Philadelphia tells renters who need help to call the Homelessness Prevention InfoLine at (215) 686-7177. We did not find one open city application to fill out online. Help runs through the InfoLine and through agencies, each with its own rules.
Call 211 to ask what is open near you.
Last checked: November 4, 2026. Benefits Explorer is a private directory, not a government agency. We do not take applications, provide rent money or decide eligibility. Each program makes its own decisions.
Looking for first month's rent or a security deposit? FreshStartPHL, the city's move-in program, says its enrollment is closed.
Rent Help in Philadelphia
Homelessness Prevention InfoLine
Who it serves: Philadelphia
The Office of Homeless Services says to call this line for rent help and follow the instructions. Ask what is funded now.
Read about Homelessness Prevention InfoLine · Phone: (215) 686-7177 · Referral line. Ask what is funded now.
Catholic Social Services
Who it serves: Philadelphia region. The city's list gives no boundary.
The city lists this agency for limited financial help toward rent. Its site now goes to Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, which has a Get Help form.
Read about Catholic Social Services · Phone: (267) 331-2490 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
ACHIEVEability
Who it serves: Seniors and people with disabilities in Haddington and Cobbs Creek
The city lists rental assistance and property tax rebates for this group. The agency's office is at 5901 Market Street.
Read about ACHIEVEability · Phone: (215) 748-8800 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
HACE
Who it serves: Eastern North Philadelphia
The city lists utility subsidies and rental assistance. HACE's office is at 167 W. Allegheny Avenue.
Read about HACE · Phone: (215) 426-8025 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
Nationalities Service Center
Who it serves: Immigrants and refugees in Greater Philadelphia
The city lists rental assistance here. The agency's own home page does not describe it, so call and ask before you go.
Read about Nationalities Service Center · Phone: 215-893-8400 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry
Who it serves: ZIP codes 19118, 19119, 19126, 19138, 19144 and 19150
Utility, rent and mortgage help, per the city's list.
Read about Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry · Phone: (215) 843-2340 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
Other agencies on the city's list
Who it serves: Check with each group. The city says to call or visit each agency to learn about its services and rules.
Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (215) 235-6070, Congreso de Latinos Unidos (215) 763-8870, Esperanza (215) 324-0746, HELP USA (215) 473-6454, New Kensington CDC (215) 427-0350 and HopePHL (267) 720-4673. For families with back rent: Utility Emergency Services Fund (215) 972-5170. For veterans: Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center (215) 923-2600. For immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers: HIAS PA (215) 832-0900.
Read about Other agencies on the city's list · Status not confirmed. Call first.
Facing Eviction in Philadelphia?
Low-income tenants in ZIP codes 19121, 19124, 19131, 19132, 19134, 19139, 19141, 19144, 19153 and 19154 have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500 as soon as you have a court date instead of waiting for a call. It tries to return messages in 2 to 3 business days. Read Philly Tenant: Right to Counsel
Free or low-cost legal help: Community Legal Services. Free civil legal help for low-income Philadelphians, including housing. Center City office 215-981-3700. North Philadelphia office 215-227-2400. Community Legal Services website · Phone: 215-981-3700
See general eviction deadlines in Pennsylvania. Always go by what your papers say.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short. Contact legal aid about your case.
Philadelphia Programs That Have Closed
You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.
- FreshStartPHL: Move-in help worth three months' rent plus up to $1,000 for moving costs, for households at or below 80% of area median income. PHDC says enrollment is closed and submitted applications are paid until funds run out. PHDC: 215-448-3000.
Looking for federal ERA or CARES Act money? That has ended.
Avoid Rent Help Scams
Be careful with anyone who asks for a fee to apply or promises approval. Use the official links on this page, and don't share your Social Security number or bank details with a site you reached from an ad or a text.
More Help in Pennsylvania
- Rent assistance across Pennsylvania
- Eviction help: what to do today
- Emergency housing: what to do tonight
- Security deposit help
- Housing authorities in Pennsylvania
- Food pantries in Pennsylvania
- Our full rent assistance guide
Philadelphia Rent Assistance Questions
Is there security deposit help in Philadelphia?
FreshStartPHL was the city's move-in program, and PHDC says enrollment is closed. Ask the InfoLine at (215) 686-7177 whether other move-in help is funded.
How do I apply for rental assistance in Philadelphia online?
We could not confirm one open city application. Call the InfoLine first. It can tell you what is funded and where to apply.