In Philadelphia alone, $450 million worth of public benefits went unclaimed in 2020. 

That’s enough for thousands of people to purchase groceries, access medical care, and get help paying utility bills and other housing costs. 

Philadelphia families deserve the benefits that help them stabilize their housing and financial situations, but applying can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. No one should have to navigate endless paperwork or long wait times just to secure essentials for their loved ones. Not only that: many eligible people simply don’t know this assistance is available to them. Some may feel shame in applying or asking for help.  

People get left behind when life-sustaining resources like public benefits are out of reach or left unused. 

We’re working to change that. 

This year, Clarifi launched the first step in helping thousands of Philadelphians access vital benefits: The BenePhilly Helpline at Clarifi is a free telephone hotline that will connect residents with public assistance via a network of dedicated nonprofits (we’re calling them “BenePhilly Centers”) located across Philly. 

Through the BenePhilly Helpline at Clarifi, we’re letting people know they have a trusted partner and a clear plan. Philadelphia residents can call the BenePhilly Helpline at Clarifi at 800-994-5537 to conduct intake with dedicated Helpline staff, who will determine what services and support residents need before transferring them to one of five BenePhilly Centers. This new service streamlines the intake and referral process to ensure clients get the help they need, increasing their awareness of and access to needed resources. 

We began developing this hotline shortly after Benefits Data Trust, the tech-forward nonprofit responsible for enrolling a significant number of Philadelphians in government assistance programs, closed last summer. Thousands of residents suddenly didn’t know who to call for help with applying for public benefits.  

The City of Philadelphia chose Clarifi to lead this effort, based on our technical and customer service expertise, as well as our suite of financial and housing services. Our trauma-informed staff members will connect residents directly to BenePhilly Centers, where they can receive assistance with over 20 public benefits, including SNAP, LIHEAP, Medical Assistance, property tax relief programs, and more. 

We take a holistic approach to financial and housing services, helping people stabilize their finances and build wealth through personalized financial empowerment counseling, home preservation programs, and trusted referrals, like connecting residents with BenePhilly Centers to access essential benefits.

Because when people have the resources they need today, they can build and preserve their wealth for a strong financial future. 

Clarifi expects to serve thousands of Philadelphians during BenePhilly Helpline’s first year.