The Ohio Benefit Bank Benefits Guide

Transcription

1 TM The Ohio Benefit Bank Benefits Guide Revised 10/11/17 Online at: support.ohiobenefits.org

2 Contents Quick Reference...4 The Help Desk...5 Connecting with the OBB...5 Section One Introduction and TBB Practice Organization Map...7 Your Role as an OBB Counselor...7 Supported Programs...8 Client Session Flow...9 Accessing The Ohio Benefit Bank...10 QuickCheck...11 Accessing The OBB Counselor Support Website Accessing the Training Website Understanding the Counselor Portal...14 Client Creation Client Login and Agreements...16 Understanding the Client Portal Page...17 Document Management Understanding the Benefit Roadmap Homepage TBB Practice: Robert Knight Scenario Summary Pages How To Make Changes Where to Find Help TBB Practice: Robert Knight Scenario Cont d Completing Your Training Section Two Benefits in Ohio Federal Poverty Income Guidelines...27 Application Submission Nutrition Assistance Programs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Food Assistance) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Other Nutrition and Food Assistance Programs...31 Emergency Food Assistance...31 WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)...31 Backpack Programs

3 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)...31 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)...31 Ohio Works First Child Care Assistance Medical Benefits for Children and Families Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) Child and Family Health Services (CFHS) Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicare Rx Extra Help Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled Medicare Savings Program (Premium Assistance) Healthy U Family Caregiver Support Program Prescription Assistance Golden Buckeye Ohio s Best Rx Other Help with Prescriptions HEAP and Other Energy Assistance Programs...37 Senior Community Service Employment Program Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Vocational Rehabilitation Services Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Youth Mentoring Child Support Referral Ohio Fatherhood Programs Voter Registration Universal Youth Transition Plan Non-Citizens and Public Benefits...41 Veterans Education Benefits Veterans Housing Benefits Section Three Additional Resources How to Order OBB Marketing Terms and Conditions of Use...51 OBB Site Models Using the Report Portal Phone Resources by County

4 Quick Reference Websites & Login Information for The OBB Login Name: Your Counselor Login support.ohiobenefits.org Training Login training.thebenefitbank.org Login Name: oh Password: Password: tbb12345 Important Contact Information The Benefit Bank Help Desk For OBB counselors only: Phone: OPTION 2 (1.855.TBB.HELP) The Ohio Benefit Bank contactobb@ohiofoodbanks.org Ohio State Legal Services Helpful Websites The Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor Support support.ohiobenefits.org Ohio Association of Foodbanks Locate your Community Action Agency Check the status of a HEAP application IVRAuthorization.aspx FAFSA: Job and Family Services Information Center Ohio Benefits benefits.ohio.gov/ Ohio Medicaid Hotline

5 The Help Desk Solutions for Progress provides a Help Desk that responds to phone and inquiries from counselors. The Help Desk is available for support as you assist clients. Contact the Help Desk when: You forget your login name and password Your client forgets his/her login name and password The Benefit Bank is not responsive or behaving as expected You need help with technical troubleshooting You get an error message You need help finding answers to client questions Before contacting the Help Desk, read the blue help links and search TBB for answers. TBB contains links to information that will answer many common questions. Contacting the TBB Help Desk Phone: select option TBB.HELP tbbhelp@thebenefitbank.org (Response within 2 business days) Normal Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Monday-Friday Tax Season Hours: 9 AM - 8 PM Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday Connecting with the OBB Connecting with the OBB is easy! Just us at: contactobb@ohiofoodbanks.org. Your question or message will be directed to the appropriate contact for follow-up. Community Engagement Meetings To keep connected, provide updates, receive feedback and share insights with one another we host community meetings. In these meetings we not only talk about the OBB but also potential program changes and legislation that may impact those that we serve. These meetings also provide an opportunity for you to meet and network with other OBB sites. We encourage you to participate in these meetings when it is possible. Site Visits We also stay connected with you by visiting your site from time to time! During these visits our OBB Program Managers will talk with you about your successes and any challenges you may be having. We may talk about features available in the OBB that could enhance your outreach to clients. Most important, we want to stay connected! Support We provide support for the OBB online trainings and also respond to questions related to the OBB and related programs. Support is available by ing: contactobb@ohiofoodbanks.org

6 Section One Introduction and TBB Practice Overview Each year, more than $1.66 billion in tax credits and work support programs go unclaimed by Ohioans. Nearly 95 percent of these dollars are federal funds and must be returned for re-allocation to other states or programs. The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) strives to assist Ohioans in accessing these dollars as: They are revenue for our local economies They help stabilize families They help low and moderate-income people overcome the devastating effects of poverty Implementation The Ohio Benefit Bank is a program of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and is implemented through a publicprivate partnership between the State of Ohio, four federal agencies, eight state agencies, and about 1,100 faith-based and community organizations across Ohio. Since inception in 2006, the OBB has connected hundreds of thousands of Ohioans with more than $1.73 billion in tax credits and potential benefits, infusing federal dollars into local economies. Key Features Internet-based Question-guided Counselor-assisted An eligibility estimator and application completion tool Secure and confidential Built in expertise so you do not need to be a benefits or tax expert to make an impact Easy to use, simple instructions, no math required The OBB provides a way for Ohioans to apply for a number of work support programs through a streamlined process, often through just one appointment with an OBB counselor or on their own using the self-serve website

7 Organization Map Lead Agencies The State of Ohio Solutions for Progress The Benefit Bank Funding and Support TBB Programming & Maintenance, Help Desk Ohio Association of Foodbanks Lead Agency, Training, Grants, Coordination and Marketing Your Role as an OBB Counselor An OBB Counselor DOES: Complete required training Attend update training, including tax year refresher training Verify client identity, if required Interview the client and enter responses into The Benefit Bank Provide a printed copy of client forms An OBB Counselor DOES NOT: Sign client forms or tax returns Charge for services, solicit or accept donations for OBB services Help clients make decisions Steer clients toward a certain choice Store client applications, client documentation, or client login names or passwords, on site, on a computer, or on a computer server Determine final eligibility on programs for which a client applies - 7 -

8 Supported Programs Benefit Programs Note: The agency providing benefits will always make the final determination regarding client eligibility. Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Youth Mentoring Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) Child Care Assistance Child and Family Health Services Extra Help for Medicare Part D Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Food Assistance) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Golden Buckeye Healthcare programs for families and children Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Medicaid for Aged, Blind or Disabled Medicare Savings Program Ohio Works First (OWF) Ohio s Best Rx Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) The Ohio Youth and Young Adults in Transition Universal Plan USDA Child Nutrition Programs Vocational Rehabilitation Services Veterans Education Benefits Veterans Housing Benefits Women Infants and Children (WIC) Federal and State Tax Returns Note: This module requires completion of online or in-person tax training. Most individuals who make under $65,000 and families that make under $95,000 (married filing jointly) can use The Benefit Bank to file their federal and state returns. The Benefit Bank screens for various credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which are often missed by tax filers otherwise. Clients can e-file and may receive their refunds in 14 days or less. Clients can also file up to 3 years of back taxes. Voter Registration Clients can print, complete and mail the National Voter Registration Application in order to register or to update registration information, like name or address. Clients can also register to vote and update information online at: Self-Serve Program Clients can apply for benefits and file taxes without the assistance of an OBB counselor using a custom URL specific to your site. This ensures that every effort you make to help your clients access benefits is documented

9 Client Session Flow The chart below maps the typical flow of a TBB session with a client. It is important that OBB counselors learn the steps and tasks involved. The following pages describe these core tasks in detail. You will also learn these tasks as we practice with hands-on client scenarios. 1. Intake Process Pre-screen with QuickCheck, set expectations Review client documents Review Terms and Conditions of Use* with client (page 51) 2. Login Process Go to: support. ohiobenefits.org and click Counselor Login Log into your counselor account Create a client account OR log in to the existing client account 3. Application Process Review application/tax return Print forms: one copy for e-file, two copies for paper filing Review follow-up instructions and Documents Checklist * See page 51 to read the Terms and Conditions of Use. When the client logs in for the first time with you during the appointment, the Terms and Conditions of Use will display and the client will need to agree in order to be assisted through TBB

10 Accessing The Ohio Benefit Bank Please navigate to: ohiobenefits.org and explore the features below. Save this site in your favorites or bookmarks for quick access. Tip Site Locator: find the closest OBB site Information and links for helpful programs Login page for clients using Self- Serve Self-Serve Edition: Ohioans can apply for benefits, file taxes and complete a FAFSA worksheet without the help of an OBB Counselor Quick Check: Check potential client eligibility in just a few minutes Self-Serve Program: apply for benefits, file taxes and FAFSA, on your own, without the assistance of an OBB counselor OBB Network Links: Become a Site - Information and Pre-Training Orientation for organizations who want to become an OBB site Counselor Login - Link to the TBB login/home page Counselor Support - Links to the OBB Counselor Support Site: support.ohiobenefits.org Order Marketing Material - View and order free OBB marketing materials

