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Financial Empowerment Resources for New Yorkers

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Financial Empowerment Resources for New Yorkers

Message from Comptroller DiNapoli

“While we continue to emerge from financial hardships caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers are returning to a sense of normalcy. However, inflation, the emergence of new variants and supply chain issues have proved challenging to everyone. This office is dedicated to helping New York residents, government entities, nonprofits, and businesses as they rebuild financially during the post pandemic era. This page offers resources and links to give you easy access to assistance and trusted information. Please check this page regularly for updates.”
 
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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 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

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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.
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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 Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, enacted in 2003, was designed to ease financial burdens on servicemembers during periods of military service. For more information, please visit: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (U.S. Department of Defense)
  • 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:

Seniors

People with Disabilities

To find resources for those with disabilities, please visit:

 

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:

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.