Bridging the Gap Training Series, 2011 Hillary Lazar, Program Director, 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

The Hard Numbers: 43.6 Million People in America in poverty 10 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 40+ Million People receiving Food Stamps 7+ Million Eligible for and not receiving Food Stamps

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

Family Success: 2011 Poverty Line for Family of 3 $18,530/Year Budget Gap – Single parent, 2 children, working as a childcare provider, $8.00/hour Budget Surplus: Up to $2000+/year

Medical Expenses TransportationRent & Utilities Basic Needs Child Care The benefits help workers keep working and care for themselves and their children.

Workplace Success: Decreased absenteeism and presenteeism Increased retention Greater employee commitment Higher-levels of productivity Saves on expenditures and profit-loss

Decreased Absenteeism/Presenteeism: Routine illness – 29% Problems with child care – 22% Transportation for family – 10%

Employee Support Increased Retention, Commitment, and Productivity : *An effective workplace demonstrates commitment to employees by providing benefit access and support programs along with other opportunities for career advancement and roles in decision-making, which leads to greater organizational and mission success.

Employee Support Saves on Expenditures : How much does it cost to fill a $16k job? $6,000 - $12,000

Earned Benefits 101

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In MD: Up to $5666 in cash back Workers who earn up to $48,000 Largest available income booster Must file taxes individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In MD: Up to $1000 credit per child Workers with qualified children ($110k – married, $75k single) Helps offset cost of raising kids Must file taxes individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/

Child and Dependent Care Credit American Opportunity Tax Credit

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In MD: Pays for groceries with Electronic Benefit Transfer Card (EBT) Low-income families and individuals Up to 35k (family of four), 44k (w/senior) - $668/month SAIL MD Healthy food means a healthy body Online application Independence Card (MD’s EBT)

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

School Lunch Program School Breakfast Program Special Milk Program

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

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

Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program Medicare Buy-In Program

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In MD: Help with heating, cooling and weatherization Low-income and at-risk households Heating and cooling are central to home safety Application liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Maryland.htm MHEAP Hotline SAIL MD

What it is: Who it benefits: Why it’s important: How to claim it: In MD: Help with loan modification and refinancing Homeowners at-risk for losing their homes Home is essential for family stability Call Maryland HOPE Initiative MDHOPE.org

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

State Child Care Subsidies (Child Care Works) Temporary Cash Assistance 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: – SAIL MD –marylandsail.org - mdhope.org/ - dhr.maryland.gov - Bridging the Gap page

Workplace Outreach: Use Existing Resources Benefits Hotline DHR General Information MHEAP 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!