The Ohio Benefit Bank Benefits Guide

Transcription

The Ohio Benefit Bank
Benefits Guide
TM
Revised 7/13/17 | Online at: support.ohiobenefits.org
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�� 12
Accessing the Training Website�� 13
Understanding the Counselor Portal��14
Client Creation�� 15
Client Login and Agreements��16
Understanding the Client Portal Page��17
Document Management�� 18
Understanding the Benefit Roadmap Homepage�� 25
TBB Practice: Robert Knight Scenario�� 19
Summary Pages�� 20
How To Make Changes�� 20
Where to Find Help�� 20
TBB Practice: Robert Knight Scenario Cont’d.��21
Completing Your Training.�� 26
Section Two | Benefits in Ohio
Federal Poverty Income Guidelines��27
Application Submission�� 28
Nutrition Assistance Programs�� 29
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Food Assistance)�� 29
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)�� 30
Free and Reduced-Price School Meals�� 30
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)�� 30
Other Nutrition and Food Assistance Programs��31
Emergency Food Assistance��31
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)��31
Backpack Programs��31
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)��31
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)��31
Ohio Works First�� 32
Child Care Assistance�� 32
Medical Benefits for Children and Families�� 33
Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)�� 33
Child and Family Health Services (CFHS)�� 33
Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled�� 34
Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled�� 34
Medicare Rx Extra Help�� 34
Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled�� 35
Medicare Savings Program (Premium Assistance)�� 35
Healthy U�� 35
Family Caregiver Support Program�� 35
Prescription Assistance�� 36
Golden Buckeye�� 36
Ohio’s Best Rx�� 36
Other Help with Prescriptions�� 36
HEAP and Other Energy Assistance Programs��37
Senior Community Service Employment Program�� 38
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)�� 38
Vocational Rehabilitation Services�� 39
Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters “Amachi” Youth Mentoring�� 39
Child Support Referral �� 40
Ohio Fatherhood Programs�� 40
Voter Registration�� 40
Universal Youth Transition Plan�� 40
Non-Citizens and Public Benefits��41
Veterans Education Benefits�� 42
Veterans Housing Benefits�� 45
Section Three | Additional Resources
How to Order OBB Marketing�� 50
Terms and Conditions of Use��51
OBB Site Models�� 52
Using the Report Portal�� 53
Phone Resources by County�� 55
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Quick Reference
Websites & Login Information for The OBB
Your Counselor Login
Training Login
support.ohiobenefits.org
training.thebenefitbank.org
Login Name:
Login Name: oh_____
Password:
Password: tbb12345
Important Contact Information
Helpful Websites
The Benefit Bank® Help Desk
The Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor Support
For OBB counselors only:
support.ohiobenefits.org
Phone: 1.855.822.4357 - OPTION 2
(1.855.TBB.HELP)
Ohio Association of Foodbanks
The Ohio Benefit Bank
e-Mail: [email protected]
Ohio State Legal Services
1.866.529.6446
www.ohiofoodbanks.org
Locate your Community Action Agency
https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_epp_locate.htm
Check the status of a HEAP application
https://portal.ocean.ohio.gov/OCEANClientPortal/
IVRAuthorization.aspx
FAFSA:
https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Job and Family Services Information Center
http://jfs.ohio.gov/ocomm_root/0001InfoCenter.stm
Ohio | Benefits
benefits.ohio.gov/
Ohio Medicaid Hotline
www.ohiomh.com
1.800.324.8680
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The Help Desk
Solutions for Progress provides a Help Desk that responds to phone and e-mail 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
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.
▪▪ You get an error message
▪▪ You need help finding answers to client questions
Contacting the TBB Help Desk
Phone: 1.855.822.4357 select option 2
1.855.TBB.HELP
Normal Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM Monday-Friday
Tax Season Hours: 9 AM - 8 PM Monday-Friday
e-Mail: [email protected]
9 AM - 5 PM Saturday
(Response within 2 business days)
Connecting with the OBB
Connecting with the OBB is easy! Just e-mail us at: [email protected].
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 e-mailing: [email protected].
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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.
