Cash Assistance/State Blind Pension Program and Moving to Independence

The Department of Public Welfare is dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals living in Pennsylvania move to independence through the State Blind Pension Program, which provides blind pension benefits for adults who meet visual requirements and other conditions of eligibility.

How to Apply:

You can apply for and renew your benefits from the comfort of your home using COMPASS, the online resource for cash assistance, Food Stamps, help with child care, health care coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), school meals, SelectPlan for Women and long-term living services. You can also:

• File an application at your local County Assistance Office or
• Download an application form from the Web (below) and return it to your local County Assistance Office:

Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Version Espanola)

If you need help completing the application form or need more information about benefits, trained County Assistance Office staff can help you.

Are You Eligible?

Eligibility is determined by your local County Assistance Office, but please keep in mind the following requirements:

• If your visual acuity in your better eye with best correcting lens does not exceed 3/60 or 10/200, you meet the visual requirements for the State Blind Pension Program.
• The combined value of your real and personal property may not exceed $7,500.
• Your annual net income, including the Blind Pension payment, may not exceed $4,260.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cash Assistance