About Work Advantage

Work Advantage invests in homeless families who work full or part-time by giving them the rent support they need to move towards independence. It provides a strong motivation to work while moving families out of shelter and into the community. Work Advantage rewards work and provides incentives to increase earnings as continued eligibility is not tied to public assistance status. Work Advantage promotes independence and sustainability when the program ends by requiring up to a 20% savings and a monthly $50 rent payment from the client (which will then be matched by DHS), and assures landlords of rent payments.

This is a one-year program that is available for a second year to families who continue to be in need and meet program criteria. In addition, this comprehensive program includes a package of transitional benefits that support work and economic stability, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and child care, if needed.

Other services, such as training, job search, and job retention are available through the Human Resources Administration. Financial education and access to bank accounts, tax credits, and help with saving and making their money grow for the future will be accessible through the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Financial Empowerment.

About Children/Fixed Income Advantage

The Children Advantage rental assistance program is designed to help families in shelter with open Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) cases. The Fixed Income Advantage rental assistance program is designed to help families and individuals who are receiving federal benefits such as Social Security disability insurance to leave shelter.

Who is eligible for the program?
Children Advantage assists families identified by ACS for the program. Only clients who receive an eligibility letter from ACS are able to access this program. Fixed Income Advantage assists families identified by the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) who are receiving a fixed income benefit, such as Social Security due to a disability. Only clients who receive an eligibility letter from HR.