Frequently Asked Questions - Office of Financial Empowerment

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	General Frequently Asked Questions: What is the Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE)? How can OFE help? What is New York City doing to tackle poverty? How can I find out about job opportunities at OFE? How can I contact OFE? What is the Financial Education Network (FEN)? Consumer Frequently Asked Questions: What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? Where can I receive debt help now? How can I speak with a credit counselor? Provider Frequently Asked Questions: How can I join the Financial Education Network? What is the Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE)? Launched in December 2006, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs' Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) is the first program to be implemented as part of Mayor Bloomberg's aggressive efforts to fight poverty in New York City. Beyond helping New York's working families and individuals secure benefits to which they're entitled or tackling exploitive practices, DCA's OFE seeks to improve their economic condition, making it the only local government program of its kind in the nation. Learn more about OFE back to top How can OFE help? OFE works to educate, empower, and protect those with low incomes in order to help them get, save, and grow assets. Learn more about OFE Initiatives back to top What is New York City doing to tackle poverty? New York City established the Center for Economic Opportunity to oversee programs that tackle poverty. The Center's mission is to reduce the number of people living in poverty in New York City through the implementation of results-driven and innovative initiatives. Programs are aimed at reducing poverty in three key populations throughout the City: the Working Poor, Young Adults 16-24, and Children 0-5. By drawing from successful examples and bringing together New York's public and private resources, the City can help foster a new confidence in its ability to reduce poverty in a systematic and permanent fashion. Ultimately, by reducing need, rewarding personal initiative, and reaffirming hope, the City strives to create a future that benefits every New Yorker. back to top How can I find out about job opportunities at OFE? Visit our Job Opportunities section for the latest open job positions. back to top How can I contact OFE? You can contact OFE by: E-mail: Click here to submit e-mail to OFE Phone: Dial 311, New York City's 24-hour Citizen Service Hotline (212-NEW-YORK from outside New York City) Send mail to: New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Financial Empowerment 42 Broadway, 8th floor New York, NY 10004 back to top What is the Financial Education Network (FEN)? OFE has assembled a dynamic network of partners working to provide high-quality financial education and develop innovative asset-building and financial education strategies. Learn more about the Financial Education Network back to top What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) returns federal, state, and, in New York City, local government dollars to qualifying working families and individuals through either a credit on taxes or as cash refunds. The refund amount varies depending on your income and marital and parental status. Learn more about the EITC back to top Where can I receive debt help now? For debt and credit help information, visit our Debt & Credit Help Now section. back to top How can I speak with a credit counselor? The Financial Education Network (FEN) directory provides a listing of financial counseling services available in New York City. To find a credit counselor in your neighborhood, search the FEN Directory back to top How can I join the Financial Education Network? Organizations can join the Financial Education Network by submitting an application to the Office of Financial Empowerment. OFE will review the application and contact you with further information. back to top