The PA House has passed a bill to protect consumers by requiring approved financial counseling before an applicant can begin a reverse mortgage loan. Reverse mortgages are typically sought by older residents who want to tap into the value of their home without selling it, but potential drawbacks exist.

HB 1466 helps these residents by ensuring they have a realistic picture of the finances involved and fully understand the benefits and risks. It’s the latest of several consumer-protection measures passed by House Democrats this term, and it’s now pending in the Senate.

If you know a veteran who’s struggling to make ends meet, the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program might be able to help. Eligible PA veterans and their families can take advantage of the program that provides up to $1,600 per year for essential needs like rent, groceries, utility bills, and clothing during times of financial hardship.

Eligible applicants include veterans with honorable or general discharges, those with service-connected disabilities, and surviving dependents of eligible veterans or service members who died in the line of duty. To apply or learn more, visit www.dmva.pa.org or contact our Allegheny County Veterans Services office.

If you’re a veteran who has misplaced important paperwork, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) can help. They can assist veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 or other military documents which verify your military service and are necessary to access benefits, retirement, employment opportunities, and veterans’ organizations.

DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are ready to help. Call toll-free at 1-800-547-2838, or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. For more information or to sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, visit www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

Summertime should not mean empty stomachs. Pennsylvania’s SUN Bucks program provides $120 per eligible child on a prepaid EBT card to help families cover grocery costs when school is out. Children already on SNAP are automatically enrolled, and households not currently receiving SNAP may still qualify.

Visit dhs.pa.gov/SUNBucks to apply or learn more information. Benefits for Summer 2025 will begin issuing in mid-July. Applications are due by August 31.

Scammers have been sending fraudulent text messages involving REAL ID, according PennDOT, which is warning people to be aware. The messages are being sent to customers claiming to be from the DMV or the federal Department of Homeland Security asking people to click on a link and provide personal and payment information.

PennDOT does not have a process for customers to pre-scan and upload REAL ID documents, and the agency will never ask for any identity documents online. So do not click on these fraudulent links.

 To learn more about this scam or report it, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website or report it to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

I want to remind everyone that help is available for qualifying customers who are struggling to pay their bills from Pennsylvania American Water.

Customers can receive grants or discounts, depending on their income. Customers can also make payment arrangements before falling behind on a bill, and a new forgiveness program can also help customers pay off their past due account balance. Customers behind on their bill due to a medical emergency also might be able to avoid shutoff or have service restored.

Learn more about the programs here:  PA American Water programs.

My team and I are here to assist with a variety of state government-related services, so please don’t hesitate to visit the district office at Tube City Center in McKeesport, call us at 412-664-0035, or visit my website, www.repgoughnour.com. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

117-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1018

District Office

409 Walnut St. First Floor

McKeesport, PA 15132-2524

(412) 664-0035