11 QuickCheck The QuickCheck calculator is a tool that helps to determine a person s potential eligibility for various benefits and work support programs within a few minutes. Advantages of QuickCheck: You do not have to be an OBB counselor to use QuickCheck Very little personal information is required and it will not be saved QuickCheck can be a helpful pre-screening tool when working with certain clients. Using QuickCheck To access QuickCheck, click the link on the home page of ohiobenefits.org. Practice doing a QuickCheck anytime! Just make up and enter information for the questions. Tip 1. Select Ohio from the drop-down menu and click the forward arrow. 3. Enter the client s information for medical details and household expenses and click the forward arrow. 2. Complete the information for the client and click the forward arrow

12 4. Enter the client s income and expenses and click the forward arrow. 5. Check all options that apply for the client s details and click the forward arrow to see the program eligibility summary. 6. QuickCheck displays a star rating to indicate how likely a person is to be eligible for a program. Two or more stars generally indicates a good possibility that a person would qualify for the program or tax credit. Click the title to view details and links to apply. Accessing the OBB Counselor Support Website Please go to support.ohiobenefits.org. Save this site in your favorites or bookmarks for quick access. Tip Support.ohiobenefits. org provides resources for OBB Counselors, including: Online trainings Mini-courses Guides Documents and forms Free marketing materials

13 Accessing the Training Website The Benefit Bank training website acts as a mirror to the live site. You can practice using TBB on this site any time without worrying about submitting fake client information. Never assist real clients using the training website and do not enter training clients into the live site. The training site is red, the live site is green. To access the training site: 1. Go to: training.thebenefitbank.org 2. In the Login Name box, enter the letters oh followed by any number between 1 and 500. You do not have to memorize these numbers, as any set of numbers will allow you access to the training site. 3. Enter the password: tbb Login names and passwords are case sensitive

14 Understanding the Counselor Portal The counselor portal is the first page you ll see when you log in to TBB as a counselor. The Help Clients page allows you to log in an existing client, create a new client account, retrieve a client s login name, reset a client s password, and check basic eligibility with QuickCheck. Access the Report Portal Client checklists, fact sheets, steps docs Helpful info. on programs and links to applications Make changes to your counselor profile info. Download and print a copy of your counselor certificate(s) on the Training page Tip Reset a client s password (requires client login name) Retrieve a client s login name Log in an existing client Create a new client account

15 Client Creation Each OBB client must have a personal TBB account. Counselors structure the client login name and clients choose their own password, security questions, and answers. It is important that counselors: Provide each client with a client login card complete with the login name and password Standardize the structure of client logins for you or even your entire agency For example: <first initial of client first name><client last name> or tsmith Allow the client to enter the password, choose the security questions, and enter the answers Let clients know that passwords must be between 8-30 characters long, must have at least one upper-case letter, one lower-case letter, one number AND one symbol character in it and cannot contain the login name TBB Practice: Create a Client - Robert Knight 1. Click the Create a Client button on the counselor portal page. Enter Robert s information. 2. Create the login name for this exercise: Enter your first initial and last name and birthdate (mm/dd/yy) with no spaces. (Example: ssmith010599) 3. Write the login name in the space below. 4. Create this password: Tbb12345! Both login names and passwords are case sensitive. 5. For this exercise, choose and answer the security questions. 6. When done click the Save button. Robert Knight 427 N. Main St. Akron Ohio Summit English rknight@ .net Tbb12345! Login Name Password Tbb12345!

16 Client Login and Agreements Allow Client to Login When you have successfully created the client account, you will see the counselor portal page with a red confirmation message, Account <login name> has been created! You can now log in to the client account. When assisting a real client you would enter the login name and the client would enter the password that they created. Terms and Conditions of Use The Terms and Conditions of Use contain legal protections for the client, the counselor, and the counselor s organization. Clients must agree to these terms to use The Benefit Bank. See page 50 of this guide for a full copy of the Terms and Conditions of Use. Provide a printed copy of this form for the client to read before you begin the session; it s available on the Documents page in the Basic Information folder. Tip Consent to Contact and Share Information The Benefit Bank works hard to keep client contact information private and secure. We do not sell or exchange contact information about the users of The Benefit Bank with anyone. However, occasionally staff may reach out to clients to offer information about new programs and gather feedback on their experience using TBB. Also, OBB sometimes works with other organizations to find ways to improve services. To do this, we may share client information with an outside educational institution for research purposes only. Clients may answer yes or no to this question. Whatever they decide will have no effect on their eligibility for services

17 Understanding the Client Portal Page After completing the agreements, you and your client will see the client s portal page which has links to the benefits, taxes, veterans services, student aid, and voter registration modules. Check the status of an e-submitted tax return View completed forms

18 Document Management Document Management allows a client to store supporting documentation (income, proof of expenses, etc.) inside The Benefit Bank. As a measure of security, client documents are uploaded to TBB via fax. This eliminates the possibility of saving copies of client documents on your computer. You will NOT be able to directly upload client documents into the document management tool. To use the Document Management tool: On the Client Portal page, click the desired program tab or button (ex: Benefits, My Taxes, Veterans Services). 1. Under Tools, click the Document Management link. 2. Click the Fax a document to store with The Benefit Bank button. 3. Enter the number of pages including the cover sheet and a name for the document. 4. Select the client s name from the drop-down list. 5. Click the Generate Fax Cover Sheet button and click OK and the sheet will open as a PDF. 6. Print the cover sheet and fax the cover sheet and document to the number on the fax cover sheet. The electronic image of the document will appear under My Available Documents. Client documents are stored until the counselor or the client deletes them

19 Understanding the Benefit Roadmap Page Each benefit and tax module has a roadmap page that shows the multiple sections that must be completed before an application or tax return can be filed. A check mark next to a section means the section is complete. A green arrow appears next to the sections that needs to be completed next. You can return to the roadmap by clicking the link on the top right of any of the section pages. TBB Practice: Robert Knight Scenario Begin Robert s SNAP (Food Assistance) Application On the homepage click the Benefits button, then click Ohio Application for Benefits. Click the Apply Now button. 1. Click Household Information. 2. Robert prefers the title Mr. 3. Yes, there are other people in his household, his grandchild, Miss Wendy D. Knight. 4. Robert T. Knight was born December 1, He is divorced. Robert is male. 5. Wendy D. Knight was born February 5, She is single and female. 6. Robert divorced in Both Robert and Wendy are U.S. citizens. 8. Robert s social security number is: Wendy s social security number is: No one is disabled and no one is blind. 11. Robert is a veteran. 12. Wendy is a dependent child of a veteran. 13. Robert prefers English. 14. He does not have a separate mailing address. 15. Robert s home telephone number is

20 Summary Pages At the end of each section, TBB displays a summary of the data entered. This is a chance for you and your client to ensure that the information entered is correct. To add, edit or delete data, click the corresponding buttons. When editing an entry you will only see pages for the selected entry. A friendly way to complete the application is to allow the client to see the screen as you are entering the information, or to show your client the screen periodically. Some counselors sit beside the client, and some move the computer screen so the client can review. Especially have the client check the information on the summary pages. How To Make Changes You can also make changes using the Review and Edit or Roadmap links located in the upper right corner. Roadmap will take you back to the Benefit Summary page. Review and Edit allows you to quickly jump to a section or subsection. To review or edit a section, click the Edit link for that section. Sections that were skipped, do not apply, or have not yet been completed appear as inactive links. Where to Find Help Glossary Terms are single words or terms that appear as blue hyperlinks. Click to view a definition or clarifying text. Clarifying Questions are blue hyperlinks preceded by a question mark icon. These questions will appear on the same page as the topic they clarify

21 TBB Practice: Robert Knight Scenario Continued Continue Robert s SNAP (Food Assistance) Application On the roadmap page click Healthy U and Other Programs. Healthy U and Other Programs 1. Robert is not receiving Food Assistance, Cash Assistance, or Medicaid. 2. Robert is a veteran. 3. No one in the household lives with a long-term medical condition. 4. No one in the household is a caregiver. 5. Robert is not interested in receiving information about how to prepare his household in the event of a disaster or emergency. Voter Registration 6. Robert is registered to vote where he lives and would not like to register to vote today. Expenses 7. Robert has no qualified medical expenses, no child care expenses, no child support or alimony expenses, and no blind/disabled work expenses. 8. Robert has shelter expenses. He pays $375 a month in rent. 9. Some utilities are included in his rent. 10. Robert pays $100 a month for gas and $50 a month for traditional telephone. Income 11. Robert receives Work-Related income. 12. Robert receives wages from Horizons Bakery. 13. He received $400 last Friday (enter last Friday s date). 14. He is paid once each two weeks. 15. He has another source of work-related income. 16. Robert receives wages from PDP Construction Enterprises, Inc. 17. He last received payment on the first of this month [enter the first of this month]. 18. He received $ This money does not come regularly. 20. Robert does not receive any other income