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Organization Map
Lead Agencies
Solutions for Progress
“The Benefit Bank”
The State of Ohio
TBB Programming &
Maintenance, Help Desk
Funding and Support
Ohio Association of Foodbanks
Lead Agency, Training, Grants,
Coordination and Marketing
Your Role as an OBB Counselor
An OBB Counselor DOES:
An OBB Counselor DOES NOT:
▪▪ Complete required training
▪▪ Sign client forms or tax returns
▪▪ Attend update training, including tax year refresher
training
▪▪ Charge for services, solicit or accept donations for
OBB services
▪▪ Verify client identity, if required
▪▪ Help clients make decisions
▪▪ Interview the client and enter responses into The
Benefit Bank
▪▪ 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
▪▪ Provide a printed copy of client forms
▪▪ Determine final eligibility on programs for which a
client applies
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Supported Programs
Benefit Programs
Federal and State Tax Returns
Note: The agency providing benefits will always make the
final determination regarding client eligibility.
Note: This module requires completion of online or
in-person tax training.
Big Brothers Big Sisters “Amachi” Youth Mentoring
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.
Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
Child Care Assistance
The Benefit Bank screens for various credits, including
the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which are often
missed by tax filers otherwise.
Child and Family Health Services
Extra Help for Medicare Part D
Clients can e-file and may receive their refunds in 14
days or less.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) (Food Assistance)
Clients can also file up to 3 years of back taxes.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Voter Registration
Golden Buckeye
Clients can print, complete and mail the National Voter
Registration Application in order to register or to update
registration information, like name or address.
Healthcare programs for families and children
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Medicaid for Aged, Blind or Disabled
Clients can also register to vote and update information
online at: www.myohiovote.com.
Medicare Savings Program
Self-Serve 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
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.
USDA Child Nutrition Programs
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Education Benefits
Veterans Housing Benefits
Women Infants and Children (WIC)
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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)
Log into your counselor
account
Create a client account
OR log in to the existing
client account
Print forms: one copy for
e-file, two copies for paper
filing
Review follow-up
instructions and
Documents Checklist
2. Login Process
Go to: support.
ohiobenefits.org and click
“Counselor Login”
3. Application Process
Review application/tax
return
* 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.
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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.
Site Locator:
find the closest
OBB site
Self-Serve Edition: Ohioans
can apply for benefits, file
taxes and complete a FAFSA
worksheet without the help
of an OBB Counselor
Information
and links
for helpful
programs
Login page
for clients
using SelfServe
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
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Tip
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.
1. Select “Ohio” from the drop-down menu and click
the forward arrow.
Practice doing a
QuickCheck anytime!
Just make up and
enter information
for the questions.
Tip
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.
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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.
Support.ohiobenefits.
org provides resources
for OBB Counselors,
including:
▪▪ Online trainings
▪▪ Mini-courses
▪▪ Guides
▪▪ Documents and
forms
▪▪ Free marketing
materials
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Save this site in your favorites or
bookmarks for quick access.
Tip
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: tbb12345.
Login names and passwords are case sensitive.
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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
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
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Tip
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.
Robert
Knight
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)
427 N. Main St.
3. Write the login name in the space below.
Akron
4. Create this password: Tbb12345!
Both login names and passwords are case
sensitive.
Ohio
Summit
44308
5. For this exercise, choose and answer the security
questions.
English
6. When done click the “Save” button.
[email protected]
Tbb12345!
Login Name
Password
Tbb12345!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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, 1966. He is divorced. Robert is male.
5. Wendy D. Knight was born February 5, 2005. She is single and female.
6. Robert divorced in 2000.
7. Both Robert and Wendy are U.S. citizens.
8. Robert’s social security number is: 544-44-5555.
9. Wendy’s social security number is: 888-77-1234.
10. 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 330-555-7878.
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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.
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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 $300.
19. This money does not come regularly.
20. Robert does not receive any other income.
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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.
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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.
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.
“Steps to
Getting”pages
provide
information
and detail the
steps needed
to complete
each program
application.
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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**
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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 330-555-2001.
63. 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 654321.
67. 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 330-555-7878.
74. He would prefer to be contacted via e-mail.
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 214.
82. Robert would still like to use TBB to request military records.
83. Robert is requesting a DD 214.
84. He would like a deleted copy.
85. The DD 214 was issued in 1995.
86. 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.
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92. He started on January 1, 1987. His service ended January 1, 1995.
