CARES Financial Support Services Program Overview

CARES’ Financial Support Services. Employed individuals with disabilities often do not have adequate access to disability-specialized financial support services. These programs provide assistance to low income workers with disabilities to promote economic empowerment and financial self sufficiency. Financial Services are currently available in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Federal Income Tax Assistance
VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
IRS VITA sites offer free tax filing assistance to low- to moderate-income people who may have difficulty preparing their own tax returns. Our staff members are certified by the IRS to assist with Federal tax returns. We offer free electronic filing.
EITC: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for qualified low- and moderate-income workers. Eligibility is based on income and the number of children in the home. A taxpayer with low earned income and no children may also qualify. Qualifying children may include biological, foster, adopted and step-children as well as permanently and totally disabled children. New for tax year 2009: Workers with a third qualifying child may be eligible for an increased refund. Even if you did not earn enough in tax year 2009 to be obligated to file, you may be able to receive an earned income tax refund.

Social Security Benefits Analysis
Work Incentives
If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to return to work or supplement your income and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid, Social Security can help with "work incentives”. Our staff members have been trained to assist you and will work with your local Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC).

Money Management, Financial Education Group and Individual Workshops
We offer interactive workshops on common financial topics, including banking, budgeting, saving, goal setting, credit, and debt repayment.
Contact us to find out about upcoming workshops or to request a customized workshop.

Individual Financial Coaching
Financial Coaching is an ongoing, collaborative process to help clients reach long-term goals through the development of new skills and the implementation of new behaviors.
Staff members are available to meet with individuals and families one time or on an ongoing basis. Current clients have set up debt repayment plans, lowered monthly bills, started saving toward long-term goals, and learned to better navigate health care benefits.

For more information, contact the CARES Financial Support Services Project team:
1833 N. 105th St. STE 201
Seattle WA 98133
(206) 938-1253

TESTIMONIAL

"(CARES) case workers are so committed to their clients.. Not only do they provide education on how to avoid financial pitfalls, but they are true advocates, with real empathy and compassion for their clients."
Marnie Claywell, Homeownership Housing Counselor, Parkview Services