22 Asset Information 21. Robert has no liquid assets, property assets, vehicle or insurance assets. No one is covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Ohio Benefits 1. Robert confirms TBB s calculations from Horizons Bakery. 2. Robert received $300 from PDP Construction Enterprises, Inc. in the past 30 days. (Confirm Robert s address is in the correct format.) 3. Neither Robert nor Wendy are receiving public assistance in another state. 4. Robert has never received Ohio Works First. 5. No one has been told they can no longer take part in Ohio Works First because of a third work failure. 6. Robert and Wendy are residents of Ohio. 7. No one is visually or hearing impaired. 8. Wendy is not pregnant. 9. Robert buys and prepares meals with Wendy. 10. No one has been deemed emancipated. 11. Robert is not homeless. 12. After paying for housing costs, etc., Robert has spent all of his monthly income. 13. No one is a migrant or seasonal farm worker. **TBB will say that Robert may be eligible for Expedited Food Assistance** 14. Robert is a specified relative caring for Wendy. 15. Wendy is living with a legal guardian. 16. Robert is not a student. 17. No one in the household is barred from getting Food Assistance. 18. No one in the household is fleeing to avoid prosecution, police custody, or jail after being convicted of a felony. 19. No one is violating a condition of probation or parole. 20. No one is ineligible to participate in Ohio Works First. 21. Robert has never lied or misrepresented where he lives in order to receive cash assistance

23 22. Robert pays for heating. 23. Robert received HEAP last year. 24. No one is on strike. **TBB will say Robert and Wendy may be eligible for up to $275 per month in Food Assistance** 25. Robert would like to apply for Food Assistance. **TBB will say Wendy may be eligible for $283 per month from Ohio Works First** **TBB will say Robert may not be eligible for Ohio Works First** 26. Robert would like to apply for Ohio Works First. 27. Robert does not want to apply for Help with Medicare Expenses. 28. He does not want to apply for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid. 29. Robert does not want to apply for Refugee Medical Assistance / Refugee Cash Assistance, WIC, CFHS or BCMH. 30. Robert does not want to apply for any of the additional programs. 31. Robert is applying for food assistance and Robert is applying for Ohio Works First. 32. Robert does not want an authorized representative. 33. The best time to contact him is 3:00 PM. 34. No one needs nursing or in-home care. 35. No one needs an interpreter. 36. Robert is not in a penal institution. 37. Both Robert and Wendy are white. Neither are of Hispanic or Latino origin. 38. Robert and Wendy prefer English. 39. No one pays for medical support. 40. Neither Robert nor Wendy have ever received food, cash, or medical assistance. 41. No one has lost a job in the last sixty days. Steps to Getting pages provide information and detail the steps needed to complete each program application. Green links are completed applications. Print 1 copy for e-submitted and 2 for paper files. They must be opened and viewed by you and your client before being e-submitted

24 Application and Instructions 42. Robert agrees to each set of terms and conditions. He signs each application using his TBB password. 43. Robert does not want to e-submit his documentation. 44. You have verified Robert s identity. Enter your counselor password, then click Save and Continue. The ID number confirms the application will be sent and can be used to track the application if there are any problems with e-submission. Be sure to write the ID number on the client s printed application. Home Energy Assistance Application Additional Income Information 45. Robert began receiving income from Horizons Bakery on January 1st of this year. 46. He is still receiving income from this source. 47. He has not received any raises or reductions in pay from this source. 48. Robert would like to list every payment he has received from PDP Construction Enterprises, Inc. 49. His most recent payment was $300 on the first of this month. 50. His next payment was $500 two months ago, on the first day of the month. 51. Robert has no other income to add. Ohio HEAP 52. Robert has not applied for HEAP this season. 53. Robert is responsible for the heating bill. 54. Robert and Wendy are Ohio residents. 55. Neither Robert nor Wendy are on another HEAP application. 56. Robert rents his home. 57. Robert does not receive rental help from the government. **TBB will say Robert should be eligible for HEAP**

25 58. Robert is not receiving help paying any of his bills from a non-household member. 59. Robert can provide documentation that proves his income. 60. At this time, Robert does not receive public assistance. 61. Robert s landlord s name is Thomas Lewis. 62. Thomas Lewis s phone number is Robert does not rent a room in someone else s home. 64. Robert lives in a single-family home. He uses natural gas as his main source of heat. 65. Heat costs are not included in Robert s rent. 66. Robert utility company is Columbia Gas. His account number is He does not share a main heat source meter with another household. 68. Robert s name appears on the utility bill. 69. Electricity is included in Robert s rent. 70. Robert is not enrolled in Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) for his main heating source or electricity. 71. Robert does not wish to enroll in PIPP Plus. 72. No one is a Native American. 73. Robert s daytime telephone number is He would prefer to be contacted via . Veterans Benefits - Request Military Records 75. From Robert s home page, click Veterans Services, then click Request Military Records. 76. Click Request Records. 77. Robert wants to use The Benefit Bank to request military records. 78. He does not have an authorized representative. 79. Robert is not on active duty. 80. He has been discharged. 81. He does not have a copy of his Department of Defense Form Robert would still like to use TBB to request military records. 83. Robert is requesting a DD He would like a deleted copy. 85. The DD 214 was issued in He does not want to request other types of military records. 87. Robert is requesting military records to apply for benefits and employment. 88. The records are not needed by a certain date. 89. The request for records is not the result of an emergency situation. 90. Robert was in the Army. His service component was Active. 91. His service status was Active Duty

26 92. He started on January 1, His service ended January 1, Robert was Enlisted. 94. His military service number is the same as his social security number. 95. Robert T. Knight is the name he used during service. 96. Robert was born in Akron, Ohio. 97. He is not retired from military service. 98. He would like the records sent to the mailing address he provided before. Completing Your Training Logging Into the Live Site Go to support.ohiobenefits.org and click Counselor Login. Your initial password provided by OBB will be a temporary password. You will be required to change your password the first time that you log into TBB. You will receive your login information via within 48 hours of completion of training. Sign the Counselor Agreement After changing your password you will electronically commit to the following standards of conduct as an OBB counselor. I will treat all clients professionally, with courtesy and respect. I will safeguard the confidentiality of all client information. I will encourage clients to answer all questions truthfully. I will never keep or store a client s password, nor will I log in to a client s account without him or her being physically present. I will never ask or allow clients to knowingly manipulate their answers to the questions asked by The Benefit Bank. I will always end every session by logging my client out of The Benefit Bank. I will not solicit business from clients I assist, nor will I accept payment for the services I provide. I will not enter my information (such as address) in to a client s TBB account. I will complete all required tax and/or benefit Update Trainings available through The Benefit Bank online service or offered by the Operating Affiliate. I will not share my own counselor login name and password with anyone else under any circumstances. I understand that if I do not assist at least one client within six months of TBB training my counselor account may be disabled and I may be required to attend additional training. I understand that client complaints will be investigated and may lead to the suspension of my counselor account. I understand that is the primary mode of communication between TBB and counselors. Therefore, I agree that if an incorrect or invalid address is provided or if I request removal from The Benefit Bank list, my counselor account may be disabled

27 Section Two Benefits in Ohio Federal Poverty Income Guidelines Most benefits use the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG) as a basis for determining eligibility. The FPIG determines what is commonly known as the Poverty Line, or Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Federal Poverty Income Guidelines People In Household Monthly Income 1 $ 1, $1, $1, $2, $2, $2, $3, $3, Each Additional Person + $ This means that if a household of four makes less than $2, per month, they are considered to be living in poverty. The numbers in this table are commonly referred to as 100 percent of FPIG. Why is this important? Eligibility for benefits is generally determined as a percentage of FPIG. For example, to be eligible for Cash Assistance, a household must have income of less than 50 percent of FPIG. How does this work? For a household of three, they must make $ per month or less to be eligible for Cash Assistance because: 50% of FPIG is $ X $ = $ Exercise: Calculate FPIG For a family of two, what is 200% of FPIG?

