Work Reward
Working gives you more than just a paycheck. Working a regular job provides stability and security to your family.
Working also provides:
1. Independence. Supporting yourself and your family on your own offers valuable independence and a sense of pride and accomplishment.
2. Skills and career building. Each job is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience, and build the career you've always wanted.
3. Money and mobility. You will almost always earn more money working than when receiving public assistance. Earning more than you need means you can set aside money for unexpected emergencies such as paying for a funeral or medical expenses. It can also help you afford the extras that you’ve always wanted.
4. Values. When you work, your children see that you value self-sufficiency and independence, and they will be more likely to work themselves.
5. Tax rewards. When you earn income and pay taxes, you can take advantage of government programs that help you later in life and in emergencies. The government sets aside money from your paychecks for programs such as social security and unemployment, so when you retire or become unemployed, you will have a steady source of income. Plus, filing taxes makes you eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a yearly refund that can be worth up to $6,500. You can find more information about the EITC in the links below.
If you work the equivalent of an average of 30 hours per week for six weeks or more over two months, you can earn the $300 Work Reward which is the equivalent to adding $1.67 to your hourly wage.
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How to get your Reward!
When you work the equivalent of an average of 30 hours per week for six weeks or more over two months, you will receive a $300 Reward. You can earn up to $1,800 per year.
What to send in:
1. Coupon. Submit the current work coupon from the Coupon Book.
2. ATTACH PROOF OF WORK from ONE of the following categories to this coupon. If you:
Receive pay stubs showing the number of hours you worked:
Copies of ALL PAY STUBS that show weekly hours worked during the Activity Period. PAY STUBS must show that you worked an average of 30 hours a week for at least 6 weeks during the Activity Period.
Work for an employer but do not receive pay stubs showing the number of hours worked:
A COMPLETED EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION FORM signed by your employer plus pay stubs if you have them. These documents must prove that you worked an average of 30 hours a week for at least 6 weeks during the Activity Period.
Are self-employed (i.e. child care provider, hair dresser, etc.) or own your own business:
A COMPLETED SELF-EMPLOYMENT FORM and supporting documentation. To find out which form you should use, please contact the Opportunity NYC specialist at your community organization or call the Helpline at 212-994-4528.
3. Mail this coupon with your PROOF OF WORK in the envelope provided, before the deadline,to:
Opportunity NYC
P.O. Box 757
New York, NY 101594. Remember, keep a copy of your pay stubs and documentation for your records.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
Submitting documentation that is completely filled out and easy to read will help you get your Reward faster.
Are you self-employed?
You can still earn Rewards! Visit or call your community organization to find out about the additional forms and documentation you’ll need to submit.
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Work Links
- Finding a JobCLICK HERE >>
- Exploring a Career or IndustryCLICK HERE >>
- Training and Career Advancement ResourcesCLICK HERE >>
- Opportunity NYC-Approved Training and Education ProvidersCLICK HERE >>
- Get the Job and Keep It! CLICK HERE >>
- Choosing the Right ChildcareCLICK HERE >>
- Subsidized Childcare OptionsCLICK HERE >>
- Earn Tax Refunds!CLICK HERE >>
