| SF Works Successfully Pilots Benefits Screening Program
This tax season, SF Works has been helping entry-tier and low-wage workers in San Francisco keep more of what they earn. Tax filing can be an arduous and rather daunting process for these employees, many of whom juggle multiple jobs and financial responsibilities in their efforts to get by in a city with a high cost of living. Many end up paying over $100 for tax preparation services, money that these workers could have saved and put to better use.
On February 2, 2008, SF Works launched a pilot benefits screening program that uses specially designed software to help low-wage workers access tax credits and benefits programs. These included the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the San Francisco Working Families Credit (WFC), as well as PG&E utility discounts. Through outreach and education, SF Works helped educate and direct eligible workers to free tax preparation services by trained volunteer tax preparers and CPAs, which in turn helped employees receive their full federal and state tax refunds. This was made possible through a partnership between SF Works, Tax Aid, and United Way of the Bay Area's Earn It! Keep It! Save It! coalition & 211 call center.
Putting Thousands Back into Workers' Pockets
For five-to-six days a week throughout February, SF Works’ teams set up "Working Resources Stations" at multiple employer facilities, where employees could be helped right at their place of work. Thanks to the support and outreach efforts of their management and HR staff, employees of the followinng employers were able to receive assistance at their workplace:
- California Pacific Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente San Francisco
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center
- Goodwill Industries
- Toolworks Inc.
- 1300 on Fillmore restaurant
- The Butler and The Chef Bistro
CMPC employees averaged savings of $1,800-2,000 after spending 30 minutes with Tax Aid and SF Works staff.
Within a 10-day period, SF Works helped more than 200 employees apply for discounted services and benefits in seven languages with a quick 15 minute session, saving employees the hassle of having to visit multiple city and nonprofit agencies and filling multiple application forms in order to access work supports and other resources. CPMC employees and their families also had their taxes prepared on-the-spot by CPAs from Tax Aid, while employees from other organizations received assistance in locating a free tax preparation service that was most convenient for them.
This pilot has proven to be beneficial for both employers and their employees - participating companies are proactively seeking innovative programs to help support their workforce and their families, while employees and their families can save money, gain access to more benefits, and have their taxes prepared for free.
Maria, an employee at Kaiser, was able to receive tax credits and other savings after she had her taxes prepared: “I just called a place near my home from the list of places [SF Works] gave me and they set me up with an appointment. I put the money I received into a savings account and haven’t touched it. I wasn’t aware of the Working Families Credit and all the benefits that come with it so I’m happy SF Works came to me.”
Next Steps
SF Works is continuing to provide additional benefits screening sessions as it prepares for phase two of its pilot program. Additional benefits in the works include Muni Lifeline passes, low-cost auto insurance, free and reduced school meals, and pre-paid debit cards. For more information, or to sign your company up, please contact staff@sfworks.org or call (415) 217-5181.
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