Helping Hands Tool-kit
The Helping Hands Tool-Kit contains comprehensive information on a broad range of tax credits and community programs that can assist struggling families.
The Tool-Kit outlines and explains the benefits, eligibility guidelines and points of contact for a host of tax credits and community programs that can help working families stretch their hard-earned paychecks by offsetting expenses of necessities such as health care, childcare, utilities, and food.
The Helping Hands Tool-Kit originated with the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (SCAA), a non-profit organization that has been “shaping New York State public policy for people in need since 1872.”
In its 133 years, SCAA’s mission has remained the same - to advise policy-makers on comprehensive improvements to health, education, and human services. According to Karen Schimke, President and CEO of SCAA, the “annual statewide campaign to inform working New Yorkers of available benefits is a public service that SCAA has spearheaded for years.” In 2006, SCAA passed the torch for this initiative to the New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA), recognizing the New York State Community Action network’s enormous capacity to reach families in need.
This year, as in 2006, NYSCAA worked in collaboration with the Family Development Association of New York State (FDANYS) to produce and disseminate the Helping Hands Tool-kit.
Access the links below to download the 2007 Helping Hands Tool-Kit, and the 2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines. All downloads are in pdf format.
Click here for the 2007 Helping Hands Tool-kit (782 kb.)
Click here for the 2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines (115 kb.)
The Helping Hands Tool-Kit Abbreviated Guide
New in 2006, The Helping Hands Tool-Kit Abbreviated Guide - an 11”x17” reference chart of the 17 tax credits and programs color-coded for easy reference, is back again this year.
red=taxes
blue=health
orange=nutrition
yellow=energy
purple=subsidized childcare
green=cash assistance
Click here for the 2007 Helping Hands Tool-kit Abbreviated Guide (130 kb.)
We hope this feature adds
to the usefulness of this outreach tool.
Below are links to each individual program detailed in the tool-kit.
Click here for Leaving Welfare for Work information (177 kb.)
Click here for Child and Dependent Care Credit information (200 kb.)
Click here for Subsidized Childcare information (162 kb.)
Click here for Child Tax Credit information (177 kb.)
Click here for Earned Income Tax Credit information (203 kb.)
Click here for Earned Income Tax Credit Advance Payment information (193 kb.)
Click here for Family Health Plus information (164 kb.)
Click here for Food Stamps information (172 kb.)
Click here for Healthy NY information (197 kb.)
Click here for Home Energy Assistance Program Assistance information (169 kb.)
Click here for Medicaid information (167 kb.)
Click here for WIC, Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children information (177 kb.)
Click here for School Breakfast and Lunch information (139 kb.)
Click here for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families information (169 kb.)
Click here for Weatherization Assistance Program information (174 kb.)
