Unclaimed Tax Credits Targeted: “Claim Your Cash” Initiative Aims to Assist Low-Income LA County Residents
Comprehensive Outreach: ESCA Collaborates to Connect Eligible Individuals with Unclaimed Benefits
According to DT News, a new initiative in Los Angeles County dubbed the “Claim Your Cash” pilot program aims to address the issue of unclaimed tax credits among low-income residents, particularly targeting those who are already receiving county services. Spearheaded by Economic Security California (ESCA) in collaboration with the LA County CEO’s Office, Koreatown Youth & Community Center, and other partners, the pilot program seeks to connect at least 3,000 families to both state and federal tax credits. Monica Lazo, the Southern California program director for ESCA explained that the initiative is designed to assist individuals who may have missed out on tax benefits due to various reasons including not filing their taxes in recent years or being unaware of additional benefits they qualify for. With an estimated half a billion dollars in unclaimed taxes in LA County alone, the “Claim Your Cash” pilot program aims to bridge the gap between eligible residents and the funds they are entitled to receive. The pilot program not only assists in filing taxes for free but also offers support in accessing other available benefits and resources. Moreover, efforts to reach eligible individuals extend beyond in-person agency visits with outreach conducted via email, agency websites, and even home visits by caseworkers from the Department of Health Services.
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Empowering Low-Income Families: “Claim Your Cash” Initiative Offers Significant Tax Credits and Promotes Financial Equity
The program’s accessibility and potential impact are further underscored by the significant amount families could receive in tax credits with an average of $3,500 per family and the possibility of up to $10,000 depending on income and the number of children. By addressing barriers to claiming tax credits and ensuring equitable access to financial resources, the “Claim Your Cash” initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens and empower struggling households in LA County. With plans for a two-year runtime and potential replication in other counties, the program represents a promising step towards economic empowerment and tax equity for low-income communities.
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