Latest news with #PennsylvaniaDepartmentofHumanServices
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania man accused of using stolen identities to scam over $1M from SNAP, Medicaid
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania man is accused of defrauding the government of over $1,000,000 in benefits by using stolen identities. James Sessoms, 60, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud, according to United States Attorney David Metcalf. Sessoms was charged in October 2024 with allegedly using stolen identities along with Social Security numbers to file for government benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. According to the release, the government lost a total of $1,063,633 because of Sessoms' scheme. He was also accused of selling the SNAP cards he was able to get for profit at local supermarkets. Pennsylvania funeral homeowner charged, accused of giving pet owners wrong ashes He's pleaded guilty to one count of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud, seven counts of false statements in connection with health care benefits, and seven counts of Social Security fraud. Here's what his schemes allegedly involved: Obtained or created the names, SSNs, and personally identifiable information for several fake persons. Obtained the names and personally identifiable information of other persons, including valid SSNs, which he placed on the applications for SNAP and Medical benefits. Sessoms also submitted false and fraudulent driver's licenses bearing his photograph under fictitious and other persons' names. On some of the applications, he added names of spouses and children, sometimes fake, in order to get more benefits. From Nov. 2019 to Nov. 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided Medicaid and SNAP coverage to Sessoms and his multiple aliases. Sessoms is set to be sentenced on August 21 and faces up to 90 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania officials warn EBT benefits can't be used during next system upgrade
(WTAJ) — Officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services are warning residents who get electronic benefit transfers (EBT) that they won't be able to use them while they upgrade the system. All EBT transactions, including checking your balance, will be unavailable during the upgrade beginning 10 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, through 3 a.m. Wednesday, April 30. Officials are also urging those with EBT/Access cards should change their PINs monthly ahead of getting their benefits transferred. This is to help prevent your benefits from being stolen. In Pennsylvania, stolen benefits cannot be can read more about changing your PIN and protecting your benefits by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
DHS highlights research for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism
Apr. 14—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services this week released the latest issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, which aims to provide the most recent research for people with mental and behavioral health challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to help them live an everyday life. This edition provides resources on how to best support the physical and mental health needs of individuals with disabilities. "The Shapiro Administration believes that every Pennsylvanian with an intellectual disability or autism deserves to receive the supports they need to achieve an everyday life with dignity and opportunity to pursue their goals and live, work and recreate among their families and peers," said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "It is our hope that the research in this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal can help Pennsylvanians find the resources they need to improve their everyday lives." In the 2024-25 budget, Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $354.8 million in federal and state funding to ensure more than 40,000 Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities or autism have access to the services they need. In less than one year, this investment reduced the adult emergency waiting list for services by nearly 20% and decreased the direct support professional vacancy rate to 14% — the lowest it has been since 2015. This edition of the Positive Approaches Journal features research and articles on the following: —Data Discoveries details health care shortages in physical and mental health professions, and details where these shortages are creating the most need. —Applying Public Health Principles to Health Psychology explores how systemic factors influence mental health, and discusses public health policy solutions aimed at addressing systemic trauma and promoting overall wellness. —Cooking with Confidence for Autistic Individuals highlights positive outcomes and lessons learned from the community-based educational program that allows individuals with autism to practice independent living skills, and participate in social and community engagement, through hands-on cooking classes. —The Fatal Five and the Importance of Monitoring outlines the five primary conditions that significantly elevate the risk of mortality in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and details ways to prevent these risks. —Voices of Suicide discusses the negative impacts of stigma around behavioral health, and details organizations that are attempting to fight this stigma. Supporting crime survivors highlighted In honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and Office of Victim Advocate, this week teamed up with statewide victim advocacy organizations to highlight the importance of supporting survivors, raising awareness of their rights, and Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed $9 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program in the 2025-26 state budget. National Crime Victims' Rights Week highlights the importance of ensuring that victims of crime receive the support, protection, and justice they deserve. Last year, more than 323,000 Pennsylvanians were victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, gun violence, assault, human trafficking, homicide and other crimes. "Ensuring that victims are informed, respected, and supported throughout their healing journey is our top priority," said Kathy Buckley, director of PCCD's office of victims' services. "No crime victim should have to worry about paying for medical care, no family should face the stress of funeral costs, and no survivor of sexual assault should have to choose between healing and financial hardship. This week is about making sure victims know their rights — including their right to financial support to help through some of their most difficult times." A critical resource available to Pennsylvania residents is PCCD's VCAP, which provides financial assistance to victims for expenses incurred as a result of a