28 Application Submission E-Submitted Applications: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Women Infants and Children (WIC) Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance) Medicare Savings Program Medicare Rx Extra Help Ohio s Best Rx Golden Buckeye Senior Community Service Employment Program *Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) *Child and Family Health Services (CFHS) *Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi *electronic referral Some benefits may also require a face-to-face interview with CDJFS case worker: SNAP (Food Assistance) Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance) The face-to-face interview may be waived in cases of hardship. Clients should talk to their case managers for more information. Supported Applications Supported applications are usually mailed, faxed or delivered in-person. Child Care Assistance needs to be submitted to client s County Department of Job and Family Services. USDA Child & Nutrition Program (Free and Reduced- Price Lunch) needs to be submitted to the client s local school(s). Voter Registration needs to be submitted to the client s County Board of Elections. Home Energy Assistance Program needs to be submitted to the Ohio Development Services Agency. Vocational Rehabilitation Services needs to be submitted to the address or fax number provided on the follow-up instructions. Veterans Education Benefits needs to be submitted to the address listed on the follow-up instructions. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application needs to be printed and mailed. It is also possible to print a worksheet with FAFSA information to use to apply online at: fafsa.ed.gov. Each program in TBB has a Steps to Getting page. This page provides helpful information and all of the steps to complete the application process. The Steps pages print in a numbered list format and it is helpful, if possible, to provide a copy to clients. Tip

29 Nutrition Assistance Programs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Food Assistance) In Ohio this program is also called Food Assistance, and was formerly called Food Stamps. SNAP is a federal program that assists families in covering the cost of groceries. Items that can be cooked and refrigerated are considered eligible foods. Items such as alcoholic beverages, medicines, and cigarettes are considered ineligible. Each month, the household s benefit is credited to the household s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card (also called the Ohio Direction Card), which is similar to an ATM card The benefit can be used at any retail store authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Eligibility People who purchase and prepare meals together are considered a SNAP Household or assistance group ; there can be multiple assistance groups living under one roof The Gross Income Limit for a SNAP Household is 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG) College students (even part-time) are eligible only if they are: working, in a work study program, have a dependant, cannot work, or are assigned to a school as part of a special program Individuals 21 years old and younger who live with their parents must receive SNAP with their parents Recent policy changes in Ohio mean that some adults without dependents may need to fulfill a work requirement in order to be eligible for more than three months of SNAP in any 36 month period Expedited SNAP Normally the County Department of Job and Family Services has 30 days to respond to a SNAP application. However, in an emergency situation, a client s application may be processed in less time. To be eligible, the assistance group must meet any of the following criteria: Migrant or seasonal farm workers Monthly gross income is less than $150 Monthly gross income is less than monthly shelter expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities) If a client is in need of food immediately help them connect to a nearby food pantry (page 31). Application Submission The SNAP application is electronically submitted to the CDJFS. The client can expect to receive a call from CDJFS within a few weeks. If the client cannot be reached by phone, a letter is mailed with information and the case number. An in-person interview with a CDJFS case manager may be required. See Steps to Getting Food or Cash Assistance for additional information. SNAP and Ohio Farmers Markets Tip Several Ohio farmers markets accept SNAP and also offer an incentive program that provides individuals using an Ohio EBT Direction Card with extra funds to use at the market. SNAP dollars can even be used to buy seeds and plants! For a map & listing please visit: Tips Provide the TBB e-confirmation number to the client so they can include it if they need to fax documents to the County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS). This is not the JFS case number that will be assigned

30 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental, highly nutritious foods such as cereal, eggs, milk, whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, health care referrals, and nutrition and breast-feeding education for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. WIC benefits for authorized foods are loaded onto an Ohio WIC Nutrition Card during the client s appointment at the local WIC clinic. Food benefits end on the last day of each month. The client will receive a list of authorized foods and locations where the benefits can be used The income limit is 185 percent of FPIG There is no resource limit This program is administered by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), but clients apply using the Healthy Families/Healthy Start application in TBB Application Submission For clients using TBB to apply for food assistance or cash assistance in addition to WIC: The WIC application is electronically submitted to the County Department of Job and Family Services and then forwarded by a case manger to the local WIC office. For clients applying only for WIC: Go to to print the WIC Program Application. Complete and mail to the local WIC clinic/ office. The WIC Clinic Locations Directory is available on the ODH website or by calling See Steps to Women Infants & Children for additional follow-up information and instructions. Free and Reduced-Price School Meals In Ohio this program is also called the Ohio School Breakfast and Lunch Program. It offers free and low-cost lunch and in some schools breakfast to primary and secondary school students. Free meals are available to children with family incomes of 130 percent of FPIG or less; reducedprice meals are available to children with family incomes between 131 percent and 185 percent of FPIG Children whose families are enrolled in some other programs like SNAP are automatically eligible Applications can also be used to apply for summer food programs Families must reapply each year Through the Community Eligibility Provision, some schools in low-income areas offer free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without the households having to apply Clients can also contact their child s school to find out what meals are served and for more information on the program details for their child s school Application Submission The application must be printed and submitted to the school s main or school food service office. See Steps to Ohio s USDA Child Nutrition Program for Summer Food Service Program Through the SFSP all children ages 1 through 18 are eligible to receive free, nutritious meals during the summer at participating SFSP sites. Individuals ages 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) also are eligible. No form or registration is required Clients can call or visit www. education.ohio.gov to find the nearest SFSP site Some SFSP sites also offer shelf-stable weekend meals for children to take home. Check with the SFSP site to see if weekend meals are available

31 Other Nutrition and Food Assistance Programs These programs are not part of The Ohio Benefit Bank online service but may help Ohioans to stretch their food budgets and access wholesome, nutritious foods. Emergency Food Assistance Food Pantries Food pantries who receive food from Ohio s Feeding America foodbanks serve clients who are at 200 percent or less of FPIG. Many pantries serve specific zip codes and also require a referral or appointment. Call ahead of a visit to find out what documentation is needed. Tips for Finding Emergency Food: First, call for a referral to a nearby food pantry. Ask about hot meals and other resources also. If your county doesn t have 2-1-1, call the local United Way for information on emergency food and other resources. See page 55 for phone resources by county by county map: United Way by county map: Check your regional foodbank website s Find Help page. Go to and click Foodbanks for your regional foodbank s website and contact information. Call your local Community Action Agency (CAA) to ask about emergency food and other resources. CAA by county map: Free produce distributions or mobile markets may be available in your area. Call if available in your county or call your regional foodbank. Ask nearby non-profits, churches, and friends if they know of any community meals or food assistance programs. Suggestions for OBB Sites: Reach out to other nonprofit organizations and churches to learn who offers hot meals, bagged lunches or food boxes. Sign up for s/ newsletters to keep informed. Do a Google search for help with food in your county, for example, help with food Darke County After confirming the information collected is correct, create an information sheet to provide to clients To learn more about Ohio s emergency food assistance network and programs operated by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks please visit WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Highest risk participants in the Ohio WIC program may be eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP This program is offered in about 59 Ohio counties WIC FMNP provides participants with $20.00 in coupons that can be used to purchase authorized fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers at farmers markets and farm stands For more information clients can call or call the local WIC office Backpack Programs Privately-funded backpack programs are available through some foodbanks, schools, SFSP sites, and churches that provide child-friendly meals to school-aged children of low-income families to eat on the weekend. Ask your regional foodbank and your child s school if a backpack program is available in your area. Senior Farmer s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Clients should contact their area agency on aging to apply. Participants receive ten $5 coupons that can be redeemed for vegetables, fruits and herbs and honey. A map of agencies with phone numbers is available at: seniorfarmersmarketnutritionprogram/ Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) CSFP is available in several Ohio counties and provides a box of supplemental, nutritious packaged USDA foods to low-income persons aged 60 and over who are at risk of hunger Contact the regional foodbank to learn if a county participates in CSFP and to learn how to apply. If funding is limited, an eligible person may be added to a wait list for the program. Visit for a map by county of Ohio s Feeding America foodbanks

32 Ohio Works First This program is also called OWF or Cash Assistance. OWF provides financial assistance and work support such as education, training, and help finding a job for low-income families through Ohio s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. An adult can receive OWF for a total of 36 months in their lifetime. Most adults and minor heads of household must participate in work activities. Allowable work activities include such things as on-the-job training, community service and education directly related to employment. This does not apply when only children receive OWF. Benefits are issued through either the Ohio Eppicard, which is a pre-paid debit MasterCard, or deposited directly into a checking or savings account. The Eppicard can be used at MasterCard member banks, ATMs, and any retailers that accept MasterCard. Eligibility The gross monthly income limit is 50 percent of FPIG There is no resource limit for Ohio Works First In general, a client must have their own children, 18 years old and younger, living in their home to qualify There are circumstances in which only children can get OWF Application Submission The Ohio Works First application is electronically submitted to the County Department of Job and Family Services. This benefit requires a face-to-face interview with a county case manager. See Steps to Getting Food or Cash Assistance for additional follow-up information and instructions. Child Care Assistance Child Care Assistance, also called Title XX, helps lowincome working families pay for child care. Families are responsible for a copayment and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services subsidizes the remaining amount. The gross monthly income limit is 125 percent of FPIG There is no asset limit for this program To qualify, the child must be 12 years or younger, OR 18 or younger if physically or mentally disabled The child s parent or caretaker must be in an approved work, training, or educational program Application Submission This application must be printed and mailed or hand-delivered to the County Department of Job and Family Services. See Steps to Getting Child Care for additional follow-up information and instructions

33 Medical Benefits for Children and Families Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) This is a health care program that links children with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and helps families pay for health care costs. This program is administered by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Clients apply using the ODJFS-7216 form Clients may apply for this program directly with the local provider; call ODH at BCMH may be able to cover services that are not covered by insurance or Medicaid. Child and Family Health Services (CFHS) The Child and Family Health Services program is a network of health clinics throughout Ohio. This network provides families with health services, including physicals, laboratory tests, health and diet counseling, pregnancy-related care, and more. The cost of care is based upon family size and income, but families will not be denied service if they are not able to pay This is a program through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), but clients apply using the ODJFS-7216 form Clients can apply for this program directly with the local provider; call ODH at to find your local office Application Submission TBB. A referral for BCMH and/or CFHS can be submitted electronically to the County Department of Job and Family Services if the client is also applying for Food Assistance and/or Cash Assistance through

