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Free financial counseling

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

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How it works

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers offer free, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching to help you reach your goals. A professional counselor will work with you to manage money, improve credit, budget, and more.

What happens in your first session?

Meet with a counselor in person or over the phone in your preferred language. Services are confidential.

Develop an action plan with your counselor. They’ll ask about your financial history and any documents you want to share. You can attend as many follow-up sessions as you need.

What can your counselor help with?

  • Managing your money and checking your credit
  • Setting up a spending plan
  • Opening a safe and affordable bank account
  • Contacting lenders about debt, including student loans
  • Developing a strategy to reduce debt or lower payments
  • Accessing emergency government resources

Note: Financial Empowerment Centers do not provide loans or grants.


Eligibility requirements

You qualify for free counseling if you’re at least age 18 and live or work in NYC.


Required documents

To get the most out of your sessions, bring the following documents:

  • Bills or statements
  • Credit reports
  • Collection notices
  • Tax returns
  • Pay stubs
  • Court papers
  • Student loan bills or information (find details on studentaid.gov)

Bring what you have – your counselor can help even if you don’t have these documents.


How to apply

Apply online

Book an appointment online for in-person or phone financial counseling.

Create a Financial Empowerment Portal account to:

  • Schedule and manage your appointments
  • Share documents and information with your counselor securely
  • Access and update your financial Action Plan

Get started

Apply in person

Appointments are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times may be longer.

Book an appointment


Get help

Learn more online

Visit the DCWP page for Financial Empowerment Centers or check out the FAQ.

Call 311

Ask for “Financial Empowerment Centers” or “financial counseling.”

Call the hotline

212-487-4583


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Last Updated May 11, 2026

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