NYS Excluded Worker's Fund has relief available, and CCCS of Buffalo can help!

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Do you know anyone who is a cash worker or undocumented worker that lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic? The New York State Excluded Worker’s Fund helps these workers obtain the federal relief funds that they were left out of.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo is one of only three Western New York organizations selected by New York State to help individuals access financial help through the all new Excluded Workers Fund — the first of its kind in the nation.

The EWF officially began as of August 1st after its approval in the New York State budget this spring. It is a fund of approximately $2.1 billion and can provide benefits of as much as $15,600 per worker.

Applications for the EWF are available in 13 different languages and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applications will not be accepted by mail. CCCS encourages all those who believe they may be eligible to visit https://dol.ny.gov/EWFApply and to contact CCCS at 712-2060 for any help that is needed.

To be eligible to receive benefits from the EWF program, applicants must show they:

  1. Lived in New York State before March 27, 2020, and continue to live in New York State;
  2. Are not eligible for and did not receive unemployment insurance or any other COVID-19 income relief or other specified benefits from the state or federal government;
  3. Earned less than $26,208 in the 12 months prior to April 2021; and
  4. Lost at least 50% of weekly work-related earnings or household income at any point in time between February 23, 2020, and April 1, 2021 due to total or partial unemployment, or inability or unavailability to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic or, became responsible for a majority of their household income due to death or disability of the head of household.

CCCS also offers credit counseling services and urges WNY residents to  contact them with their financial concerns at 712-2060 or www.consumercreditbuffalo.org. CCCS will assist individuals to attain financial stability and security.

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