COVID-19 Update - April 27, 2020

In This Update:

Deadline Extended to Apply for PHEAA State Grants Until May 15; Loan Forbearance Available
Mental Health Resources Available for Pennsylvanians in Need
Essential Court Functions Still Available for Older Pennsylvanians
Curbside Delivery Expanded to More PLCB Stores
Expiration Dates Extended for Many Temporary Professional Licenses and Permits

Deadline Extended to Apply for PHEAA State Grants Until May 15; Loan Forbearance Available

In response to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has extended the deadline for college students to apply for state grants from May 1 to May 15 for the 2020-21 academic year. The new deadline applies both to renewals and first-time applicants.

More information on how to apply for state grants and how the coronavirus will impact state grant and special loan programs is available on PHEAA’s website.

In addition, the agency recently offered a three-month forbearance on all PHEAA-owned private loans for borrowers affected by COVID-19. More details are available here. Borrowers must contact their loan servicer, American Education Services (AES), in order to request this forbearance. The AES COVID-19 webpage includes more information about options for borrowers to postpone payments for both federal and private student loans.

Mental Health Resources Available for Pennsylvanians in Need

The coronavirus public health emergency has created a great deal of stress and anxiety throughout the state. A number of mental health resources are available to help Pennsylvanians who are struggling during these challenging times.

An overview of mental health resources for state residents is available here. Resources are also available through the Crisis Text Line by texting “PA” to 741-741.

Essential Court Functions Still Available for Older Pennsylvanians

Although the courts remain closed for most purposes during COVID-19, essential functions are still being provided to protect seniors. This includes temporary protection from abuse actions, guardianship defense, motions related to public health concerns, emergency petitions and other functions determined by a president judge to be essential.

More details on essential court functions that are still available are detailed here.

Curbside Delivery Expanded to More PLCB Stores

Beginning this week, more Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores throughout the state will begin offering curbside pickup service for customers. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) released a new list of stores offering this service.

Orders are limited to a total of six bottles per order, and customers must call ahead and pay with a credit card over the phone. Orders are filled on a first-call, first-served basis. Voicemail orders will not be accepted. Many frequently asked questions about curbside pickup and online ordering are answered here.

Expiration Dates Extended for Many Temporary Professional Licenses and Permits

At the outset of the pandemic, the Department of State extended the expiration dates for several types of professional licenses and permits. Several other temporary permits were recently added to the list, including physical therapy, respiratory therapy, genetic counseling, massage therapy and many more.

A complete list of temporary licenses and permits that have been extended is available here.