Active Programs for 4/23 Weekly Update
Rep. Napoleon Nelson April 23, 2026
Active Government Programs for You
If you would like more information on or assistance applying for any of these programs, please contact my office at (215) 572-5210 or RepNelson@pahouse.net, or you can stop by my district office at 115 E Glenside Ave Ste. 8, Glenside, PA 19038 from 9:30 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Friday. We are also available for appointments from 9-4:30pm.
Don’t Refuse to Discard Your Refuse
Montgomery County household hazardous waste collection in 2026.
Residents have several opportunities to safely drop off hazardous materials at scheduled county events. In addition, Montco residents may attend regional HHW events in neighboring counties at no charge. Helpful resources are also available for electronics recycling, tire disposal, and proper handling of other items through the A–Z Recycling Guide.
Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Events
Montgomery County will host six HHW collection events in 2026. Preregistration and appointments are required. Events will be held:
- April 25 – Harleysville
- June 6 – Ambler
- June 20 – Norristown
- June 27 – Abington
- September 26 – Royersford
- October 11 – Penn Valley
There are no permanent HHW drop-off locations; these events are the only disposal options.
Regional Household Hazardous Waste Events
Montco residents may attend HHW events in Bucks, Chester, Delaware Counties, and Philadelphia at no charge. See the above regional flyer. A total of 26 collection events are available from April through November.
Electronic Waste
Goodwill Keystone stores in Montgomery, Chester, Berks, and Bucks Counties accept electronics for reuse or recycling—including televisions and computers at no charge.
Tire Recycling
Tire retailers typically accept used tires for a fee. For large quantities or non-standard tires, contact:
Emanuel Tire of PA
1304 Conshohocken Rd., Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-277-6670
Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program was launched back in 2023 in Montgomery County to assist special needs drivers and police officers during interactions. The purpose of the Blue Envelope Program is to help vehicle drivers who have conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communications challenges, dementia, anxiety or other conditions that might impair their ability to communicate easily during a traffic stop, car accident or other on-the-road interactions with police officers.
The program also raises awareness among police regarding this population of drivers and the kind of driver reactions they may observe during a traffic stop.
The Blue Envelopes are available at all police departments in Montgomery County and at most state representative offices, including ours! Please stop in if you would like one.
Women across the Commonwealth - Your Voice Matters
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is writing a State of the Woman Report for Pennsylvania, and we want to hear directly from you.
This 20-minute survey is your chance to share your experiences, priorities, and challenges - no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to.
Take the survey and help shape the future for women in Pennsylvania: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewoman
Also available in:
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewomanspanish
Chinese: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewomanchinese
Department of Revenue Help Center
Our Online Customer Service Center offers secure support for your PA tax needs. Use revenue.pa.gov/help to review thousands of FAQs or submit your own questions any time.
Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
PA’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit can deliver between $600 and $2,100 to help eligible Pennsylvanians with child and dependent care costs.
The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit that is available to Pennsylvanians is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. That means that taxpayers must receive federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. The state credit is equal to 100 percent of the federal credit, meaning:
- The maximum credit will be $1,050 (one child/dependent) or $2,100 (two or more children/dependents?).
- The credit cap phases down as income levels increase.
- The minimum credit will be $600 (one child/dependent) or $1,200 (two or more children/dependents), provided expenses are at least $3,000 per child/dependent.
With tax season right around the corner, learn more about eligibility and how you can benefit when you file your PA tax return.
The Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program is Open NOW!
The 2025 Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program is open NOW! The program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This program is supported by funds from the Pennsylvania Lottery and gaming.
**A reminder that it’s necessary to apply for a rebate every year because eligibility is based upon annual income and property taxes/rent paid in the prior year (2025).
Contact our office for help TODAY! 215-572-5210 or RepNelson@PAHouse.net! You can also file online at mypath.pa.gov.
Retired Persons Registration Income Limit Raised
Good news, retirees! PennDOT just raised the retired persons vehicle registration income limit to $30,778.
Eligible retirees can qualify to pay $12 for their vehicle registration.
To qualify for Retired Status Vehicle Registration, you need to:
- Be retired and receive Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits, or other pensions and annuities.
- Your total income should be $30,778 or less, including income from business, rental, and unemployment.
- You must be the main driver of the vehicle you're registering, unless you're mentally or physically incapable.
- Your vehicle must weigh 9,000 lbs. or less.
Note: Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status fee.
Contact my office (215-572-5210, or RepNelson@PAHouse.Net) if you have any questions or to apply.