crime. Each year, VCAP receives an average of 12,000 claims for eligible expenses, including medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral costs and crime scene cleanup. Over the past five years, PCCD has paid more than 67,000 VCAP claims totaling $67 million in eligible expenses for residents across all 67 Pennsylvania counties. VCAP partners with 887 Pennsylvania police departments to analyze crime reports for eligible expenses quickly, ensuring timely financial assistance for victims. Last year, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, PCCD streamlined the process, reducing report turnaround time from months to days, expediting support for those in need. PCCD supports child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams statewide and also provides funding to over 200 victim service programs across Pennsylvania to support essential services for individuals who have experienced crime victimization, including counseling, emergency shelter and safe housing, notification of criminal justice events, crisis intervention, hotlines and crisis counseling, and emergency justice-related assistance. Future of AI innovation to be reviewed The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, and the House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. David Rowe, R-85, will visit Pittsburgh this week at the invitation of Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-24, to discuss the future of AI innovation in Pennsylvania. The public hearing will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Astrobotic Technology, located at 1016 N. Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh. "As we look to the future, it's crucial that we understand the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence," said Sen. Pennycuick, who chairs the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. "This discussion will help ensure Pennsylvania remains competitive, forward-thinking, and prepared to lead in this rapidly evolving field." "Artificial intelligence is the future," said Sen. Argall. "By learning from the experts at the forefront of this emerging industry, we can prepare Pennsylvania to effectively harness this technology and grow our economy." Panelists for this hearing will include industry experts, educators, and local and statewide business officials. The hearing will be live-streamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee's website. Local representative introduced legislation State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Waverly, and colleagues introduced two bipartisan bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine — used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis — can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as codified in state law. The legislative package — HB 1043 and HB 1044 — would replace "epinephrine auto-injector" with "epinephrine delivery system" in statutes related to the use of epinephrine under state law. In August 2024, the FDA approved a nasal formulation of epinephrine for treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, necessitating an update of state law. "As a registered nurse for 30 years, I know full well how important time is during an emergency," Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, added. "This tweak to state law will allow epinephrine to be more readily available when people need it." House Bills 1043 and 1044 have been referred to the House Health Committee. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania extends deadline for home energy assistance
(WHTM) – Pennsylvania is extending the deadline for residents to apply for home energy assistance. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services says the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been moved from April 4 to April 18. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Those who may have trouble paying home heating bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP Cash and LIHEAP Crisis benefits before the new April 18 deadline. The minimum LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Pennsylvanians who need the LIHEAP crisis grant will be eligible for a minimum grant of $25 and a maximum grant of $1,000. Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers mobilize to Horn of Africa You may be financially eligible for the 2024-2025 LIHEAP season if your income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, that is a gross income of $22,590 per year, and for a family of four, that is a gross income of $46,800 per year. 'The LIHEAP season is now closing for the year on April 18, so Pennsylvanians who may still need help with their heating bills from this winter should apply now,' said Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh. 'LIHEAP helps our community's most vulnerable citizens – children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families – make ends meet and keep their homes safer. If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by April 18 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The department warned that continued federal funding is critical to its ability to provide assistance. More than 300,000 Pennsylvania families currently use the program to heat their homes during the colder months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
State extends low-income heating program
The Daily Item SUNBURY — The state Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program season has been extended to April 18. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, more than 300,000 families use the program, LIHEAP, which is especially critical for older adults and low-income families. The original end of the program for the 2024-25 winter season was April 4. 'The LIHEAP season is now closing for the year on April 18, so Pennsylvanians who may still need help with their heating bills from this winter should apply now,' DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh said. 'LIHEAP helps our community's most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet and keep their homes safer. If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by April 18 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden.' Arkoosh's office said it has adequate funding to continue the current season despite federal staffing cuts to the office that overseas LIHEAP. Arkoosh urged Pennsylvanians behind on or having trouble paying to heat their homes to apply for the program. Federal funding changes have not impacted this season but Arkoosh's office said the funding will be critical for next season. LIHEAP provides cash or crisis grants to renters and homeowners with annual income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit, which is $22,590 for individuals and $46,800 for a family of four. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP online at and for other public assistance programs online or by phone at 1-866-550-4355.
