Getting Cash to New Yorkers
February 2009
In these tough times, more New Yorkers than ever are eligible for food stamps, tax refunds, and low-cost health insurance. But less than half of the 1,000,000 people who use food pantries are enrolled in the Food Stamp program, and an estimated quarter million eligible New Yorkers have not applied for the Earned Income Tax Credit—a sizable cash refund for low-wage workers—resulting in half a billion dollars in forfeited refunds each year. A grant of
$560,000 to the
New York City Financial Network Action Consortium has helped remedy this situation.
In 21 settlement houses, food pantries, outreach vans, and other venues, staff from the Consortium, the Food Bank for New York City, and the Women's Center for Education and Career Advancement will help New Yorkers find out what they are eligible for, file their taxes for free, and guide them through the application process for tax refunds, food stamps, government health insurance, and other benefits.
The program has helped 21,000 working poor New Yorkers get $82 million in tax refunds and Earned Income Tax Credits. The Consortium will also provide year-round financial services, such as credit and budget counseling, and continue enrolling New Yorkers for benefits that can make all the difference.
Locations