A new citywide initiative called “Money in Your Pocket” will allow New Yorkers to screen for, or learn about, more than 70 city, state and federal programs that can make life in New York City more affordable.
Hundreds of city government staff and City University of New York students will begin to visit more than 20 underserved neighborhoods and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings to help New Yorkers find out which benefits they may be eligible to receive. The initiative started on Monday and will continue on a weekly basis, according to a press release.
Mayor Eric Adams also released the “Money in Your Pocket Guide,” which directly links to the eligibility requirements and relevant applications for over 40 of the benefits.
“I was raised by a single mother who had to work several jobs to make sure my siblings and I had a roof over our heads and food on the table," the mayor said. "The hustle was real. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers are still doing the same today and far too many New Yorkers continue to feel that the deck is stacked against them. But our administration won’t allow that to be the case — we are looking out for New Yorkers and working to make this city more affordable.”
Millions of New Yorkers have access to a range of programs and financial benefits through the city, but many who are eligible have yet to apply and the programs are undersubscribed, the mayor's office said.
The savings programs include:
- Big Apple Connect: Free high-speed internet and basic TV for public housing residents
- Child Care Vouchers: Vouchers for affordable child care
- Direct Property Tax Relief: A range of tax abatements for seniors, disabled homeowners, and other New Yorkers
- Earned Income Tax Credit: Returns tax dollars to qualifying families and individuals
- Groceries to Go: Monthly credits to purchase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligible groceries for delivery or pickup
- NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: Free one-on-one professional financial counseling and coaching to help increase savings, reduce debts, and support New Yorkers’ financial goals
- Year-round free tax prep services for individuals, families, and self-employed New Yorkers
- Medical Debt Relief: The elimination of medical debt for 500,000 New Yorkers
- Summer Rising: Free summer programming, including free meals, transportation, and medical and social services support for K-8 students
- Transportation for Older New Yorkers: Free transportation to help older New Yorkers get to critical medical appointments, social service appointments, and more
“Today, we’re knocking on doors, talking with fellow New Yorkers on the block, and focusing in on key neighborhoods with one goal: helping more people eligible for services receive those benefits,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Whether it is food assistance, child care, or housing support, among others, we want to help you navigate how you may be able to access these critical services. Take a moment today and interact with city staff to see if you or your family could benefit.”
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