Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Lancaster County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

Lancaster County Department of Human Services + AAA + community-based organizations — coordinated emergency aid framework

Who it's for

Lancaster County emergency aid: (1) Lancaster CAO for Cash Assistance / Emergency LIHEAP / Medicaid (717-299-7411); (2) Lancaster AAA for senior-specific case management (717-299-7979); (3) Lancaster hospital safety net (717-544-5000); (4) Red Rose Transit (RRTA, South Central Transit Authority — SCTA) + RRTA Shared Ride for transportation (717-397-4246); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg (covers Dauphin + Cumberland + Lebanon + York + Lancaster + Adams + Franklin + Mifflin + Northumberland + Perry + Snyder + Union — 15-county footprint); (6) Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (regional food bank serving 27 counties — among the largest in PA); (7) Dollar Energy Fund (PA-specific utility crisis nonprofit). Dial 211 (211 South Central PA) for general referrals.

Lancaster: referral-coordination model. Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg + Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (27-county) are the regional anchors.

What you'll need

Proof of age 60+
Proof of all household income
Proof of Lancaster County residency
Photo identification

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 211

Renewals

as-needed

Official source →Last verified · June 9, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.