County Assistance Offices Have Reopened

Local County Assistance Offices (CAOs) started reopening for in-person operations on July 12, 2021. CAOs are responsible for reviewing and processing consumers’ applications for public benefits programs like Medicaid (Medical Assistance), food stamps (SNAP), and more.

CAO staff are following CDC and Department of Health guidance in order to ensure the health and safety of both Department staff and Medicaid consumers. There is no requirement that individuals wear masks indoors, but there is a request that CAO visitors wear a mask.

Although CAOs should now be open for in-person business, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to urge people to use online applications and resources where available, such as the myCOMPASS PA app (available for Apple and Android) or the COMPASS website (www.compass.state.pa.us) to make updates to their case and virtually submit paperwork.

PHLP will monitor the reopening of the CAOs and provide updates as they become available, especially as the Delta COVID-19 variant spreads.