We know that times are tough in our community, in our region and our country, with many households struggling to stretch their dollars.
The following resources are intended to help with this burden:
Resources to find cheaper gas:
- Cheaper gas in your area: Fueleconomy.gov
- Ways to Improve gas mileage
- Ways to Improve gas mileage in the winter
Child Tax Credit FAQs:
- Eligibility
- Reconciling Your Advance Child Tax Credit Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return
- Calculation of the 2021 Child Tax Credit
Economic Impact Payment (EIP) Assistance/Recovery Rebate Credit:
- All economic impact payments have been issued
- How to claim the 2020/2021 RRC if you did not receive any of your EIPs
Free Filing Assistance/Post Filing Assistance:
- IRS Free File
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
- IRS Where’s My Refund?
- Local Taxpayer Advocate Locator
Help with Groceries and Housing
NYS Emergency Food Assistance Program – Lists of Food Banks for all NYS counties, includes eligibility table. Also, includes information on how to become a food pantry and reporting requirements.
Emergency Housing – NYS Office of Temporary Disability Assistance has a link with a list of all local Department of Social Services.
NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund – Helps homeowners at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shop Simple with MyPlate App – The Agriculture Department’s app may help you find healthy food savings and prepare budget friendly meals.
Help with Utilities and Bills
New York State Department of Public Service (NYS DPS) Complaints: File a formal consumer complaint against your utility provider. Utilities are required by law to respond and address your concerns.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Eligible families and seniors may qualify for help lowering costs on staying warm, utilities, and energy repairs. Find your local HEAP contact here.
NYSERDA EmPower Program: Provided no-cost energy efficiency solutions to income-eligible New Yorkers to assess your residence and identify and provide energy-saving solutions.
Weatherization Assistance Program: This program helps reduce heating and cooling costs for income-eligible homeowners and renters by providing free services that help conserve energy and improve safety and health standards. You can find a Weatherization provider in your area here.
Home Weatherization Assistance: You may qualify for help to make home upgrades that can lower your costs, such as better insulation and other efficiencies.
Home Energy Saver Calculator: See if you’re paying more than what’s typical for your zip code.
Home Energy Saver Tools: Learn best practices and cheap solutions to lower your utility bills.