding the mail from these programs? Our Social Worker can help you find out what benefits you may qualify for and how to navigate social service resources. Call the GHNPSS Social Service Coordinator, Carol Costlow, at 215-362-7432, ext. 203. Please also look at the monthly schedule to see what days Carol will offer in-person appointments at Encore. 

Farmers Market Vouchers

The Senior Farmer's Market Voucher program provides low income seniors with vouchers to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at approved farmer's markets and stands in Pennsylvania. Eligibility requirements for 2024: 1) you must be 60 yrs. or older, and 2) a Montgomery County resident, and 3) you must have income below $2,322/mo. or $27,861/yr. for a single person and $3,151/mo. or $37,814/yr. for a couple.

All available Farmer's Market Vouchers for 2024 have been distributed.

Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) accepts applications each year between November 4 and April 9 or until all the funds are distributed. Eligible low-income households will receive a grant applied directly to their account with their heat supplier—oil, gas or electric.

The income guidelines for 2023-24 for homeowners and renters were as follows:
Household Size             Maximum Annual Income
           1                                        $21,870
           2                                        $29,580

Proposed income guidelines for the 2024-2025 application season will be posted in the fall. Apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us or pick up an application at the Center.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Applications for the PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate for 2023 tax year are available and can now be submitted through December 31, 2024. New rules apply to applicants for the 2023 tax year: both homeowners and renters can have income up to $45,000 and the rebate amounts are higher than previous years. If you qualify, you can receive a rebate up to $1000. You can apply online for this rebate at the PA Dept. of Revenue’s myPATH website at https://www.revenue.pa.gov/OnlineServices/mypath/Pages/default.aspx or pick up a paper application at Encore or the local PA legislator's office.

Several area school districts (including North Penn, Wissahickon, Upper Dublin, Norristown, and Methacton) now offer a tax rebate to their residents who have first qualified for the latest PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate for 2023. Once you receive the state's rebate for 2023, you can apply to the school district for their additional rebate from 7/1/2024 through 6/30/2025. Learn more, get an application, and get help from the Social Services Coordinator at The PEAK Center by calling 215-362-7432 ext. 203.

TransNet

Free shared ride service to Encore Experiences is available if you are age 65 or older. To schedule a ride, cancel a ride, or inquire about TransNet registration call 215-256-6900. Rides must be booked at least one day in advance.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program / Senior Food Program  

This is a USDA Food Program that is designed to improve the health and nutrition of senior citizens. You must be at least 60 years of age and your total household income must be at or below the following (Updated 3/2024):

Family Size          Annual                Monthly          Weekly Income

       1                 $19,578                $1,632                    $377

       2                 $26,572                $2,215                    $511

 To register for this program, please call or see the Social Services Coordinator with the following: Proof of Age (Driver’s License or PA ID)

The monthly CSFP Food Package generally contains: 4 vegetables, 2 juices, 2 fruits, 1 protein, 2 cereals, 1 protein alternate, milk product, carbohydrate, and 2 lbs. cheese.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement 2023

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Please call 215-256-6900 for more information on these services or to schedule your appointment.