Tax Credits, Public Benefits and Additional Resources for Parent Scholars

If you work and have a low to moderate income, you may qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This credit provides a refund or reduces the amount of federal tax you owe. If eligible, the EITC can help put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back in your pocket, helping to support your household expenses. The value is up to $4,328 with one child and up to $8,046 with three or more children. To claim this credit, you must file your federal tax return and meet specific income and eligibility requirements. 

To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

If you work and have a low to moderate income, you may qualify for up to $3,644 with the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). This credit provides you with a refund or reduces the amount of state tax you owe, putting money back into your pocket to help with essential household expenses. If you are eligible for CalEITC, and have a child under the age of six, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), which can add even more to your refund. To claim these credits, you must file your California state tax return and meet certain income requirements. 

To learn more, visit the California Franchise Tax Board website here.

The Additional Child Tax Credit (CTC) allows you to increase your tax refund by claiming up to $1,700 per qualifying child. For low-income families, this credit can provide a refundable amount to help support essential household expenses. To qualify, make sure to include each child’s information when filing your federal tax return.

To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

If you qualify for the CalEITC and have a child under the age of six, you may also be eligible for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), which can provide up to $1,154 as a refundable tax credit. This credit helps families offset the costs of raising young children by either offering a larger tax refund or a reduced tax bill. To estimate your eligibility and potential refund, use this calculator and see how much the YCTC could benefit your family. 

To learn more, visit the California Franchise Tax Board website here.

The Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) offers up to $1,154 as a refundable tax credit during tax season for current and former foster youth. To qualify, you must have been in foster care at the age of 13 and currently be between the ages of 18 and 25. This credit provides extra financial support to help with essential household expenses. You may also file up to three past year tax returns if you qualify and have not claimed this credit. To claim the FYTC, you must file your California state tax return and include documentation of your eligibility. 

To learn more, visit the California Franchise Tax Board website here.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit helps reduce a working parent’s taxable income if they paid for child care for children under age 13 or care for a dependent while working, attending school full-time, or actively looking for work. This credit can ease the financial burden of caregiving, making it more affordable to balance family and career or education needs. To claim this credit, be sure to include all qualifying expenses when filing your federal tax return. 

To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) provides up to $1,000 as a refundable cash credit when you file your taxes. This credit can help get you money back for school expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies needed for your studies. To claim AOTC, include your qualifying education expenses on your federal tax return. 

To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) allows you to reduce your taxable income by up to $2,000 for qualifying education expenses. This credit can help offset the costs of tuition, enrollment fees, and other school expenses, making education more affordable. To claim the LLC, include your qualifying expenses when filing your federal tax return. 

To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax filing services to individuals and families who meet certain income requirements. VITA can help you file your taxes accurately and ensure you receive any credits or refunds you’re eligible for, including education and child tax credits. Certified volunteers offer this service at community locations, making it accessible and convenient. 

Use this website to locate the VITA program site nearest you. To learn more, visit the IRS website here.

There are free online self-filing programs, like MyFreeTaxes.org, which provides a secure and accessible platform for you to file your taxes online at no cost. This service, powered by the United Way, helps you maximize your refunds and claim eligible credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements and have access to a computer or mobile device. 

To learn more or begin filing your taxes for free, visit the MyFreeTaxes.org website or contact their support team for assistance.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program provides job training, career coaching, and employment support services to help individuals gain the skills needed for quality employment. WIOA offers resources such as job search assistance, resume building, educational opportunities, and job placement services. This program is available through American Job Centers, which are located nationwide.

To find your local center and learn about available services, visit this website.

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program provides monthly financial assistance to help low-income individuals and families pay for housing. Voucher amounts are based on household income and local rental costs, allowing recipients to secure safe and affordable housing. Vouchers can be used for various housing options, including current residences, provided they meet the safety and health standards and the landlord participates in the program. 

To find the nearest Public Housing Agency and learn more, visit this website.

The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance program provides financial support for essential needs to low-income families, including food, rent, and other basic expenses. It also offers assistance to prevent eviction or secure temporary housing. This program can help cover costs such as security deposits, last month’s rent, up to two months of past-due rent to avoid eviction, and up to 16 days of temporary housing expenses (up to $145 per day for hotel or motel stays). 

To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the CalWORKs website or contact your local Department of Social Services office.

2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals and families to essential resources within their community. Whether you need help with food, mental health, health care, housing, transportation, utility assistance, legal aid, job training, after-school programs, disaster relief, or other services, 2-1-1 can guide you to the right support. 

You can dial 2-1-1 directly and explain the type of assistance you are seeking or visit the 2-1-1 website to search for resources online.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households manage their energy costs by providing a one-time payment to assist with heating or cooling bills. In addition, LIHEAP offers in-home weatherization services to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the health and safety of your home. 

To learn more about eligibility and to apply, visit the LIHEAP website.

The Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) provides monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals who are blind, disabled, or 65 years of age or older. This program allows most students to work without their SSI benefit decreasing. This is known as the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE), which lets students keep the first $2,220 in earnings each month without affecting the countable earned income calculation. But, there is an annual cap of $8,950, so if you earn more than this in any given year, the income starts counting towards the earned income calculation again. 

To learn more about eligibility and apply, you can visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, visit your local SSA office, or call 1-800-772-1213.