Pennsylvania: official help for families

Updated Nov 3, 2026. Sources last checked Oct 18, 2026. See sources.

The official Pennsylvania pages for the paperwork and problems families run into most, in one place. Every link goes to a government or official source in Pennsylvania, or to a free national service when we haven’t verified a state page.

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Power of attorney

The state law and any official forms for financial and health care powers of attorney. Our guide: power of attorney, explained.

Transfer on death deeds

Whether this state lets a homeowner name who gets the house without probate. Our guide: handing down the home.

Not found. Not found. We didn't find a law allowing transfer on death deeds in this state when we checked on Oct. 20, 2026. A bill to allow them (House Bill 2124) passed the Pennsylvania House on Oct. 5, 2026 and went to the Senate. It is not law unless the Senate passes it and it's signed. The last link is the state's official probate information.

Probate and small estates

Court help or law for settling an estate, including any simpler process for small estates. Our guide: what to do after a death.

Long-term care ombudsman

A free, official advocate for people in nursing homes and assisted living. Our guide: when a parent can’t live alone.

Medicaid agency

The state agency that runs Medicaid, which can pay for long-term care for people who qualify. Our guide: paying for long-term care.

Small claims court

The state’s small claims rules or court self-help. Our guide: refunds and small claims.

Utility regulator

The state commission that takes complaints about electric, gas, water or phone companies. See also find help near you.

Free national help, anywhere in the U.S.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change. Before you sign or file anything, check the official page above or talk with a lawyer or free legal aid.

Sources

Last checked Oct 18, 2026 (transfer on death deed and utility links checked Oct 20, 2026).

  1. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20, ch. 56: Powers of attorney: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=20&div=0&chpt=56
  2. Pennsylvania General Assembly: House Bill 2124 history (passed the House 202-0 on Oct. 5, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary Oct. 13, 2026; not law yet): https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2124
  3. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes 20 Pa.C.S. 3102: Settlement of small estates: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/20/00.031.002.000..HTM
  4. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes 20 Pa.C.S. 3102: Settlement of small estates: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/20/00.031.002.000..HTM
  5. Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Request help from a long-term care ombudsman: https://www.pa.gov/services/aging/request-assistance-from-a-long-term-care-ombudsman
  6. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/
  7. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes 42 Pa.C.S. 1515: Civil claims before magisterial district judges: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.015.015.000..HTM
  8. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: https://www.puc.pa.gov/
  9. Report a scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
  10. Identity theft recovery plan: IdentityTheft.gov: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
  11. Find your state attorney general: National Association of Attorneys General: https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/
  12. Free Medicare counseling: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/
  13. Local help with bills, food and housing: 211: https://www.211.org/
  14. Free civil legal aid: Legal Services Corporation: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/get-legal-help
  15. Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116: https://eldercare.acl.gov/

Rules and numbers change. If something here does not match what an agency tells you, trust the agency, and please let us know.