skip to main content

Pennsylvania

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 13, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Pennsylvania, we recommend that you visit Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, the United Way's COVID-19 Resources or the Pennsylvania Chamber's Business Resources for Coronavirus.

resource search icon

Description of Program and Relief

Pennsylvania Rapid Response Services for Employers

Pennsylvania offers Rapid Response Services to provide assistance to businesses that are forced to conduct layoffs or close temporarily or that are financially at risk for permanent closure. The Rapid Response team works with participating employers to help them plan and manage economic transitions and avoid layoffs, including by coordinating pre-layoff placement services for employees. Each participating employer will have the opportunity to work with a team of experts assembled by a Rapid Response Coordination Services specialist based on the employer’s situation and needs. These services are provided to the employers free of charge regardless of the reasons for the layoffs. The Rapid Response team may also work with local communities to help them cope with the effects of layoffs and reductions in force.

Government or Lead Agency

Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development; Pennsylvania Department of Health

Dates Available

Currently available with no end date announced

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Rapid Response Services are available to businesses conducting layoffs or closing temporarily, or that are financially at risk for permanent closure.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

Although there are no set deadlines to apply for Rapid Response Services, the program is designed to be an early intervention service, so employers are encouraged to reach out as early as possible if it appears assistance will be needed.

Contact for More Information

Those seeking further information on Pennsylvania’s Rapid Response Services should contact the Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership at 866-858-2753.

Businesses can also email the Rapid Response team directly at RA-LI-BWPO-Rapid@pa.gov and should receive a reply within 48 hours.

List of Additional Information

Background information on Rapid Response Services can be found online here.

A one-pager on Rapid Response Services, which contains an overview of the services and resources the Rapid Response team provides, is available here.

More detailed information on the program can be found in the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Rapid Response Information Guide, available online here. The Rapid Response Information Guide also provides contact names and details for each region in the Commonwealth (beginning on page 16).


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

© 2024 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Privacy Policy