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Ohio Benefit Bank

"In these tough economic times ..." How often have you heard a statement begin with those five words? Some who are reading this have not only heard those words, but are experiencing them on a deep level. Lay-offs, pay freezes, job leads that only lead to dead-ends--this is the new normal. OBB

The Chapel may be able to help ease the burden. We have recently become an Ohio Benefit Bank site (OBB). This program is designed to help people who have lost income, have a low income or are experiencing financial hardship. You can also file your taxes for free if you have an income of less than $57,000 AGI.

Recently, the OBB was able to assist a single woman who had her hours cut at work. Turns out she was eligible to receive medical benefits, food assistance and heating assistance which freed up her incoming cash to pay for rent and other utilities.

1.6 billion dollars goes unclaimed in government assistance in the state of Ohio alone! 

What makes up 1.6 billion?

  • Tax refunds (EIC, Child Tax Credit, Hope and Lifetime Learning, Additional Child Credit and Child and Dependent Care)
  • Food and Nutrition Programs
  • Health Care and Prescription Drug Programs
  • Energy Assistance Programs
  • Child Care Support Programs

Ohio’s residents can reclaim this money by using the benefits offered through the state.

So, what is the process? Clients sit down with a trained Benefit Bank counselorWe can help and answer a series of yes-or-no questions that helps to determine their eligibility for Food Assistance, Ohio Medical Benefits, Heating and Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP), Child Care Subsidies, Ohio Cash Assistance, Women Infants and Children Nutrition (WIC), free tax return, among others.

After completing a session with an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor, clients electronically sign and submit their applications for Food and Medical Assistance to their County Job and Family Services and receive a computer printout of the completed applications for the programs they wish to apply. Clients also receive a list of supporting documentation needed to take to Jobs and Family Services in order to start receiving benefits.

Contact Shannon Wolf at 330.315.5529.