Career Skills: Financial Self Sufficiency

Financial Self-Sufficiency: Preparing for and Navigating Benefit Cliffs

Make informed choices that protect your progress—not set you back.

This course explores one of the most important—and often confusing—parts of returning to work and planning for financial independence: Benefit Cliffs. These income increases can sometimes lead to sudden changes in support, such as housing, food assistance, childcare, or medical coverage. This course is designed to help our participants advocate for themselves and protect their progress.

In this supportive and judgment-free space, the focus is on opportunities. In this course, participants will be able to define, understand, and navigate benefit cliffs. They will leave with the confidence to make informed, strategic decisions that support long-term stability. Discussions will focus on exploring how to plan, ask the right questions, and use available resources to move forward with confidence.

This course recognizes that these systems are overwhelming and, at times, discouraging. Rather than placing blame, the course builds awareness, clarity, and a sense of control, helping participants understand that planning is a powerful tool for protecting creating sustainable growth.

As part of Life Skills programming, this 1-hour, workforce course helps participants strengthen financial decision-making, reduce risk during transitions, and move toward greater independence with confidence and clarity.

In this course, you will:
· Understand what the “benefit cliff” is and why it happens
· Explore how income changes can impact different types of benefits
· Learn how to plan before increasing hours, wages, or employment
· Identify questions to ask case managers and service providers
· Practice strategies for making informed financial decisions

Perfect for:
Anyone receiving benefits, returning to work, increasing hours, or considering new employment opportunities who wants to move forward with clarity, stability, and confidence—not guesswork.

Questions? cd@citci.org or 907-793-3467