34 Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicare Rx Extra Help This program is also called ABD Medicaid. To be eligible the client must be 65 or older, or blind, or qualified disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) If a client claims they are disabled, but has not yet been qualified as disabled by SSA, then there is a process whereby the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) makes their own decision on whether they think the client is disabled; this process can take up to 12 months or more The gross monthly income limit varies and may require a spend-down to be eligible The resource limit is $1,500 for individuals and $2,250 for couples Application Submission ABD Medicaid is electronically submitted to the County Department of Job and Family Services. For those deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) see Steps to Getting Medical Assistance for follow-up instructions. For those not deemed disabled by SSA see Steps to Getting Medicaid for Disability. This program is also called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) and Medicare Part D Extra Help. It helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for prescription drug costs. To be eligible for Extra Help, an individual must: Be entitled to benefits under Medicare Part A and/ or B Have gross monthly income less than 150 percent of FPIG Have assets less than $13,640 if single, or $27,250 if married; assets include real estate (other than primary residence), bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and IRAs Application Submission Medicare Rx Extra Help is electronically submitted to the Social Security Administration. See Steps to Getting Medicare Rx Extra Help for additional follow-up information and instructions

35 Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled Medicare Savings Program The Medicare Savings Program, sometimes called Medicare Premium Assistance, is a set of programs that helps low-income Medicare recipients pay for their Part A and/or Part B premiums. Eligibility To be eligible, an individual must be entitled to or receiving Medicare Part A Depending upon income the client may qualify for one of three programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) (100% of FPIG) - Covers the payment of client s Part B premium, co-payments, and deductibles Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) (120% of FPIG) - Pays for Part B premium only Qualified Individuals-1 (QI-1) (135% of FPIG) - Pays for Part B premium only; eligibility is on first-come, first-serve basis, but they have yet to turn people away There are also asset limits of $7,280 for an individual and $10,930 for a couple; assets include life insurance, 401Ks, bank accounts, property (other than primary residence), vehicles, etc. Application Submission The Medicare Savings Program is electronically submitted to the County Department of Job and Family Services. See Steps to Getting Medicare Premium Assistance for additional follow-up information and instructions. Healthy U Healthy U is a free community-based series of workshops that help people manage long-term health conditions and feel healthier. Healthy U is a class that meets once a week for six weeks for two-and-a-half hours in a community location. Classes focus on ways to better manage health conditions and feel healthier. The class is open to adults living with a chronic illness (like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure). There is no cost to the client. Healthy U covers topics like: Managing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and depression Medication management Physical activity Relaxation techniques Communicating with others Family Caregiver Support Program The Family Caregiver Support Program offers support to individuals who are caring for an ill or disabled family member or close friend to ease the strain and reduce the challenges of caregiving. Clients who enroll will receive services that are best for their situation. This program offers the following types of services: Information and assistance connecting to local available services. Individual counseling, peer support groups, and training to help caregivers cope with the stress of caregiving and become a better caregiver Respite care Supplemental services, in limited circumstances Application Submission For both Healthy U and the Family Caregiver Support Program, TBB sends a referral with the client s name, mailing address, address, and phone number to the local Area Agency on Aging indicating the client s interest in the resource(s). The agency will contact the client for follow-up within three days

36 Prescription Assistance Golden Buckeye The Golden Buckeye program connects Ohio s elderly and disabled residents to information about resources in their community and discounts on goods and services, like prescription drugs, banking services, and state park admission fees. To qualify the client must be 60 years or older OR disabled; you will be prompted to verify that the client meets the age or disability criteria. To verify age you must view any legal document that displays date of birth. To verify disability you must view one of the following: A Medicare card SSDI or SSI acceptance letter Document certifying permanent and total disability issued by Workers Compensation, Industrial Commission, Bureau of Disability Determination, MR/DD, or Deferral or Ohio public employee retirement system Seniors should automatically receive the card by mail when they turn 60. If a client wants a Golden Buckeye card and no other benefits, or they want to replace their card, they may need to call Golden Buckeye at Application Submission Golden Buckeye is electronically submitted to the Ohio Department of Aging Golden Buckeye Program. Ohio s Best Rx Ohio s Best Rx Program provides discounts on many prescription medications. Ohio s Best Rx Card is available to all Ohio residents without restriction and is accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. Ohio residents who qualify based on age or income status are eligible to receive additional savings. Ohio residents over age 60 or under 60, without prescription drug coverage, and with an annual family income of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible to receive additional savings. Application Submission Ohio s Best Rx is electronically submitted to the Ohio s Best Rx Program when an application for the Golden Buckeye Program is submitted. To apply directly, print a card, locate a pharmacy, and compare prescription drug prices, visit See Steps to Getting Golden Buckeye or Best Rx for additional follow-up information and instructions. Other Help with Prescriptions: Tip Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free provides information for over 475 programs, a search tool for free clinics and medication assistance programs. Applications for assistance programs that match any medications added to the search can be printed and completed NeedyMeds - Is a nonprofit information resource to help people locate assistance programs to help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs The website includes searches for patient assistance programs, free and low cost medical and dental clinics and diagnosis-based assistance. A printable discount drug card is available for prescriptions not covered by insurance. Helpline for people in need of more assistance:

37 Home Energy Assistance Program The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers a one-time payment on a household s heating bill during the program season, September through May. The benefit is applied directly to the utility or bulk fuel bill. The income limit for HEAP is 175 percent of FPIG. Needed to apply thorough TBB: Proof of citizenship or Legal Resident (Qualified Alien) status for all household members. (i.e., birth certificate/hospital birth records, voter registration cards, military service record, INS Form 1-94, U.S. Passport, etc.) Social Security numbers for everyone in the household. Everyone applying for benefits will need a Social Security number or be willing to apply for one Dates of birth for all household members Proof of income for the past 12 months for everyone in the household age 18 and older: For employed household members, the start date of their most recent employment and the date the job ended if applicable The amount each household member earned in gross wages (before taxes) or earnings and expenses, if self-employed Gross income includes, but is not limited to, wages (excluding documented health insurance premiums), interest, annuities, pensions, retirement, employment disability, public assistance, alimony, child support, unemployment benefits, Workers Compensation, utility allowances, and any other indirect income The amount(s) for each of the above income A copy of the client s most recent utility bill Case number for any public assistance benefit the client is receiving Households with zero income are required to apply at the Local Delegate Agency (LDA). They must provide documentation on how the household is being supported/how the bills are getting paid. The household may also be required to provide an IRS transcript. LDA by county list: ohio.gov/is/is_heapsummer_prov.htm Required to be mailed with the application: Proof of citizenship or Legal Resident status for all household members Proof of household income for the past 12 months Application Submission The HEAP application must be printed and mailed to: HEAP, P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, OH See Steps to Getting Home Energy Assistance for additional follow-up information and instructions. Government income that counts as gross income for HEAP includes: Social Security Social Security Disability (SSDI) Social Security Survivors Benefits Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SNAP (Food Assistance) Cash Assistance (OWF) HEAP HUD Utility Benefits Child Care Subsidies Veterans Benefits Black Lung Benefits Railroad Retirement Benefits Medicare Part B Premium Benefits Clients can also learn about and/or apply for other programs through the HEAP application: Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) allows households with incomes of 150 percent of FPIG or less to pay for heating and/or electricity based on a percentage of the household s income. Gas and electric PIPP Plus customers pay six percent of household income or $10, whichever is greater, year-round. Households with zero income pay the $10 minimum Customers who pay on-time and in-full receive credit for the balance of their current bill as well as credit to reduce their outstanding balance. If the PIPP Plus household does not make on-time payments they will not receive these benefits. Electric and gas PIPP Plus customers can be removed if they do not pay missed PIPP Plus installments by their Anniversary Date The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) provides home energy efficiency improvements to reduce heating costs; the income limit is 200 percent of FPIG. Clients complete the HEAP application, then contact the local HWAP provider: gov/files/is/hwap_maplisting_ pdf The Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is for clients who have received a shut-off notice or their heat has been shut-off. Clients should contact their local Energy Assistance Program Provider to apply for the WCP: Tip The Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time annual benefit to eligible Ohioans for help with cooling assistance during the summer months. Clients must be at or below 175 percent of FPIG and have a member of the household who is 60 or older or can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member s health. Clients apply in person at the local HEAP office: ohio.gov/is/is_heapsummer_prov.htm

38 Senior Community Service Employment Program SCSEP helps seniors develop job skills through training and community service opportunities. Applicants must be 55 years of age or older The income limit is 125 percent of FPIG Unemployment compensation does not count towards the income limit A map and list of SCSEP providers by county can be found here: seniorcommunityserviceemploymentprogram/ scsepproviders.aspx Application Submission The application is submitted electronically to the Ohio Department of Aging OR printed and mailed to: Attn: SCSEP Applications Ohio Department of Aging 246 North High Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, OH Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) FAFSA is used to apply for federal financial aid to cover the costs of college and other post-secondary programs. There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study, and loans. Completing the FAFSA application or worksheet using TBB FAFSA requires a variety of personal data from the student applicant and, when applicable, their parents, spouse, and dependants. FAFSA requires information from the current year s taxes. FAFSA clients are not required to use TBB to complete their taxes, but those who do will be able to complete the FAFSA application or worksheet more quickly. Application Submission The FAFSA form can be completed, printed and submitted by mail. The client can also complete a FAFSA worksheet, print it and use the information to apply online at: fafsa. ed.gov. See Steps to Participating in the Senior Community Service Employment Program for additional follow-up information and instructions

