Financial Empowerment Resources for New Yorkers
“Financial literacy is an important step toward getting a better job, improving one’s quality of life, and attaining economic stability. I’m committed to helping New Yorkers strengthen their financial knowledge and understanding.’’ – State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
Financial literacy empowers New Yorkers with skills, knowledge and education to make informed decisions with their money. In the wake of economic hardships caused by the pandemic, inflation, and higher interest rates, financial literacy is more vital than ever.
State Comptroller DiNapoli’s financial literacy initiative provides regular updates with information and resources on financial concepts, such as budgeting and saving, so New Yorkers can make better short- and long-term spending decisions and protect themselves from scams.
Contact
For questions on available information or resources, or to learn more about State Comptroller DiNapoli’s financial literacy initiative, email [email protected].
- Prepare for Education Costs With NY's 529 College Savings Program
It’s never too early or too late to think about saving for a loved one’s future education costs! The State Comptroller and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation co-administer NY's 529 College Savings Program, which allows you to open a tax-free account to fund a range of eligible educational programs, including:
- Post-secondary trade and vocational schools
- Two and four-year colleges
- Private educational institutions
- Registered and certified apprenticeship programs
- Save for Disability Related Expenses with NY ABLE
New York's Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (NY ABLE) is a tax-advantaged savings and investment plan that helps individuals with disabilities achieve greater financial security and a better quality of life by allowing them to save for qualified medical and living expenses, without limiting their ability to benefit from Medicaid, SSI and certain other means-tested benefit programs.
For details about how to qualify for tax benefits, please review the Disclosure Booklet and Participation Agreement.
- Build a Strong Financial Foundation
It’s always important to take control of your own personal finances and to teach children about sound financial practices. Financial Literacy is a skill with lifelong benefits. Kids as young as preschool age can learn how to handle money, budget and save. Here are two resources that provide a wide range of personal finance information that could help you now and in the future:
- Financial Counseling and Credit Protection (Federal Reserve Bank of New York)
- Money Smart for Young People (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
- Protect Yourself Against Scams
It’s important to be on alert for those who may be attempting to defraud you or your family. To report an instance of fraud, please visit the following sites:
- Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud (NYS Department of Labor) – If you have been the victim of suspected unemployment fraud, the NYS Department of Labor has set up an online reporting tool to open an investigation.
- Report Identity Theft and Get a Recovery Plan (Federal Trade Commission) – If you believe you’ve been the victim of unemployment fraud or any other identity theft, please visit this website for assistance.
- Report Government Fraud (Office of the New York State Comptroller) | 1-888-672-4555 – You can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money on our website.
- Get Assistance for Seniors, People With Disabilities, Veterans & Active Military
Military
- Military OneSource is dedicated to providing timely resources, information and answers to address the health and financial impact of COVID-19 on the military community. For more information, please visit: Military OneSource (U.S. Department of Defense) or call 1-800-342-9647.
- The Department of Defense has launched an initiative to assist military spouses with financial readiness. For more information, please visit: MilSpouse Money Mission (U.S. Department of Defense)
People With Disabilities
- NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
- NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities or call 1-866-946-9733 or (TTY 1-866-933-4889)
- Social Security (Social Security Administration) or call 1-800-772-1213 or (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Veterans
For help, please check with Federal and State resources:
- Federal: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 1-844-698-2311
- State: NYS Division of Veterans' Services | 1-888-838-7697
- New York City: NYC Veterans Alliance
Seniors
- To check your eligibility for government services visit: www.benefits.gov/
- NYC Department for the Aging: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dfta/index.page
- For help, seniors can contact the NYS Office for the Aging by visiting: NYS Office of the Aging or calling 1-844-697-6321
Additional Resources
The websites below also have helpful information and resources available:
Income Tax Credits and Refunds
To check on the status of your income tax refunds, visit:
- New York State refund (NYS Department of Taxation and Finance)
- Federal refund (Internal Revenue Service)
NYC Resources
- Get Free Financial Counseling (NYC Consumer Affairs) – NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide free one-on-one professional, financial counseling and coaching for NYC residents.
Unclaimed Funds
- New York State has over $19 billion in unclaimed funds. See if you are owed money – Unclaimed Funds (Office of the New York State Comptroller)
Please note that the references to the above information and websites do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation of the Office of the State Comptroller and are provided for informational purposes only.