Spotlight on Your Funds

February 2025

Benefit Funds Help Eligible Members File for EITC

The Benefit Funds have long assisted 1199SEIU members in filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by connecting them with free tax-preparation services so that they may receive the full refund to which they are entitled. So many Home Care Benefit Fund members are eligible for the program, and it can mean thousands more dollars in their pockets than standard tax filing. This year, the Benefit Funds are connecting members with the Campaign for Working Families (which is partnering with the Food Bank For New York City), the nonprofit educational program Ariva and the NYC Free Tax Prep program. Free tax-preparation assistance is available through April 15 at locations in several of the five New York City boroughs, as well as in Westchester County, Long Island and New Jersey. Weekday, evening and weekend hours are available, and, in some cases, so is walk-in service. For more information or to make an appointment, members may contact the programs directly: 

• Campaign for Working Families: call (646) 981-6111 or visit their website
• Ariva: call (718) 292-2983 or email info@ariva.org
• NYC Free Tax Prep program: visit their website

Members may also visit  the Benefit Funds website for additional information. Those who need assistance scheduling an appointment at one of the tax-prep locations may contact their Outreach Coordinator at OutreachAssistance@1199Funds.org. 

Training and Employment Funds Offer ESOL Classes, Computer Labs

The Training and Employment Funds (TEF) offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes that provide instruction in basic English communication, including new beginning classes for Chinese speakers. The program is available during the academic year, including summer semesters, both in-person and remotely. For more information or to register, members may email TEFAdultEd@1199Funds.org or call (212) 284-9231. For a Chinese language line, they may call (516) 636-6613. TEF also provides a computer drop-in lab for members to develop digital literacy and computer skills needed to advance their educational and career goals in the healthcare industry. The program is available during the academic year, including summer semesters, at the Adult Learning Center at Funds headquarters in Manhattan. For more information, members may call Gabriel Brito at (212) 631-8346 or email Gabriel.Brito@1199Funds.org.

Meet Our Featured Member

Mercella Smith-Whyte from FEGS Home Attendant Services

Why did Mercella Smith-Whyte begin her health journey? Read For Your Benefit online to find out!

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