Mayor Adams Launches “Money In Your Pocket” Initiative Across More Than 20 Neighborhoods To Help Deliver Benefits Directly To New Yorkers

Adams Administration Has Helped New Yorkers Save More Than $30 Billion Through Access to Programs and Benefits

Our Bureau

New York, NY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a citywide “Money in Your Pockets” initiative to help New Yorkers screen for or learn about more than 70 city, state, and federal programs that can make life in New York City more affordable. The New York City Public Engagement Unit (PEU) trained hundreds of staff from across city government and The City University of New York students, who will begin to visit more than 20 underserved neighborhoods and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings, starting today and continuing on a weekly basis, to help thousands of New Yorkers find out which benefits they may be eligible to receive.

 To help New Yorkers easily view and understand programs they may be eligible for, Mayor Adams today also released a “Money in Your Pocket Guide,” which directly links to eligibility requirements and relevant applications over 40 of the benefits. Since taking office, the Adams administration has helped New Yorkers save more than $30 billion through launching, administering, and helping New Yorkers take advantage of programs across all levels of government from Big Apple Connect to Fair Fares to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and more.

“I was raised by a single mother who had to work several jobs to make sure my siblings and I had a roof over our heads and food on the table. The hustle was real. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers are still doing the same today and far too many New Yorkers continue to feel that the deck is stacked against them. But our administration won’t allow that to be the case — we are looking out for New Yorkers and working to make this city more affordable,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are launching our ‘Money in Your Pockets’ initiative to help New Yorkers find out which benefits they are eligible for and build on the billions of dollars we have helped put into the pockets of hard-working families. We are building a city that expands opportunity and prosperity to every neighborhood and community because New Yorkers deserve their fair share, and we’re going to deliver that to them.”

 “By connecting New Yorkers directly to critical resources and support, we’re taking another major step toward making our city more livable for everyone,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “We want every New Yorker to have access to the benefits that can make life more affordable and equitable and that is why our dedicated team will be meeting people where they are to ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we’re not just creating opportunities — we’re building a more inclusive city where every resident can thrive.”

 “Government is at its best when it’s working in the best interest of the people we are elected or appointed to serve,” said Chief Advisor Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin. “The ‘Money in Your Pocket’ initiative does exactly that by helping to ensure that New Yorkers receive every single benefit and service for which they are entitled and deserve. Additionally, it enables the Adams administration to build a more affordable and equitable New York City. I am proud of our strives to put New Yorkers first.”

“Too often, New Yorkers don’t access benefits because they don’t know they’re available to them or they think they’re too difficult to access,” said PEU Executive Director Adrienne Lever.  “We are thrilled to lead this citywide effort to proactively engage New Yorkers and help connect them to benefits that can help put money back in their pockets.”

“Our benefits access efforts have helped millions of residents connect with and learn about city, state, and federal public programs,” said Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity Executive Director Carson Hicks. “This initiative is important because, through a combination of digital tools and dedicated on-the-ground staff, it helps New Yorkers in every part of the city to identify and apply for the assistance they qualify for in an easy and seamless way.”

 “Affordability is a top priority for many New Yorkers, including the one in 17 who call NYCHA home,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We commend the Adams administration on launching the ‘Money in Your Pocket’ initiative to help New Yorkers find and access the programs and resources available to them, thereby making our great city more equitable and livable.”