39 Vocational Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services provide individuals with disabilities services and supports necessary to help them attain and maintain employment. Disabilities may include physical, intellectual, mental health, or sensory disabilities. Services are customized for each individual. The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) is operated by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Services offered include: Evaluation and treatment of an individual s disability Information and referral services Vocational counseling and training Job search and job placement assistance Educational guidance (support and tuition resources) Transportation services Occupational tools and equipment Personal attendant services (reader, interpreter, etc.) After an application is completed and submitted, an interview is scheduled with a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor. During the interview, the counselor will discuss career goals, work history, educational background, disability and the services necessary to reach an employment goal. Clients can still apply for services, even if they have not been declared disabled by a government agency. Eligibility is based on three factors. The individual applying: Has a physical or mental impairment which causes or results in a substantial impediment to employment Can benefit from services leading to employment, and Requires vocational rehabilitation to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment If eligible for services, the VR counselor works with the client to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE is an agreement between the client and OOD describing services which will be provided according to the client s choices. The client may be responsible for some costs of the vocational rehabilitation plan, in particular, college tuition. Application Submission Applicants should mail, fax, or take the application to the address or number provided on the follow-up instructions. Clients are encouraged to check the status of their application by calling RSC seven days after they apply. See Steps for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for more information. Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Youth Mentoring This program connects children whose parents are incarcerated with adult mentors. There is no income requirement. OBB offers an online referral form. The child must: Have an incarcerated parent in state or federal prison Be between the ages of 5 and 18 (not all agencies serve all ages within this range) Live in an area served by a Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi agency Live in the client s household; however, if the client is not the parent/guardian and the child does not live with the client but meets all other eligibility requirements, the child can be referred The client will be contacted by Big Brothers Big Sisters by their requested method (phone or ). If the child is eligible and a mentoring program is available in the client s zip code area, the client will be asked to complete a full application. Application Submission The referral is electronically submitted to the local BBBS provider

40 Child Support Referral This program provides services that help to ensure that children receive the financial and medical support to which they are legally entitled. The Child Support Referral module of The Benefit Bank provides clients with information about the local Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), including ways to contact them and services offered. The information available is for both parents: the one who needs or receives child support, and the one who pays it. Services available at Child Support Enforcement Agencies include: Location of noncustodial parents Paternity establishment Establishment and enforcement of support and medical support orders Review and possible modification of support orders for example, if either parent becomes unemployed or experiences a significant loss of income Universal Youth Transition Plan My Transition Plan is a tool designed for youth transitioning out of foster care. The plan helps young people transitioning into adulthood to organize goals and future plans and to capture information about the past, present, and future into a single document that can be printed and used as a reference. Questions focus on personal values, past and current experiences and goals for the future. Topics explored include: Human services involvement Housing and budget plans Educational goals Employment and career goals Insurance and healthcare Access to important documents Voter Registration TBB can be used to to complete a voter registration application, and to change registration information. To be eligible to vote, an individual: Clients can check to see if they are registered, update information, and register to vote online by visiting: This website also has a great deal of helpful information about voting, ballots, and elections! Ohio Fatherhood Programs Ohio Fatherhood Programs help build the parenting skills of fathers. Interested fathers can also receive employment-related services. Must be a citizen of the United States Must be at least 18 years old on or before the next general election Must be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the voting in the first election Must not be currently incarcerated (in jail or prison) for a felony conviction under the laws of Ohio, another state or the United States Must not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court Must not been permanently denied the right to vote for violations of the election laws An individual is eligible to vote in his or her voting precinct in elections that are held at least 30 days after registering to vote in Ohio. Application Submission Applicants should mail their completed applications to the Secretary of the State of Ohio: Elections Division 180 E. Broad Street, 16th Floor Columbus, OH The Fatherhood Program is available to fathers who do not have custody of their children, as well as those who do In TBB counselors can use a site finder to refer clients to a Fatherhood Program near them Tip

41 Non-Citizens and Public Benefits U.S. citizens, born here or later naturalized, are eligible for public benefits, as long as they meet the other criteria of the program s eligibility requirements. Determining if an immigrant or alien is eligible for public benefits can be very difficult. The following is an overview of the immigration eligibility criteria for programs supported by TBB. Clients should contact an immigration specialist at a legal aid agency if they have any concerns about whether they should apply for benefits or if they think that benefits may have been wrongly denied. Call or visit to find a local Legal Aid agency. Qualified Immigrants Immigrants with the following statuses are generally eligible for federally funded benefits: Refugees Asylees Cuban or Haitian entrants Victims of human trafficking Lawful Permanent Residents - LPRs (ONLY those with 40 or more quarters of work OR who have resided in the United States for five years or more) Exceptions Those with immigration statuses that do not appear in the above list are not eligible for federally funded public benefits, with the exception of the following programs: Emergency Medicaid Women Infants and Children (WIC) Free and Reduced- Price Lunch Program Additional Information Many children, elderly, blind, and disabled immigrants who have legal status are eligible for food assistance without waiting five years. Ineligible immigrants in the household can choose not to apply for assistance and not report their immigration information; however, the governing agency will count their income and resources when determining eligibility for individuals they are legally responsible for, such as a spouse or child

42 Veterans Education Benefits Veterans Education Benefits help make college affordable and, depending on the program, may also assist with housing and stipends. There are several education benefits offered through TBB, as well as the ability to access official military records. Service members and veterans can use TBB to complete forms to change education benefits, apply for work-study allowances, apply for individualized tutorial assistance, and much more. Below is a list of programs supported by The Benefit Bank: Request for Military Records Veteran s Transfer of Education Benefits Post 9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits and the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Montgomery GI-Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Montgomery GI-Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Contact Information for Local Veterans Service Office Program Comparison One of the great features of TBB s veterans education module is a program comparison which assists applicants as they decide which program is best for them. Veterans can compare two programs side-by-side and compare programs benefit by benefit. Use the program comparison tool before assisting a veteran through a veterans education program. Tip Request for Military Records Before applying for education benefits, TBB suggests that the veteran obtain his or her discharge papers, which in most instances is the Department of Defense Form 214 (DD Form 214). Veterans Transfer of Education Benefits The Post- 9/11 GI Bill includes a provision that allows certain service members to transfer education benefits to spouses and children. The benefits can be used to pay for tuition, finance housing, purchase books and supplies, and pay for tutoring, licensing, and testing such as SAT, GRE. To be eligible to transfer benefits the service member must: Have served for at least 6 years at the time s/he requests approval of transfer Agree to another 4 years of service (with some limited exceptions) To be eligible to receive transfered benefits: Spouse of service member (unaffected by divorce, unless the transfer-or decides to revoke the benefit) Child/stepchild of service member (up to age 18 or 23 if they are still in school)

43 Post 9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits and the Yellow Ribbon GI Education The level of benefit is based on length of service, current service status (active or reserve), and if the veteran is attending school part-time or full-time. To be eligible the veteran must: Have served at least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001 Remain active duty or be honorably discharged, or released and placed in specific reserve regiments, or on the retired list Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) Deciding to use Post 9/11 GI Bill means giving up all claims to other education benefits and the decision cannot be reversed. This program assists veterans with tuition and fees that exceed the award amounts. The program is not available at every school, so veterans should check first. To be eligible a veteran must: Be receiving Post 9/11 GI Benefits at 100% rate, or a transfer of entitlement to an eligible dependent child or spouse Montgomery GI-Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) This program may be used while still on active duty, or after a fully honorable discharge. The VA may pay kickers, or college fund payments, monthly instead of as a lump sum at the beginning of the term with a 36 month limit. To be eligible a veteran must have: Received a fully honorable discharge, or petition the VA to get a discharge status upgraded Completed high school Not declined the MGIB in writing upon entry into active duty Montgomery GI-Bill Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) This is an educational assistance program for members of the Selected Reserve of all branches. The Department of Defense determines eligibility. To be eligible the veteran must have: A high school diploma A six-year commitment in good standing with the Selected Reserves or National Guard Unit Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) This program provides educational assistance to reservists ordered to active service due to national emergency or war. It may be used to pay for the same education covered by MGIB-AD. To be eligible the veteran must have: Been called to active duty for 90 or more consecutive days on or after September 11,