93. 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 email 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 e-mail 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 e-mail is the primary mode of communication between TBB and counselors. Therefore, I agree
that if an incorrect or invalid e-mail address is provided or if I request removal from The Benefit Bank e-mail list,
my counselor account may be disabled.
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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).
2017 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
People In Household
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Each Additional Person
Monthly Income
$ 1,005.00
$1,353.33
$1,701.66
$2,050.00
$2,398.33
$2,746.66
$3,095.00
$3,443.33
+ $348.33
This means that if a household of four makes less than $2,050.00 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 $850.83 per month or less to be eligible for Cash Assistance because:
50% of FPIG is $850.83
.50 X $1701.66 = $850.83
Exercise: Calculate FPIG
For a family of two, what is 200% of FPIG? _________
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Application Submission
E-Submitted Applications:
Supported Applications
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supported applications are usually
mailed, faxed or delivered in-person.
Women Infants and Children (WIC)
Child Care Assistance needs to be
submitted to client’s County Department
of Job and Family Services.
Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid
Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance)
USDA Child & Nutrition Program (Free and ReducedPrice Lunch) needs to be submitted to the client’s local
school(s).
Medicare Rx Extra Help
Ohio’s Best Rx
Voter Registration needs to be submitted to the client’s
County Board of Elections.
Golden Buckeye
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Home Energy Assistance Program needs to be submitted
to the Ohio Development Services Agency.
*Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
*Child and Family Health Services (CFHS)
*Ohio Big Brothers Big Sisters “Amachi”
Vocational Rehabilitation Services needs to be submitted
to the address or fax number provided on the follow-up
instructions.
*electronic referral
Veterans Education Benefits needs to be submitted to
the address listed on the follow-up instructions.
Some benefits may also require a face-to-face
interview with CDJFS case worker:
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.
▪▪ 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.
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.
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Tip
Nutrition Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) (Food Assistance)
application may be processed in less time. To be
eligible, the assistance group must meet any of the
following criteria:
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.
▪▪ Migrant or seasonal farm workers
▪▪ Monthly gross income is less than $150
▪▪ Monthly gross income is less than monthly shelter
expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities)
▪▪ 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
▪▪ If a client is in need of food immediately
help them connect to a nearby food
pantry (page 31).
▪▪ The benefit can be used at any retail store
authorized by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA)
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.
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 SNAP application is electronically
submitted to the CDJFS.
▪▪ 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
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.
▪▪ 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
SNAP and Ohio Farmers’ Markets
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:
http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/InfoCustomer.stm
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Tip
Special Supplemental Nutrition Free and Reduced-Price School
Program for Women, Infants,
Meals
and Children (WIC)
In Ohio this program is also called the Ohio School
Breakfast and Lunch Program. It offers free and low-cost
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, lunch and in some schools breakfast to primary and
secondary school students.
Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental,
highly nutritious foods such as cereal, eggs, milk,
▪▪ Free meals are available to children with family
whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, health care
incomes of 130 percent of FPIG or less; reducedreferrals, and nutrition and breast-feeding education for
price meals are available to children with family
low-income pregnant and postpartum women, and to
incomes between 131 percent and 185 percent of
infants and children up to age five who are found to be at
FPIG
nutritional risk.
▪▪ Children whose families are enrolled in some other
▪▪ WIC benefits for authorized foods are loaded onto
programs like SNAP are automatically eligible
an Ohio WIC Nutrition Card during the client’s
▪▪ Applications can also be used to apply for summer
appointment at the local WIC clinic. Food benefits
food programs
end on the last day of each month.
▪▪ Families must reapply each year
▪▪ The client will receive a list of authorized foods and
▪▪ Through the Community Eligibility Provision, some
locations where the benefits can be used
schools in low-income areas offer free breakfast and
lunch to all enrolled students without the households
having to apply
▪▪ 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
▪▪ 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
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 www.odh.ohio.gov 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 1-800-755-4769.
See Steps to Women Infants & Children for additional
follow-up information and instructions.
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 1-866-348-6479 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.
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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
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition
Program (FMNP)
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 2-1-1 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.
