You deserve access to the wages you have already earned.

While EarnIn fights for you at the State Capitol, we want to help.

In January, the State of Connecticut made changes to an existing law so that Earned Wage Access (EWA) products are now in the same category as small loans.  As you know, EWA products are very different from what the average person would call a “loan.”  But, based on those changes in the law, EWA providers, like EarnIn, are effectively unable to continue providing EWA products to people who live in Connecticut because many of the rules and regulations that apply to lenders just don’t make sense for EWA products. 

Connecticut residents are hurting because of the state’s actions. That doesn’t sit well with us.

EarnIn is committed to supporting those Connecticut residents who rely on Earned Wage Access products while we fight for you at the Connecticut State Capitol. That’s why we worked with the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury (the Hispanic Coalition) to launch a temporary program to help alleviate the financial burden caused by the Connecticut Department of Banking. EarnIn will donate $50,000 to help reimburse Connecticut residents who used an EWA product (including EarnIn) in 2023 up to $105 for any overdraft or late fees they were charged since January 1, 2024. This includes fees such as a bank overdraft fee, credit card late fee, or late fee on a utility or phone bill.

In order to apply for this reimbursement, you’ll need to submit the following information to the Hispanic Coalition by July 31, 2024: 

  • The application form linked below;

  • Evidence that you used EarnIn or another EWA product anytime in 2023 (e.g., a copy of a bank statement showing a deposit with EarnIn, a screenshot of your in-app account, etc.); and 

  • A bank statement or bill showing a late or overdraft fee you’ve incurred between January 1, 2024 and today. IMPORTANT: Before submitting any bank statement or bill, please redact your account number. All sensitive information will be deleted once your application is reviewed.

  • Your preference to be reimbursed either through a physically mailed check or e-gift card.

FAQs

Why are EarnIn and the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury doing this? 

  • In late 2023, the Connecticut Department of Banking (DOB) released guidance to re-classify Earned Wage Access (EWA) products as loans, effective January 1, 2024. Treating EWA as a loan would require EarnIn to comply with lending rules and regulations, which really don’t make sense for non-loan products like EarnIn. Thousands of Connecticut residents joined with EWA providers like EarnIn to ask the Connecticut DOB for an extension of time to allow EWA providers to make changes to their products before the new rules and regulations went into effect. However, the Connecticut DOB ignored those pleas, which left thousands of Connecticut residents without the ability to access their pay on their terms beginning on January 1, 2024. As you know, EWA products are very different from what the average person would call a “loan.”  But, based on the changes in the law and regulations, EWA providers, like EarnIn, are effectively unable to continue providing EWA products to people who live in Connecticut because many of the rules and regulations that apply to lenders just don’t make sense for EWA products.

  • EarnIn and other EWA providers heard from thousands of Connecticut residents that the recent changes in state law have caused them direct financial hardship. EarnIn wanted to help. After discussions with our customers and community members, we decided this was the most direct way to help relieve some of the financial impact of the state’s actions. We are delighted that the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury (the HCGW) agreed to work with EarnIn to help reduce the burden on Connecticut residents caused by the Connecticut legislature’s recent action against EWA. 

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Any Connecticut resident who used an EWA product (including EarnIn) in 2023 can apply to have EarnIn reimburse up to $105 for any overdraft or late fees they were charged in 2024. 

How do I apply?

  • Simply fill out the short application here! It takes 5 minutes, and the HCGW will review your application quickly.

When is the deadline to apply?

  • The application will be open until July 31, 2024 Any applications received after that date will not be eligible for this reimbursement program.

Why are Earned Wage Access products now treated as small dollar loans in Connecticut? 

  • The Connecticut Department of Banking’s rules classifying Earned Wage Access as a loan went into effect on January 1, 2024, pulling the rug out from under tens of thousands of families. While state legislators may implement a legislative fix, in the meantime, we want to try and help the thousands of customers who previously relied on EarnIn and other EWA providers. 

How can I get more involved to save Earned Wage Access in Connecticut?

  • Click here to send a message to your elected officials telling them how important Earned Wage Access is to you and urging them to find a legislative fix.

For any additional questions, please reach out to itsyourmoney@thehispaniccoalition.org.

  • “The ability to manage one's finances effectively is a cornerstone of economic independence. With the recent ruling impacting Earned Wage Access, many in New Haven and beyond have found themselves at a disadvantage. I’m glad that this program ensures that those hardest hit by the ruling have a means to recover.” - St. Rep. Juan Candelaria (New Haven)

  • “EWA gives me the ability to rest well at night with no anxiety of having the struggle to decide whether to pay for food or gas.” – Erica from Meriden, CT

  • Given the recent Department of Banking ruling that limited Earned Wage Access, many in Connecticut, especially within the black and brown communities, are facing challenges in accessing fair financial products without burdensome charges and fees. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap and provide support for all citizens and workers in need." - Corrie Betts, Greater Hartford Branch NAACP

  • “We’re excited to support this initiative that will provide supplemental help to those in our community who need it most. To truly protect the wellbeing of our community, it’s essential that we continue working to protect the financial options like earned wage access that enable individuals to bridge the gap between paychecks and fulfill their immediate financial needs with dignity and fairness.” - Victor Lopez Jr. Executive Director of HCGW

Terms and Conditions

  • Applications for the EarnIn Customer Support Fund will remain open until the earliest of July 31, 2024, or the $50,000 fund has been exhausted.

  • Applications must be submitted on or before July 31, 2024

  • The EarnIn Customer Support Fund is only available to residents of Connecticut

  • Copies of bills and bank statements must be redacted to remove any personal information (e.g., account numbers). EarnIn is not responsible for any unredacted personal information submitted with the application

  • The maximum reimbursement amount is $105 per person

Disclaimer: Tusk Strategies respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through compliance with this policy.  Use of this website constitutes your consent to this policy.