Bridging the Gap Training Series, 2010 Hillary Lazar, Benefits Outreach Coordinator, NHSA Supporting Employees and Strengthening Workplaces The Whys and Hows of Earned Benefits

Understanding the Basics: What Earned Benefits Are and Why They Matter

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC/EIC) (Additional) Child Tax Credit (CTC) State Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly Food Stamps) Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Medicaid Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Housing Assistance Programs Subsidized Child Care Examples of Earned Benefits

Earned benefits and other income supports are crucial for two reasons: 1. Family Success 2. Workplace Success

Family Success: 2009 Poverty Line for Family of 3 $18,300/Year Budget Gap – Single mother, 2 children, working as a childcare provider, $8.00/hour Budget Surplus: Up to $2000/year

Workplace Success: Decreased absenteeism Increased retention Greater employee commitment Higher-levels of productivity

The Hard Numbers: 7.6 Million Families in poverty before the financial crisis 8 Million+ Home foreclosures in 2008 People who lost their jobs since Million 3 Million + 8 Billion+ Dollars in benefits that get left on the table each year 7% Percentage of families who claim all four major benefits 45% Percentage increase in annual income for some EITC recipients Home foreclosures expected in 2010

Earned Benefits 101

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In PA: Up to $5666 in cash back Workers who earn up to $48,000 Largest available income booster Must file taxes PA VITA (DPW) Pathways PA

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In PA: Up to $1000 credit per child Workers with qualified children Helps offset cost of raising kids Must file taxes PA VITA (DPW) Pathways PA

Child and Dependent Care Credit American Opportunity Tax Credit PA Tax Forgiveness

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In PA: Formerly Food Stamps – Pays for groceries Low-income families and individuals Up to 35k (family of four), 44k (w/senior) - $668/month COMPASS PA Healthy food means healthy body Online application ACCESS CARD

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In NY: Pays for nutrition-related health services Low-income mothers w/kids under 5 Up to 40k (family of four) PAWIC.com Helps moms and kids stay healthy Application and check-up

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In PA: Low and no-cost health insurance Uninsured low-income individuals and families Up to 17.5k (family of four) COMPASS PA Covers medical bills and care for uninsured Application ACCESS Card

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In PA: Low and no-cost Health Individuals and children who don’t qualify for Medicaid Up to 44k (free - family of four) Chipcoverspakids.com COMPASS PA Covers medical bills for uninsured Application

National School Food Program Expedited Food adultBasic* * Cut as 2011.

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In NY: Help with heating, cooling and weatherization Low-income and at-risk households Heating and cooling are central to home safety Application (fall only) Up to 33k (family of four) Regular, Crisis LIHEAP Hotline COMPASS PA

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In PA: Help with loan modification and refinancing Homeowners at-risk for losing their homes Home is essential for family stability Call HOPE Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Heretohelppa.gov

Privately owned subsidized housing Public Housing Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

State Child Care Subsidies (Child Care Works) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Veterans Benefits

Earned Benefits Outreach in the Workplace

Workplace Outreach: Raise Awareness  Include fliers with paychecks/stubs or when distributing W-2s  Put up posters in the break room or bathrooms  Send out “benefit blasts”  Talk about benefits during staff meetings  Direct employees to Diakon Inroads EAP

Workplace Outreach: How to Talk About Tax Credits Talking points to emphasize: It’s for working families They earned it – they should get it! The financial crisis It’s a simple process Use Language That’s Empowering.

Get creative Think strategically 7 is the magic number Quick Tips for Workplace Outreach: And Remember!

Workplace Outreach: Use Existing Resources Access Information Online: – COMPASS PA - Heretohelp.pa.gov - helpinpa.state.pa.us/ Bridging the Gap page

Workplace Outreach: Use Existing Resources G0-BASIC KIDS BABY WIC-WINS PA-BANKS PA-KIDS Use Referral Services:

For more information about benefit outreach or the Bridging the Gap Initiative please contact: Hillary Lazar, Program Director – NHSA x15 Ph Fax LEARN MORE!