Career Searching/Solutions for 55+ Community
Job hunting and over 55+? JEVS can help. They invite you to attend multiple virtual information sessions. Thess sessions provide career counseling and job placement assistance for older adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or just seeking a career change.
Click here to learn more about JEVS Programs.
Didn’t make the first sessions? Register for the next session on June 9th.
PACE/PACENET
PA’s PACE & PACENET programs help qualified residents, aged 65 and up, get prescription medicine at a lower cost. These programs work with Medicare Part D and other drug plans, like those from retiree plans, employers, Medicare Advantage, and Veterans’ Benefits.
For PACE, for a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less, and for a married couple, $17,700 or less. For PACENET, for a single person, total income can be between $14,501 and $33,500, and for a married couple, between $17,701 and $41,500.
For more information and to apply, go here.
Questions About Medicare?
Q: How does Medicare work?
A: You can choose either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for your health coverage.
Learn the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage at pa.gov/PAMEDI.
Would you like to meet with a PA MEDI Counselor? Click here for list of Montco sites available.
Raising Grandchildren? Free Legal Support Is Available
If you’re 60 or older and caring for grandchildren or other relatives’ children, the PA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line can help. Get free legal guidance by phone, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., through the SeniorLAW Center—no need to leave home!
Call 1-877-727-7529 or click this link for more information.
Attention: Direct Care Workers in Pennsylvania 
Do you provide Long-Term Services and Support for older adults and people with disabilities? If yes, PA Department of Aging wants to hear from you
The University of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department on Aging is conducting a survey. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the results will be used to help improve the Direct Care Workforce.
Your responses to the survey are completely anonymous. Complete the survey here.
PA Navigate Can Connect You
Have you heard about PA Navigate? It’s a website that helps you find the support you need, all in one place. See what your community has to offer! Enter your zip code at here to get started today.
New & Improved VET Connect Site
REMINDER: The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recently updated their PA VETConnect website to better #PAVeterans and provide a one-stop shop with exceptional ease of access to state and federal resources for those who have served.
Want to find veteran resources available to you? Start here.
Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Grant
Are you or someone you know a Pennsylvania veteran facing financial hardship?
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) offers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program, providing up to $1,600 per year to eligible veterans and beneficiaries for basic needs such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing.
Click here to learn more about the program.
Need Help Finding Your DD-214 or Other Service Records?
The DMVA makes it a priority to help veterans locate their lost military documents, such as the DD-214. These documents ensure that veterans can get credit for their service and receive the benefits they have earned. Learn more here.
Veterans Overpayment Scam
A new overpayment scam is targeting veterans, surviving spouses, and family members who receive VA Benefits! Scammers are requesting payment for overpaid VA benefits by pretending to be legitimate VA representatives.
If you receive a letter or any communication about a VA benefits overpayment, log into your official VA.gov account immediately to verify if you truly owe money.
Find more info.
NAMI Veterans Support Group
At NAMI Montgomery County PA, we recognize the sacrifices veterans, and their families make — and we’re here to support their mental health and wellness every day.
Thank you for your service. 
We’re proud to offer a free, peer-led support group via Zoom created specifically for veterans. This group provides a safe, confidential space to connect, share experiences, and support one another on the journey toward mental wellness.
These support groups are FREE and each 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30p.m but registration is required.
No REAL ID, Try ConfirmID!
Don’t have REAL ID yet? We’ve got an option for you! The Transportation Security Administration announced that beginning February 1, 2026, passengers who do not have a 
REAL ID, passport, or another acceptable form of identification will have the option to pay a $45 fee to fly. With TSA ConfirmID, you'll pay $45 (good for 10 days of travel) for an alternate secure ID verification option. 
My office can help you obtain the necessary documents for a REAL ID, review your paperwork, and answer questions you may have about the REAL ID.
Stop in or give my office a call 215-572-5210, or email RepNelson@PAHouse.Net !
For more information about the new TSA regulations, visit: https://www.tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id
The New Driver Work Zone Safety Program
The New Driver Work Zone Safety Program is a free, 35-minute virtual training that teaches drivers about many important safety aspects of work zones.
Hear what teens who took the course had to say and learn more click here.
Spend your summer with the PA Turnpike!
We are now accepting applications for several seasonal opportunities across multiple departments, including IT, communications, maintenance, and more.
To apply, visit the link here or scan the QR code in the attached image, and search "Summer" for a full list of opportunities.
Paul Miller’s Law
Under PA's distracted driving law (known as Paul Miller's Law), you will be pulled over for using a phone while driving, even at a red light.
Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement began issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026. 
Learn more at penndot.pa.gov/safety.
From PennDOT: Live Free Ride Alive
Hey PA bikers! Check out the Live Free Ride Alive social feeds. They share info on proper licensing, rider safety tips, gear and upkeep, operator's manual, the PA motorcycle law, and much more!
Facebook: Live Free Ride Alive
X: x.com/RideAlivePA
Instagram: instagram.com/ridealivepa/
Find Low Bridges on 511PA
Drivers are responsible for knowing the height of their personal or rented trucks and observing posted bridge heights. 511PA can help!
Use 511PA to check your route for low-clearance bridges (<13’6”) by selecting the “PennDOT Bridges” map layer and then the “Low Bridge” option, which also includes info on posted weights and closed bridges.
Plus, when you select “commercial vehicle type” on the free 511PA app, you’ll automatically hear any restrictions or low-bridge data along your route.
Visit 511PA.com or download the free app to plan a safe route and avoid bridge hits!
Build Your Vehicle Emergency Kit
Would you know what to do to stay safe if you're stranded in your car? Make sure that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle + check out these safety tips from the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Housing & Utilities Related
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Tips on Creating a Water Efficient House from the PA EPA
Looking for ways to save water and lower your bills?
Some reminders are below and click here for a full list:
Check for leaks indoors and outdoors once a year and fix them fast!
Test your toilets: Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 10 minutes (before flushing), you have a leak!
Inspect showerheads and faucets for buildup—clean and reseal as needed.
Add mulch to your yard to help soil hold moisture.
Check your irrigation system for leaks or overspray.
Service your water heater and water softener—flush, inspect, and clean to keep them running efficiently.
Cover your pool when not in use to reduce evaporation.
Weed your garden beds so your plants get the water instead of the weeds.
PA Insurance Department Cycle of Claims
When a health insurance claim is denied, you have options!
Step 1: File an internal appeal of your denied health claim. Your insurer may reverse the decision upon review.
Step 2: If the claim is still denied, submit an external review request through our website.
You must request the external review within four months of the date on your Final Adverse Benefit Determination Letter.
If your life or health is at serious risk, you can request an expedited external review before a decision is made on your internal appeal.
The webpage linked above provides more details about eligibility, required documents, and the overall process.
Spring Storm Prep from the PA Insurance Department
Spring is here! Are you covered for the damage that spring storms might bring?
Homeowners should review their policies and take steps to make sure their home can weather the storm.
To learn more click here for the PID’s Natural Disaster Insurance Guide webpage.
Pennsylvanians with questions about their insurance or who wish to file a complaint can visit pa.gov/consumer or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675).
PECO Make-Site Safe Website
Hopefully mother nature does not decide to send a major storm our way. But just in case we have a thunderstorm, PECO informed our office of their Make Work-Site Safe Website.
Anyone can use the link to submit a make-safe request to have PECO de-energize their power lines in case they fall. If a customer is without power, they should report it to 800-841-4141.
Children, Family & Education Related
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Support for New & Expecting Mothers
New moms can experience mental health challenges during or after pregnancy. Help + support is available for you. Call or text 833-TLC-MAMA (through the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline) for free, confidential support, available 24/7 
PA ABLE Accounts
PA ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save while maintaining access to their important benefits.
Learn more: https://paable.gov/
Pennsylvania Launches Upgraded College Transfer Website
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has unveiled major upgrades to the state’s online platform, PA College Transfer, for understanding how college credits transfer among Pennsylvania colleges and universities. The redesigned site, part of the Pennsylvania Transfer Articulation Center, provides students, parents, and counselors with a one-stop resource to make informed decisions about credit transfers.
The platform allows users to compare how completed coursework or certifications -- such as a community college degree, dual-credit courses, AP classes, or career and technology programs -- will be recognized by participating colleges and universities across the state. PDE collaborated with AcademyOne to ensure the site supports both academic and technical program transparency.
Keystone Scholar Accounts
Pennsylvania families have a chance to give their children a strong start with a free $100 Keystone scholarship. If your child was born in 2019 or later (or adopted by a PA family), you can claim their account and begin growing savings that can be used for college, trade school, apprenticeships, and more when they turn 18.
Families can also open a PA 529 College and Career Savings account to grow alongside the Keystone Scholars starter money. With tax benefits, flexible options, and nearly 9 billion dollars already saved by PA families, it’s a simple way to plan for future education expenses. You can learn more here.
