Fact Sheets

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Earned Income Tax Credit Fact Sheet

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers. The credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD's family self-sufficiency (FSS) program helps eligible individuals acquire the skills and experience they need to obtain work that pays a living wage, then offers them a unique savings opportunity as their earnings increase called an escrow account. Public housing agencies (PHAs) work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to help FSS participants access services including but not limited to: child care, transportation, education and training, home-ownership counseling.

Individual Development Account Question and Answer Sheet: A Guide for IDA Consumers with Disabilities

An Individual Development Account, also known as an “IDA”, is a savings account. What makes it special is you receive an additional deposit each time you add to your savings. It is called a match and is usually 1 to 4 times the size of each deposit you make. For example, if you receive a 2:1 match, each time you deposit $25, you will get an additional $50 toward your savings goal. IDAs are a tool typically offered by non-profit organizations, such as community development corporations, housing organizations, microenterprise organizations, and credit unions.

PASS (Plan for Achieving Self-Support) Plans

A Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) allows individuals to save money for a specified work goal, which includes starting a business. The purpose of a PASS is to assist Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in obtaining items, services, or skills for employment needs. In some cases, a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiary can use a PASS to become eligible for the maximum SSI benefit.

Special Needs or Supplemental Needs Trusts

A special needs trust--sometimes called a "supplemental needs trust"--provides for the needs of a disabled person without disqualifying him or her from benefits received from government programs such as Social Security and Medicaid. A special needs trust makes it possible to appoint a trustee to maintain assets and retain or qualify for public assistance benefits.