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].
- Personal Finance Information/Education
It’s always important to take control of your own personal finances and to teach children about sound financial practices. Here are several 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) | 1-800-877-8339
Financial Literacy is a skill with lifelong benefits. Kids as young as preschool age can learn how to handle money, budget, and save. The FDIC offers age-appropriate lessons for all ages. Take the time to teach your kids about the value of money and how they can manage it wisely. For more information, please visit: FDIC: Money Smart for Young People
- Avoiding 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.
- 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)
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 for Seniors, please visit: Benefits Eligibility Checker | BenefitsCheckUp
- Meals on Wheels America – For seniors who need food assistance.
- For help, seniors can contact the NYS Office for the Aging by visiting: NYS Office of the Aging or calling 1-844-697-6321
People with Disabilities
To find resources for those with disabilities, please visit:
- The Arc – Resources for people with intellectual and developmental 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)
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 $18 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.