Press Release
‘Claim Your Cash’ Program Returns to Help More LA County Families Access Millions in Tax Credits
02. 06. 2025
Successful First Year Helped Families Secure Over $52 Million in Tax Refunds as Program Continues to Connect Families with Free Tax Services
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LOS ANGELES — Economic Security California (ESCA) today celebrates the return of the successful Claim Your Cash Los Angeles program, which helps connect low- and middle-income LA County residents with millions in unclaimed tax credits. The program’s second year launches as new data shows the initiative helped secure over $52.4 million in federal tax refunds for participating families in 2024.
“Last year showed what’s possible when we make it easier for families to access the tax credits they’ve earned,” said Mónica V. Lazo, Southern California Program Director for Economic Security California. “This year, we’re building on that success to reach even more LA County families who may be missing out on thousands of dollars in tax credits they qualify for. This program highlights the role that the government can play in delivering cash to people.”
Depending on income and number of children, a family taking advantage of the program could get up to $12,000 in state and federal tax refunds. The program seeks to address the fact that many people already using county services—often the ones on the tightest budgets— are not claiming the tax credits that they qualify for. Claim Your Cash connects people in the moment, while they’re already engaging with an LA County agency, bridging the gap between services and cash that together provide resources to low-income families.
In its first year, the program succeeded by helping connect more than 1,300 LA County residents to free tax preparation services, with nearly 900 accessing these services for the first time. Participants received $17.9 million in Earned Income Tax Credits and $8 million in Child Tax Credits, demonstrating a significant financial impact for participating families.
The program, a collaboration between ESCA, the Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC), the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the county’s CEO, and other county agencies, provides a direct connection between county service providers and free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. When county staff members identify clients who haven’t filed taxes, they can immediately connect them to trusted tax preparation services with a “warm handoff” through the Claim Your Cash Call Center Hotline 1-888-844-3276.
Research shows LA County families leave an estimated $500 million in tax credits unclaimed each year. Additionally, $763 million of would-be tax refunds are diverted from low- and moderate-income families to tax prep companies every year when people pay to file their taxes. In 2024, the program’s “warm handoff” approach proved particularly effective at reaching historically underserved populations, with 43% of participants referred through the Department of Public Social Services either filing taxes for the first time or switching from paid preparation services.
County residents interested in free tax preparation services can call 1-888-844-3276 or visit ClaimYourCashLA.com for more information.
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Economic Security California (ESCA), an affiliate of Economic Security Project, builds economic power and promise for all Californians. By fighting consolidated corporate power and advocating for cash policies, we build a resilient economy so every Californian has the freedom and stability to thrive.