Need support beyond Summer?

  • Updated

We know that sometimes your financial questions or challenges go beyond what Summer can help with directly. 

If you live or work in New York City, there are free, high-quality programs that can provide personalized support with money management, debt, and student loans.

This guide highlights where to turn next and how to book a session online or by phone.

For most people, the best place to start is with New York City’s Financial Empowerment Centers or NYC Free Tax Prep. Both offer confidential, one-on-one help from trained counselors, and language access is available on request.

You can use this guide to find the right free NYC program for your situation and how to connect. 

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers (FEC)

Financial Empowerment Centers offer free one-on-one professional financial counseling in person or by phone. Work with a trained counselor to:

  • Create a budget that works for you
  • Manage or reduce debt, such as credit cards
  • Build or repair your credit
  • Open or transition to a safe, affordable bank account
  • Save for your future

Counselors can provide support in multiple languages and services are always secure and confidential. 

Anyone 18 or older who lives in or works for NYC can use FECs. Income and immigration status do not affect access.

How to connect:

You can book an appointment online at nyc.gov/TalkMoney, or call 311 and ask for “financial counseling.” Once you schedule, you’ll get an email confirmation with your appointment details. Sessions are available in person or remotely.

NYC Free Tax Prep

You can file your taxes for free through the NYC Free Tax Prep program. Services are available in person or online, and trained preparers can help with:

  • Regular tax filing and refunds
  • Year-round tax help for self-employed workers
  • Guidance on eligibility for tax credits and deductions

Most programs serve common income ranges, and you can find a nearby site that fits your needs using the City’s site finder or by calling 311.

How to connect:

These sites can confirm what to bring, available languages, and whether they offer self-employed tax support. Each tax season, NYC operates more than 100 VITA/TCE locations, so you’ll have plenty of options for free, reliable help.

Language access

For both NYC’s Financial Empowerment Centers and NYC Free Tax Prep, you can:

  • Ask for an interpreter when you book your appointment, or
  • Tell 311 your preferred language when you call to schedule.

Many locations list available languages directly on their webpages. If you need American Sign Language (ASL) or another form of interpretation, just mention it when scheduling. 

The Department of Education also offers translation support: 

New York State’s Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP)

If you’re facing a complex student loan issue, the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) offers free, one-on-one counseling anywhere in New York State.

EDCAP counselors specialize in helping with:

  • Complicated repayment or forgiveness situations
  • Default, consolidation, or rehabilitation
  • Servicer errors, disputes, or communication problems
  • Private student loans and refinancing questions

How to connect:

Visit their website to meet with a counselor virtually or by phone, whichever works best for you.

When to reach out:

Summer can help with most federal student loan questions and repayment guidance. If your situation is especially complex - such as problems getting out of default, private loans, or unresolved servicer problems - EDCAP is the best next step.

Community Service Society (CSS) programs

The Community Service Society (CSS) offers several free programs that provide extra help when financial challenges go beyond student loans.

CSS focuses on financial advocacy and economic empowerment — supporting New Yorkers with issues that affect their financial stability and access to opportunity. These programs often fill the gaps when other city services can’t fully address a concern.

For example, CSS programs can help with:

  • Navigating medical debt or negotiating hospital payment plans
  • Addressing tenant or housing-related financial issues, such as rent arrears or eviction prevention
  • Securing or appealing public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or unemployment insurance
  • Advocating for workers’ rights, including wage theft or workplace discrimination cases
  • Accessing tax credits or health subsidies for low-income families

You can explore these and other programs in the CSS Program Directory to find the one that best matches your needs.

How to connect:

  1. Start with a NYC Financial Empowerment Center counselor to get an overview of your financial situation.
  2. Then, explore the CSS program listings to find specialized advocacy or benefits support as a next step.

CSS programs are meant to work alongside city services — offering additional advocacy and expertise to help New Yorkers strengthen their financial security and protect their rights.