A Novel Strategy for Increasing Utilization of Earned Income Tax Credits and Reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences: The EITC Access Project
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Summary
This article describes the EITC Access Project, a Michigan initiative designed to help eligible families access the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and strengthen their financial stability. The project combines community education with individualized benefits advocacy through home-visiting programs, using financial education and empowerment strategies to increase tax credit utilization. By helping families access financial resources, the initiative aims to reduce economic stress and support child maltreatment prevention.
Topics: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Economic Interventions, Program Implementation, Economic Security
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Abstract
EITC has positive impacts, including reduced mental health problems and stress, on parents and caregivers. These impacts also affect children. Notably, EITC is associated with decreased child maltreatment (Berger et al. Review of Economics of the Household, 15(4), 1345–1372, 2017; Biehl & Hill, 2018; Klevens et al. Public Health Reports (1974), 132(4), 505–511, 2017; Rostad et al. Child Maltreatment, 25(4), 393–397, 2020). In addition, in a study of financial literacy among IPV survivors, it was found that knowledge of EITC was limited (Postmus, 2011). Unfortunately, one in five families eligible for EITC does not receive it (Internal Revenue Service, 2019). The EITC Access Project involves a two-level strategy across 43 counties in the State of Michigan. Level 1 is a public health strategy, which includes culturally appropriate flyers and informational materials regarding EITC. Level 2 includes the community-education strategy but also includes one-on-one concentrated benefits advocacy. The benefits advocacy is layered into existing Parents As Teachers home visiting programs and involves motivational interviewing techniques, EITC information, and financial empowerment activities. Outcomes are expected to influence the provision of community education surrounding public benefits and the practice of home visiting. This manuscript describes the goals, objectives, and evaluation plan of the EITC Access Project.
Citation
Study at a Glance
Purpose of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC supports eligible working families financially and is associated with improved parental mental health, reduced stress, and decreased child maltreatment.
The EITC Access Project
The EITC Access Project involves a two-level strategy across 43 counties in the State of Michigan.
- Level 1: Community Education
A public health strategy using culturally appropriate flyers and informational materials to raise awareness of the EITC. - Level 2: Benefits Advocacy
Community education combined with individualized benefits advocacy integrated into Parents as Teachers home visiting programs, including motivational interviewing, EITC information, and financial empowerment activities.
The Need for EITC Outreach
- Many eligible families do not receive the EITC, and research has found limited EITC knowledge among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).
- Previous studies found a link between childcare subsidies and lower child maltreatment, but differences in state policies have received less attention.
Study Objectives and Evaluation Plan
Describe the project’s goals, objectives, and evaluation plan, with anticipated implications for community education about public benefits and home visiting practices.