2-1-1 by county map: http://ouw.org/211-map/
United Way by county map: www.ouw.org
▪▪ Check your regional foodbank website’s “Find
Help” page. Go to www.ohiofoodbanks.org 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: http://oacaa.org/directory/
▪▪ Free produce distributions or mobile markets may be
available in your area. Call 2-1-1 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:
▪▪ Do a Google search for help with food in your county,
for example, “help with food Darke County”
To learn more about Ohio’s emergency food assistance
network and programs operated by the Ohio Association
of Foodbanks please visit www.ohiofoodbanks.org.
▪▪ 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 1-800-2823435 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:
http://aging.ohio.gov/services/
seniorfarmersmarketnutritionprogram/
Commodity Supplemental Food
Program (CSFP)
▪▪ Reach out to other nonprofit organizations and
churches to learn who offers hot meals, bagged
lunches or food boxes. Sign up for emails/
newsletters to keep informed.
▪▪ After confirming the information collected is correct,
create an information sheet to provide to clients
▪▪ Highest risk participants in the Ohio WIC program
may be eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP
▪▪ 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 www.ohiofoodbanks.org for a map by county of
Ohio’s Feeding America foodbanks
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Ohio Works First
Child Care Assistance
This program is also called OWF or Cash 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.
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.
▪▪ The gross monthly income limit is 125 percent of
FPIG
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.
▪▪ 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
This application must be printed and mailed
or hand-delivered to the County Department
of Job and Family Services.
Eligibility
▪▪ The gross monthly income limit is 50 percent of FPIG
▪▪ There is no resource limit for Ohio Works First
instructions.
▪▪ 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
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.
- 32 -
See Steps to Getting Child Care for
additional follow-up information and
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 1.800.755.4769
▪▪ 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 1.800.755.4769 to find
your local office
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
- 33 -
Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled
Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicare Rx Extra Help
This program is also called ABD Medicaid.
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 the client must be 65 or older, or
blind, or qualified “disabled” by the Social Security
Administration (SSA)
To be eligible for Extra Help, an individual must:
▪▪ 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
▪▪ 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
Medicare Rx Extra Help is electronically
submitted to the Social Security
Administration.
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.
See Steps to Getting Medicare Rx Extra
Help for additional follow-up information
and instructions.
- 34 -
Medical Benefits for the Elderly or Disabled
Healthy U
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.
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.
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:
Healthy U covers topics like:
▪▪ Managing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and
depression
▪▪ Medication management
▪▪ Physical activity
▪▪ Relaxation techniques
▪▪ 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.
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.
▪▪ 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
For both Healthy U and the Family Caregiver
Support Program, TBB sends a referral with
the client’s name, mailing address, email
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.
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Prescription Assistance
Golden Buckeye
Ohio’s Best Rx
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.
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.
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
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.
Ohio’s Best Rx is electronically submitted
to the Ohio’s Best Rx Program when an
application for the Golden Buckeye Program
is submitted.
▪▪ 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.
To apply directly, print a card, locate a
pharmacy, and compare prescription drug prices, visit
www.ohiobestrx.org.
See Steps to Getting Golden Buckeye or Best Rx for
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 1.866.301.6446.
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
Golden Buckeye is electronically submitted
to the Ohio Department of Aging Golden
Buckeye Program.
▪▪ www.pparx.org 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 - www.needymeds.org
▪▪ 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:
1-800-503-6897
- 36 -
Home Energy Assistance Program
Government income that counts as gross
income for HEAP includes:
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
▪▪ Households with zero income are required to
provide documentation on how the household is
being supported/how the bills are getting paid (rent,
utilities, food). The household may also be required
to provide an IRS transcript.
▪▪ A copy of the client’s most recent utility bill
▪▪ Case number for any public assistance benefit the
client is receiving
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
▪▪ A copy of the client’s recent heating bill
The HEAP application must be printed and
mailed to: HEAP, P.O. Box 1240, Columbus,
OH 43216
See Steps to Getting Home Energy Assistance for
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
Tip
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: https://www.development.ohio.
gov/files/is/HWAP_MapListing_20131024.pdf
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: https://development.
ohio.gov/is/is_heapsummer_prov.htm
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:
https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_epp_locate.htm
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Senior Community Service
Employment Program
Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA)
SCSEP helps seniors develop job skills through training
and community service opportunities.
FAFSA is used to apply for federal financial aid to cover
the costs of college and other post-secondary programs.
