The federal government has been partially shut down for over a month, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers with no pay and no end in sight. Many of those federal workers live right here in Philadelphia and need your help. Here’s what you can do:
- CALL Senator Toomey today and demand him to vote for the House-passed spending bill coming to the Senate floor today, which would reopen the government without holding federal workers’ pay hostage. Philadelphia: 215-241-1090, Harrisburg: 717-782-3951, DC: 202-224-4254.
- Support federal workers in the Philadelphia community by sharing these resources far and wide!
City Agency Resources
Federal employees working without pay and furloughed workers can contact the Department of Revenue (city), the Water Revenue Bureau, and Philadelphia Gas Work to work out a payment schedule for current bills and to re-negotiate existing payment agreements. The Revenue Commissioner has said that, if a federal employee reaches out to them, the agency can delay enforcement actions including water shut off and foreclosure on property. They can also waive interest, penalties and other charges that might accrue during the shutdown.
Private Utilities
PECO
Workers can contact the utility to get a 21-day collection hold on their account if they aren’t already 30 days behind on their bill. If they’re already 30 days behind, they can get a 16 day hold. This will stop and action or late payment charge. They may also qualify for other programs such as the Low-Income Home energy assistance program. Number to call: 1-800-494-4000.
AT&T
Will adjust late fees and provide extensions and revise payment schedules through the shutdown period. Customers can go online or call 1-800-331-0500 for AT&T. 1-800-288-2020 for Direct TV.
T-Mobile
Flexible payment options to spread payments over time. 1-877-746-0909.
Verizon
Flexible payment options or enroll in a program allowing customers to set a future date for payment. Online or by calling 1-866-266-1445.
Comcast
Will find a payment schedule that works for the customer. 1-800-934-6489.
Banks
Wells Fargo
Will automatically reverse monthly service and overdraft fees for affected workers whose paychecks were directly deposited into their accounts as of November. Will also work with customers who don’t have direct deposit. Can also help with short and long term options for those who have loans. Customers can all 800-869-3557 or number on their credit/debit cards or statements.
TD Bank
Account holders will be permitted to overdraft their checking accounts by the amount of their monthly govt deposit up to $1000. Will also help with mortgage, home equity, personal, small business and auto loans. 1-888-751-9000
Chase
waiving overdraft and monthly service fees. Will also help with mortgage, credit card and auto loans. but must contact the bank. 1-888-356-0023.
WSFS Bank
Says it is prepared to help federal workers. Call 1-888-973-7226 or visit a branch.
Food Resources
Philabundance has opened an emergency market available to government workers with ID at Front and Tasker Streets Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.
Many restaurants are offering free or payback later meals. Federal Donuts (donut and cup of coffee); Mike’s BBQ ( smoked chicken salad sandwich between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.); Ardiente (bowls of lobster pho); Vanilya Bakery (bagel). Not much to go on, I realize.
Health
Temple U and UPenn are extending free dental care to federal employees with ID. For emergency dental care, you can go to Temple’s Kornberg School of Dentistry on Broad near Allegheny. weekdays from 8am to 3pm.
Culture
Free or discounted admission offered to federal employees at Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Academy of Natural Science.