44 Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) This program is available to those who elected to make contributions from their military pay (matched $2 for $1 by the government). It may pay for the same programs as MGIB-AD and some remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses. It must be used within 10 years of discharge or release from service. Unused contributions are automatically refunded after 10 years (only the service member s contributions will be refunded). To be eligible the veteran must have: Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 Made a contribution by April 1, 1987 Contributed between $25 and $2,700 Been honorably discharged Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) This program is also called VetSuccess. It assists veterans with service-related disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment. It also provides educational and vocational counseling to service members, veterans, and certain dependants. VR&E offers other services to severely disabled veterans to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. To be eligible the veteran must have: A VA rating of at least 20% with an employment handicap or have a 10% disability with a serious employment handicap Not been discharged or released from military service under dishonorable conditions Contact Information for Local Veterans Service Office TBB provides contact information for local Veterans Service Commission or Veterans Service Office (VSO). These offices provide transportation to VA medical centers. (for veterans in severe need): Emergency financial assistance Help obtaining discharge papers Help obtaining benefits and entitlements from federal, state, and local agencies VSOs also offer a wide variety of other services depending on the location, including: financial planning assistance, employment training, mobile meals to homebound veterans, dental, eyeglass, prescription, and hearing aid assistance, as well as counseling services, adopt-a-flag programs, and community outreach for veterans issues. Application Submission The follow-up instructions contain information on where to send the application when completed. Therefore, it is imperative that follow-up instructions are accurately obeyed in order to ensure that clients receive their benefits in a timely manner

45 Veterans Housing Benefits The Benefit Bank Veterans Housing module is designed to assist veterans with their home financing needs. Some of these needs include purchasing or selling a home, refinancing a home loan, or modifying a new or existing home to accommodate a medical condition or service-connected disability. Before coming to The Benefit Bank, the veteran may be in one of several situations in which the path to the correct veterans housing benefit form may be unclear. Below are the use cases the Veterans Housing Benefits modules consider when helping a veteran with their home financing application process: Use Cases 1. The veteran currently has a home loan backed by the VA and would like to: Refinance their home loan (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan--IRRRL) Take out a home equity loan (Cash-out Refinance Loan) 2. The veteran currently has a home loan that is not backed by the VA and would like to convert it to a home loan that is backed by the VA 3. The veteran would like to buy a new home with a loan backed by the VA (Purchase Loan or Restoration of Entitlement). 4. The veteran would like to sell a home they purchased with a loan backed by the VA and have the home purchased by another veteran who can assume the loan (Restoration of Entitlement or Loan Assumption). 5. The veteran has a service-connected disability and would like to: Receive financial assistance for modifications already made to a home they own to accommodate the disability (Specially Adapted Housing, Special Home Adaptation, or Home Improvement and Structural Alterations) Purchase a new home modified to accommodate the disability (Specially Adapted Housing, Special Home Adaptation, or Home Improvement and Structural Alterations) Make modifications to a home they own to accommodate the disability (Specially Adapted Housing, Special Home Adaptation, or Home Improvement and Structural Alterations) Make modifications to the residence of a relative in which the veteran is living temporarily to accommodate the disability (Specially Adapted Housing, Special Home Adaptation, or Home Improvement and Structural Alterations) 6. The veteran has a medical condition (that does not necessarily rise to the level of a disability) and needs to make modifications to the residence (not necessarily a home they own) as prescribed by a doctor for medical treatment (Home Improvement and Structural Alterations)

46 VA Home Loan and Refinance A veteran may be eligible to receive a loan that is guaranteed by the Veterans Administration to finance the purchase of a home. These loans offer favorable terms and interest rates usually lower than the rate charged on other types of mortgage loans. Such terms include no down payment on the loan (under normal circumstances), a freely negotiable fixed interest rate, limitations on closing costs, an assumable mortgage, long amortization (repayment) terms, the right to prepay without penalty, and loan forbearance for VA homeowners experiencing temporary financial difficulty. Plus, the VA stands behind the loan by guaranteeing a portion of it. Most VA home loans are handled by private lenders; the VA does not get involved in the loan approval process. The Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP) allows VA-authorized lenders to receive and process appraisal reports without VA involvement, thus speeding up the time to loan closing. For VA housing loan purposes, the term veteran includes members of the Selected Reserve, National Guard, active duty service members and surviving spouses. The Benefit Bank will not support applications from spouses. Types of Home Loans Purchase Loan Helps veterans purchase a home at a competitive interest rate Can be used to buy a home, simultaneously purchase and improve a home (including energy efficient improvements), or buy a manufactured home or lot. Cash-Out Refinance Loan helps homeowners take cash out of home equity to pay off debt, fund schooling, make home improvements The maximum loan amount is 100% of the appraised value, plus the cost of any energy efficiency improvements, plus the VA funding fee Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) Veterans with an existing VA-guaranteed loan can apply for an interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) if interest rates drop below the rate of the original mortgage, or to convert a VA adjustable rate to a fixed rate. Form IRRRL Worksheet is used to calculate the maximum loan amount. TBB will be providing a blank pdf of this worksheet to the client. An IRRRL does not change a veteran s entitlement Restoration of Entitlement A veteran can reuse eligibility for a VA loan in the following circumstances: If a veteran has paid off a VA loan and no longer owns the home, the veteran can have eligibility restored to purchase a new home. On a one-time basis, eligibility may be restored if the prior VA loan was paid in full and the veteran still owns the home. A qualified Veteran buyer assumes the VA loan, substitutes his or her entitlement for the same amount of entitlement used by the veteran seller. VA Form : Application for Assumption Approval and/or Release from Personal Liability to the Government on a Home Loan is used for Restoration of Entitlement. TBB will provide a blank pdf of this form to the client

47 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan A veteran can obtain slightly better terms than a non-veteran The VA makes the eligibility determination Veterans who apply for VA benefits on Form , Request for Certificate of Eligibility, will be assessed for the FHA program The VA will issue VA Form , Certificate of Veteran Status, for veterans eligible for FHA loan (which is not provided by TBB). Eligibility Home loan eligibility is meeting basic criteria of length of service and character of service. An eligible veteran must still meet credit and income standards to qualify for a loan. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) provides proof of eligibility to the lender. Purchase Loan and Cash Out Refinance Loan Suitable credit and income Home to be used for personal occupancy Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. (Cases involving other than honorable discharges will be reviewed by the VA for a determination.) provide copy of DD Form 214 Certificate of Release of discharge from Active Duty (or provide other evidence) Valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) meet service requirements for COE, or discharged due to hardship, the convenience of the government, reduction-in-force, certain medical conditions, or a service-connected disability Cash out refinance requires a copy of an application to a lender to refinance the property Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) Must be a veteran to VA refinance Must have previously occupied the home Generally no appraisal or credit information is required, and any lender may close on an IRRL automatically. A COE is not required. A Prior Loan Validation can be used in lieu of COE (available to lenders) The principal and interest payment on the IRRL must be less than the principal and interest payment on the loan being refinanced unless: Refinancing an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) The terms of the IRRRL is shorter Energy efficiency improvements are included Restoration of Entitlement One of the following conditions must be met: Disposal and Repayment: property has been sold or destroyed by fire or other natural hazard AND the loan has been paid in full, or if a loss on the loan the loss has been paid in full, or the veteran has been released from liability Refinance (Cash Out Refinance Loan, listed above): One time restoration: loan has been paid but property not sold (can only be done once). The restored eligibility will be used to purchase another home as a primary residence

48 PLUS... Substitution of Entitlement: qualified veteran has agreed to assume the loan with his or her own entitlement Valid COE needed Adaptive Housing Benefits The VA provides grants to service members and veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities to purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Can be used to construct an adapted home on land to be acquired, build a home on land already owned, remodel an existing home, or help pay the principal mortgage balance of an adapted home acquired without a VA grant Assistance is limited to 1 house Also known as 2101(a) Grants Maximum grant amounts are set each year on October 1 Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant (may be referred to as the Adaptive Housing benefit) Can be used to adapt an existing home the veteran owns and lives in, adapt a home that the veteran temporarily lives in and is owned by a family member, adapt a home the veteran intends to purchase and live in, or help the veteran purchase a home already adapted Assistance is limited to 1 house Also known as 2101 (b) Grants Maximum grant amounts are set each year on October 1 Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant Program of Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Assistance for home improvement necessary for continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities Available to both veterans who have a service-connected disability and veterans who have a medical condition (not always a disability) that requires home modifications. Eligibility category I: service-connected disability OR non-service-connected condition of a veteran rated 50% or more service connected Eligibility category II: all other veterans registered in the VA healthcare system Can be used concurrently with SAH/SHA grant Eligibility A disability rating decision (as determined by the Veterans Service Center) determines if the veteran is medically eligible for an SAH or SHA grant. Additional criteria (medical, property, and financial feasibility) are assessed during an interview with an assigned Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Agent to determine if the veteran will receive a grant. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Veteran must have a permanent and total service-connected disability. Benefit may not be used more than three times, up to the maximum dollar amount available Home must be owned by the eligible individual

