Financial Help in Philadelphia: Every FSR Guide in One Place (2026–27)

Philadelphia is one of the few cities with a legal Right to Counsel in eviction cases. Low-income tenants in ZIP codes 19121, 19124, 19131, 19132, 19134, 19139, 19141, 19144, 19153 and 19154 have a right to free representation in eviction cases. Tenants in every other ZIP code can still get free legal help by calling the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500, which is listed on PhillyTenant, the city's tenant-rights resource site.

Landlords must go through the court process to force a tenant to leave, so a demand to move out is not the same as an eviction order. The guides below cover the Philadelphia programs that matter most when money is short: the Eviction Diversion Program, security deposits, water shutoffs, PECO bill help, hospital charity care, free tax preparation and food while SNAP is delayed.

Sources: PhillyTenant. Checked October 19, 2026.

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Housing & Eviction

• Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program 2026–27: What Tenants Should Do After a Notice of Diversion Rights

• Philadelphia Security Deposit Rules 2026–27: The 2-Month Cap, the New Installment Option, Interest and the 30-Day Return Deadline

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Utilities & Water

• Philadelphia Water Shutoffs in 2026–27: How to Stop One, Get It Back On, and Lower Your Bill

• Philadelphia Internet Discounts 2026–27: Free Hotspots, Low-Cost Plans, and Lifeline

• Philadelphia Holiday Help 2026: Christmas Gifts, Holiday Meals, and Winter Bill Relief

• PECO Bill Help in Philadelphia 2026–27: CAP-PIPP, Debt Forgiveness, LIHEAP, MEAF and Winter Shutoff Rules

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Medical

• Philadelphia Hospital Charity Care 2026–27: Free and Discounted Care at Penn, Jefferson and Temple, and How to Apply

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Taxes

• Philadelphia Free Tax Prep 2027: City Partners, VITA Income Limits, the Wage Tax Refund and What to Bring

• Philadelphia Senior Property Tax Relief 2026–27: The Senior Tax Freeze, Homestead Exemption, LOOP, Installment Plans and the State Rebate

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Food & Churches

• 15 Churches and Faith-Based Programs in Philadelphia Helping with Rent, Food, and Bills in 2026

• Philadelphia SNAP Delayed? The 5-Day Expedited Rule, Who to Call, and Food While You Wait (2026–27)

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About this page

This directory is maintained by the FSR Editorial Team. When we publish or retire a guide for Philadelphia, we update this page. Last updated October 2026.