DHS Scam Alert
SCAM ALERT! The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will never call or text you asking for personal information about your benefits.
Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
PA Department of Human Services 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
No judgment, just help. When you call, text, or chat 988, you will connect with trained counselors who are there to listen, support, and help you through a crisis. All conversations are confidential and available 24/7. Learn more here.
FREE College Credits to Law Enforcement Officers!
Honoring Governor Shapiro’s commitment to providing all Pennsylvanians with the ability to choose their own course and the opportunity to succeed, a new partnership between the Institute for Law Enforcement Education and Commonwealth University will award up to 16 college credits to eligible law enforcement officers. Learn more here.
Find a Career with SNAP EARN
SNAP EARN offers motivational case management, adult education, GED prep, local support, and so much to help you build a stronger future!
Join today!
Free SNAP Employment training
Gain real job skills fast with SNAP JETS! Get hands-on training in fields like culinary arts, healthcare, banking, and more—with local support to help you land and keep a job.
Learn more about SNAP JETS here.
Office of Victim Advocate
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Office of Victim Advocate Support Groups
Healing takes time, and support can make all the difference.
The Office of Victim Advocate’s Support Groups offer a safe, welcoming space to connect with others on their healing journey. Together, we’ll find understanding, hope, and strength.
Not sure if you’re ready to take the step? That’s okay. Reach out to Liz. She can talk with you about the benefits and help you decide if a support group is the right fit for you.
To learn more or reserve your spot, contact Liz at 717-756-9844.
Play State Park Bingo This Summer!
Think you’ve seen it all at your favorite state park(s)? Try State Park Bingo during your next visit!
Grab your digital bingo card and see how many sights, sounds, and surprises you can find! Click here to find your local parks.
Earn bragging rights and our undying admiration for your dedication to the outdoors.
Laurel Caverns State Park – Now Open
Laurel Caverns State Park is now OPEN!! Adventure awaits in southwestern PA’s 125th newest state park. It is also Pennsylvania’s first and only underground state park and consists of 426 acres of mountainous terrain on Chestnut Ridge in Fayette County. Visit today!
MontCo Trail Challenge
Join us for the 11th annual Montgomery County Trail Challenge! The Montco Trail Challenge will run from April 25 – December 7, 2026. Registration is open!
Maternal Warning Signs
Black women face a significantly higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications — even though nearly all of these deaths are preventable. Would you know how to spot urgent maternal warning signs? 
Pregnancy-related issues can arise during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth. Talk to a healthcare provider if anything doesn’t feel right or is concerning. Learn the symptoms to watch for and how you can support someone in need.
Anyone Can Become an Organ Donor
DYK? Anyone can choose to be an organ donor — regardless of age or health. If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to give the OK. Want to explore what it means to be a donor? Check out donatelifepa.org.
It’s Tick Season!
Pets can bring ticks into your home! Keep ticks—and tick-borne diseases—out of your home by:
Checking your pets for ticks each day
Removing any ticks right away
Talking with your veterinarian about tick-prevention products
Reducing ticks in and around your yard
Ordering a Birth Certificate
Need a PA birth certificate? There is ONLY ONE authorized online vendor. Don’t risk delays or extra fees by ordering anywhere else online. Online a birth certificate should only be $30, by mail it is $20.
You can also order a birth certificate through our office: 115 E. Glenside Ave, suite 8. Call today: 215-572-5210, to find out more!
Department of General Services
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Empowering Connections Micro Summit: Advancing Opportunities for Small Businesses
This virtual event will offer practical guidance, expert-led workshops, and direct support that will help small businesses navigate opportunities in the Commonwealth.
Registration is now open.
Thinking about attending? Please note:
All attendees should register ahead of time. Please do not share links— each attendee should register separately.
After registering, keep your confirmation email! It contains the links you’ll need for the event.
Department of Human Services
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Disability Health Action Summit
DO NOT MISS these incredible keynote speakers at The ARC of Pennsylvania’s Disability Health Action Summit! On May 19, the Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, Theo Braddy, will be speaking and on May 20, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will keynote.
Register now before it sells out: https://bit.ly/3PHwOAA
Don’t Lose Your Benefits
Is your contact information up to date with PA DHS and the United States Postal Service?
With the federal changes to SNAP, more Pennsylvanians now need to meet work requirements and report those requirements to DHS.
DHS sends important information – including benefits renewal information – through the mail. Make sure that your contact info is up to date with both DHS and the US Postal Service so that you receive information about your benefits!