Editor’s note: This page is no longer being updated. In its place, please visit our comprehensive Google doc.

The Northside Chronicle will update this list with additional government, financial, and utility news as information becomes available.

By: NSC Staff

Government Resources:

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry

Has coronavirus affected you as worker in Pennsylvania? You can now click here to check if you are eligible to receive unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits.

Social Security Office

Phone and online service only at this time beginning on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Online services include the ability to “apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits…, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), [and] print a benefit verification letter.” Pittsburgh field office located downtown. Field office phone: 1-800-772-1213; TTY: 1-800-325-0778 Appointments scheduled for in-office will be handled via phone instead. If you have a hearing scheduled, you will be contacted with alternative options. Note that calls may come from a private, non-U.S. government phone.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Now offering disaster loans for small businesses. According to the North Side/North Shore Chamber of Commerce: “Loans are for up to $2 million for working capital. Interest rates are at 3.75% for small businesses, 2.75% for nonprofits. Repayment period is for up to 30 years and all loans are auto-deferred for one year.” More details below.

Financial Institutions:

Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)

The URA asks any small businesses that currently have a loan from them and are experiencing hardship due to impacts of the coronavirus to contact their URA loan officer. “We want to reassure our small business borrowers that we are here to work with you,” stated Tom Link, URA director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in a press release (below).

Hebrew Free Loan Association Pittsburgh

Interest-free loans up to $5,000 available “to provide relief from financial fallout of coronavirus,” such as small business losses, canceled study abroad programs, lost wages, childcare, and medical costs, via a Facebook post. Click here to apply.

Utilities:

Comcast Internet Essentials

Comcast is now offering affordable, high-speed internet for those who qualify. Click here to apply and find out if you’re eligible. New customers get free internet service for two months, according to the program’s website.

Do you have a resource to add to this list? Email editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com with more details. The Northside Chronicle reserves the right to refrain from publishing and/or to edit information sent for clarity.

The Northside Chronicle will continue to provide hyperlocal community news both online and in our monthly print publication while the Covid-19 advisory is in effect. Now is a great time to become a Townhall Subscriber and get monthly print issues delivered to your door.

Related posts:

A guide to navigating Pittsburgh’s Northside in the time of coronavirus