PART V 

Connecting Families to
Multiple Benefits

Cities and local coalitions that are already making an investment in identifying and reaching out to low-income families to promote the EITC can use this opportunity to ensure that these families are also getting a variety of other tax credits and benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit, food stamps, or free or low-cost health insurance.

Multi-benefit outreach increases the impact of the city’s efforts by further strengthening families and drawing down additional federal and state resources. In addition to getting more "bang for the buck," this approach also makes more sense for families who can learn about many different supports at one time in a non-stigmatizing setting.

Connecting Families to Multiple Benefits: Key Roles for City Officials

Host a meeting to bring together advocates and service providers working to promote a variety of benefits and programs for low- and moderate-income families Create a family resource guide or family resource center Incorporate references to a variety of supports for working families into public messages promoting the EITC Coordinate with county or state officials to create streamlined applications - or even a joint application - and provide on-site enrollment

City Best Advice

Keep public education messages simple Use the time families spend waiting to have their taxes prepared to share information Offer on-site personal assistance to explain benefits, screen for eligibility, and/or help families enroll Use technology when possible to encourage families to apply for multiple for all benefits for which they qualify

For related resources, see Appendix A.

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