Mission & History

Mission

The Campaign for Working Families seeks practical ways to improve the economic status of working people in Philadelphia so that working families have the opportunity to increase their income, wisely manage their finances, protect themselves from expensive financial services and build assets.

History

The Campaign for Working Families was organized in 2003 to help working families move up the economic ladder. Initially created at the Fox Leadership Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the Campaign moved to the offices of the Urban Affairs Coalition in July 2003. UAC has served as its managing partner ever since. Supported by a strong group of local partners, the Campaign for Working Families provides free tax services, access to savings products, help with credit counseling, financial education, information about public benefits, and referrals for other services in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.


We work to increase the economic viability of Philadelphia's low income working households so that they can plan for stable, secure futures and can participate fully in civic and community life. We promote a fair marketplace for financial goods and services and the ability of the people we serve to operate independently in that marketplace.

What We Do

The Campaign for Working Families facilitates increased financial stability and asset accumulation for Philadelphia families by connecting them to valuable tax credits, quality financial services, savings options, wealth building resources and public benefits. We operate 11 community based tax sites offering e-file, direct deposit, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and public benefits applications and access to fairly-priced financial products. This service allows families to maximize federal and state tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

To view CWF's current intiatives, click here.

What is EITC?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax benefit for low-wage earners.  In 2013, families and individuals who earn less than $50,300 (with children) or less than $13,900 (no children) are eligible. The EITC is worth up to $5,891 per year, based on family size and income. Check out Why File a Tax Return page for more details.


For more than 30 years, the EITC has reduced the annual tax burden for low-income working families and emerged as America's largest and most effective anti-poverty program. In Philadelphia, an estimated 39,000 eligible households do not file EITC claims, leaving approximately $66.3 million in unclaimed credits. For more information about the Earned Income Tax Credit, visit the IRS's EITC  information page.