49 Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant Veteran must have a permanent and total service-connected disability Benefit may not be used more than three times, up to the maximum dollar amount available Home must be owned by the eligible individual OR family member Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant Veterans must have a medical determination indicating that improvements/alterations are necessary. Prescription from a VA or fee-basis physician. Must include specific items required, diagnosis with medical justification, veteran s name, address, SSN, phone numbers Blank Veterans Housing Benefits Forms The Benefit Bank will provide information about each form and provide enough information about when and why someone might want to print out a blank copy of the form. Supported Housing Benefits Forms This module will support blank copies of the following forms: VA Form c: Supplemental Application for Assistance with Specially Adapted Housing VA Form d: Veterans Application for Assistance with Special Housing Adaptations VA Form : Application for Assumption Approval/Release from Liability VA Form : Statement of Purchaser or Owner Assuming Seller s Loan VA Form : Financial Statement VA Form : Statement of Veteran Assuming GI Loan VA Form : Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan Worksheet VA Form : Application for Assistance with Home Improvement and Structural Alterations VA Form : Request for a Certificate of Eligibility VA Form : Application for Assistance with Specially Adapted Housing

50 Section Three Additional Resources How to Order OBB Marketing You can order free OBB marketing materials on the OBB counselor support website: All marketing materials are available to all OBB sites at no cost. Due to the high volume of marketing requests, please allow 10 business days for your order to arrive. If you have would like to check on the status of your order, please To order marketing materials: 1. On the home page click Outreach, then click Marketing Order Form. 2. Enter the quantity needed then click the blue Add to Cart button for each item needed. 3. To view additional pages of materials click the page numbers at the bottom of the Order Form. 4. To check out, click View Cart then click the Checkout button

51 Terms and Conditions of Use This document contains legal protections for the client, the counselor and the counselor s organization. See page 9 to see how this document integrates into an OBB session. Terms and Conditions of Use and Agreement 1. YOUR BENEFITS, YOUR OPPORTUNITIES, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY The Benefit Bank online service (TBB ) can help you increase your income by applying for benefits and tax credits. The Benefit Bank is designed to make it easier for you to do your own taxes and complete your own applications for benefits. The Benefit Bank explains the meanings of certain words used on the tax and benefit forms, explains some of the rules and regulations, and calculates the math for you. The Benefit Bank does not make tax and benefit decisions for you; you must make those decisions. The information on your tax return and the decisions you make about how to file your taxes are your responsibility. This is also true for any benefits that you apply for using The Benefit Bank. The Benefit Bank does not represent you, or act for you, to the IRS or any other government agency. Nor are we responsible for any actions that the IRS or any other government agency might take as a result of your use of The Benefit Bank. The Benefit Bank online service does not verify any of the personal or tax information you include on your tax return or benefit forms. You are responsible for the accuracy of all information you provide. 2. THE BENEFIT BANK DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE The Benefit Bank online service is not a tax preparer, tax lawyer, or representative of any state or federal agency; or are the organizations or counselors, if any, who may assist you in using The Benefit Bank online service. If you need or are seeking legal, accounting or professional advice, we strongly recommend that you contact a lawyer or tax professional for that assistance. 3. THE BENEFIT BANK PROVIDES ONLY BASIC INFORMATION AND SELECTED TAX AND BENEFITS The tax and benefit information included in The Benefit Bank online service is general information that applies to many people, but not all of them. The Benefit Bank does not cover all possible situations. The Benefit Bank online service is designed to be accurate and up-to-date. However, we cannot guarantee that the service is completely accurate, and we cannot guarantee that all the documents you fill out and send to the IRS or other agencies using The Benefit Bank are accurate, complete, or up-to-date. By using the online service, you are agreeing that you understand this. The IRS and the other agencies that receive the tax forms or benefit forms have procedures to review, audit, and inspect the personal information that you enter into The Benefit Bank. All the information you enter into The Benefit Bank to do your taxes, or to complete benefit forms, should be as accurate as possible. This is your best protection if you are audited or investigated. 4. THE BENEFIT BANK SERVICE IS COPYRIGHTED The Benefit Bank online service is made available for your personal use only. If you are working with a counselor, The Benefit Bank is available for your use and that of the sponsoring organization, which has special permission to use the service. You cannot legally copy the service or use it for any purpose other than to assist with tax returns and benefit applications for yourself and members of your household. 5. THE BENEFIT BANK S SERVICES ARE ALWAYS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE If anyone asks you to pay to use The Benefit Bank online service, please contact The Benefit Bank toll free at THE BENEFIT BANK TAKES STEPS TO PRESERVE THE PRIVACY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION By accepting this agreement, you acknowledge that you have been made aware of The Benefit Bank Information Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you have any questions about this policy, you are responsible for discussing them with your counselor before use

52 OBB Site Models The OBB offers three models to organizations seeking to serve clients using TBB. The model(s) adopted are determined by your organization s needs and resources. Counselor-Assisted Counselor-Assisted is the original site model; it has the largest network of participating organizations. A trained OBB counselor meets in-person with a client, asks questions and enters the information into The Benefit Bank. The client cannot log in directly to access his or her applications; the counselor has to be logged in and with the client in order for the client to log in. Professional Professional (Pro) is a version of TBB designed for case managers and persons involved with client intake and follow-up procedures. Pro offers the ability for the counselor to work on and submit applications remotely, without the presence of the client. Pro counselors are required to be authorized representatives for their clients, and must complete both OBB benefits and pro training. For more information on Pro us at Self-Serve contactobb@ohiofoodbanks.org. A Self-Serve site provides access to at least one computer with internet access and a printer for the public or its clients to use the Self-Serve edition of TBB. One trained staff person is present to troubleshoot problems that self-serve clients may encounter. Clients can apply for benefits, file taxes and complete a FAFSA application to print without the assistance of an OBB Counselor at any time using the Self-Serve website: ohiobenefits.org. All sites can receive reporting for users accessing the OBB self-serve online service. To receive reporting on selfserve clients, the self-serve client must use the Self-Serve link customized for the respective OBB site. OBB sites can add their link to their website, signatures, Facebook page, or any other place people may access the website. To access your organization s self-serve link, us at contactobb@ohiofoodbanks.org

53 Using The Report Portal The Benefit Bank Report Portal allows your organization to track the value of work completed through the OBB. Several reports are available and can be customized to provide specific information. You can generate, view and receive reports that include data such as: number of clients served, number of applications and tax returns completed and the amount of potential funds returned to your community. Three of the key reports available are: the Affiliate Summary, Site Summary Graphs and the Narrative Summary. Activity Reports at a Glance document Narrative Summary Affiliate Summary Site Summary Graphs Report Filters Reports available in the Reporting Portal share many of the same parameters or filters which help to narrow and also include in the report the information that you and your organization need. Common report filters are below. Beginning and ending dates for the data to include in the report Include affiliated sites - includes data for all sites set up under your organization Filter by OBB site conditions Filter by the TBB service model used by the counselor or client Filter by conditions of the clients served Affiliate Summary The Affiliate Summary includes active site and counselor totals, household demographics, usage totals, federal and state tax summaries and benefit eligibility estimations in Excel format. The report is generated and ed to the address on file

54 Site Summary Graphs Site Summary Graphs provide quick visual data on clients, counselors, and applications completed. The report can be printed and sections can also be exported to Excel. Click Print View for a printable version of the report, and Web View to return to the web page view. Click a blue export data link to export a portion of the report in Excel format. Narrative Summary The Narrative Summary and Affiliate Summary contain the same data but the Narrative Summary is in PDF format with text, program descriptions and tables. When you are ready to run the report, click Generate. You will see the message that your report was queued and the report will be ed to your address on file with TBB. Additional Resources Using the Report Portal mini-course under Current Resources on support.ohiobenefits.org Activity Reports at a Glance document on the Report Portal page:

55 Phone Resources by County County 211 or Local United Way Community Action CDJFS Other Food Help # County 211 or Local United Way Community Action CDJFS Other Food Help # Adams Licking call Allen call Logan Ashland call Lorain call call 211 Ashtabula call Lucas call call 211 Athens call Madison call call 211 Auglaize Mahoning call Belmont call call 211 Marion call call 211 Brown call Medina call Butler call call 211 Meigs Carroll call Mercer Champaign call Miami Clark call Monroe Clermont call Montgomery call call 211 Clinton Morgan call Columbiana call Morrow call call 211 Coshocton call call 211 Muskingum call call 211 Crawford call call 211 Noble Cuyahoga call Ottawa call call 211 Darke Paulding Defiance call call 211 Perry call Delaware call call 211 Pickaway call call 211 Erie call call 211 Pike call Fairfield call Portage call Fayette call call 211 Preble call call 211 Franklin call call 211 Putnam Fulton call call 211 Richland call Gallia Ross call call 211 Geauga call Sandusky call 211 Greene call call 211 Scioto Guernsey call 211 Seneca Hamilton call Shelby Hancock call Stark call Hardin Summit call Harrison call Trumbull call Henry call call 211 Tuscarawas call Highland call Union call call 211 Hocking Van Wert call Holmes call Vinton Huron call call 211 Warren Jackson call Washington call Jefferson call call 211 Wayne call Knox call Williams call call 211 Lake call Wood call call 211 Lawrence call Wyandot call

56 E. Town St., Suite 540 Columbus, OH Counselor Support Counselor Support Website: support.ohiofoodbanks.org Consumer Assistance Hotline: