| Q: | What do I have to do to get the cash payments? |
| a: | Activities such as:
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| Q: | How are the cash payments paid out? |
| a: | When you provide proof that you have completed an item on the list, a sum of money will go directly into a bank account in your name. This could be either a bank account that you already have, or one that you will open through the program. Each item on the list offers a specific payment. For example, if a child goes to school regularly, you will get a $50 payment every other month. Some payments are made once a year. Some are paid every other month. |
| Q: | I am already doing some of these things for my family. Can I still get the cash payments? |
| a: | Yes. If you are selected to receive Opportunity NYC cash payments, you will be able to receive payments for doing things on the list, whether it is for the first time or not. |
| Q: | Are the payments the same for all families? |
| a: | Some items on the list pay the same amount for every family, such as full-time employment. Some items pay different amounts based on the number and age of your children. For example, if you have two children, and take both for a dental checkup, you will receive a cash payment of $100 for each. |
| Q: | I got a tax refund from the government last year. Will this be reduced if I get a cash payment from Opportunity NYC? |
| a: | No. Your taxes (including refunds) will not change as a result of receiving Opportunity NYC payments. |
| Q: | How long will these payments be made? |
| a: | Two years, with a possibility of a third year. |
| Q: | Why can only 2,500 families participate? |
| a: | Opportunity NYC is a completely new type of program and needs to be tested. The program planners will look at the results. If it has been a success, it may be expanded. |
| Q: | How will the 2,500 families be chosen? |
| a: | If you meet the eligibility criteria listed here, please contact the program office in your neighborhood to make an appointment to apply. Then you must bring the required documentation to your appointment to prove you are eligible. For example, a birth certificate, passport, etc. Then a lottery will be held. Everyone has an equal chance. It is like tossing a coin. Half the families will be able to participate, and half will not. You will be contacted a week later if your family has been chosen. |
| Q: | Will the information I share be kept private? |
| a: | Yes. Opportunity NYC will not share your personal information with marketing firms or government agencies. |
| Q: | How do I know where to go to apply? |
| a: | Click here to go to another page of this website where you will be able to enter your address and find out where you can apply. |
| Q: | How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the program? |
| a: | Click here to find out who will be able to join. |
| Q: | What documents do I need to apply? |
| a: | Click here to find everything that you will need to apply for the program. |
| Q: | What if I don’t have all of the documents that I need to apply? |
| a: | Contact the office in your neighborhood for more information about what documents you need. |
| Q: | Will the money I receive through this program make me lose my benefits? |
| a: | No. This money will not cause anyone to lose benefits such as TANF,Food Stamps, Medicaid, or other government benefits. |
| Q: | Who’s paying for this program? |
| a: | This program is paid for by private donors, including The Rockefeller Foundation, American International Group (AIG), Open Society Institute, Robin Hood Foundation, The Starr Foundation and Mayor Bloomberg himself. |
| Q: | How can I learn more about this program? |
| a: | Click here to see more information. |
| Q: | Who can I contact with other questions? |
| a: |
Email: questions@opportunitynyc.info
Groundwork, Inc.
Brownsville Community Development Corporation
Citizens Advice Bureau
Catholic Charities Community Services
Union Settlement Association
Urban Health Plan |