▪▪ Applicants must be 55 years of age or older
There are three categories of federal student aid: grants,
work-study, and loans.
▪▪ The income limit is 125 percent of FPIG
▪▪ Unemployment compensation does not count
towards the income limit
Completing the FAFSA application or worksheet
using TBB
A map and list of SCSEP providers by county can be
found here:
FAFSA requires a variety of personal data from the
student applicant and, when applicable, their parents,
spouse, and dependants.
http://aging.ohio.gov/services/
seniorcommunityserviceemploymentprogram/
scsepproviders.aspx
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.
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 43215
See Steps to Participating in the Senior Community
Service Employment Program for additional follow-up
information and instructions.
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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.
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).
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.
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.)
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
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.
▪▪ 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
Clients can still apply for services, even if they have not
been declared disabled by a government 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
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
The client will be contacted by Big Brothers Big Sisters
by their requested method (phone or e-mail). 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.
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.
- 39 -
The referral is electronically submitted to
the local BBBS provider.
Child Support Referral
Voter Registration
This program provides services that help to ensure that
children receive the financial and medical support to
which they are legally entitled.
TBB can be used to to complete a voter registration
application, and to change registration information.
To be eligible to vote, an individual:
▪▪ Must be a citizen of the United States
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.
▪▪ 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
Services available at Child Support Enforcement
Agencies include:
▪▪ Must not been declared incompetent for voting
purposes by a probate court
▪▪ Location of noncustodial parents
▪▪ Paternity establishment
▪▪ Must not been permanently denied the right to vote
for violations of the election laws
▪▪ 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.
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.
Applicants should mail their completed applications to
the Secretary of the State of Ohio:
Elections Division
180 E. Broad Street, 16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Clients can check to see if they are registered,
update information, and register to vote online
by visiting: www.myohiovote.com.
This website also has a great deal of helpful
information about voting, ballots, and elections!
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
Tip
Ohio Fatherhood Programs
Ohio Fatherhood Programs help build the parenting
skills of fathers. Interested fathers can also receive
employment-related services.
▪▪ 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
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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 1.866.529.6446 or visit
www.ohiolegalhelp.org 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.
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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)
- 42 -
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.
▪▪ Been called to active duty for 90 or more consecutive days on or after September 11, 2001
- 43 -
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).
▪▪ 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.
▪▪ 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.
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.
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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).
- 45 -
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 26-8923 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 26-6381: “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.
- 46 -
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 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility, will be assessed for the
FHA program
▪▪ The VA will issue VA Form 26-8261, 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.
- 47 -
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
- 48 -
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 26-4555c: Supplemental Application for Assistance with Specially Adapted Housing
▪▪ VA Form 26-4555d: Veterans Application for Assistance with Special Housing Adaptations
▪▪ VA Form 26-6381: Application for Assumption Approval/Release from Liability
▪▪ VA Form 26-6382: Statement of Purchaser or Owner Assuming Seller’s Loan
▪▪ VA Form 26-6807: Financial Statement
▪▪ VA Form 26-8106: Statement of Veteran Assuming GI Loan
▪▪ VA Form 26-8923: Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan Worksheet
▪▪ VA Form 10-0103: Application for Assistance with Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
▪▪ VA Form 26-1880: Request for a Certificate of Eligibility
▪▪ VA Form 26-4555: Application for Assistance with Specially Adapted Housing
- 49 -
Section Three
Additional Resources
How to Order OBB Marketing
You can order free OBB marketing materials on the OBB counselor support website: http://support.ohiobenefits.org
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 email: [email protected].
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.
- 50 -
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 855-822-4357.
6. 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.
- 51 -
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 e-mail us at [email protected].
Self-Serve
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, e-mail signatures, Facebook page, or any other place people may access the website.
To access your organization’s self-serve link, e-mail us at [email protected].
- 52 -
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
Filter by the TBB service
model used by the
counselor or client
Include affiliated sites - includes
data for all sites set up under
your organization
Filter by OBB site
conditions
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 emailed to the
email address on file.
- 53 -
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 emailed to your
email address on file with TBB.
Additional Resources
▪▪ Using the Report Portal mini-course under Current Resources on support.ohiobenefits.org
http://ohiobenefits.org/minicourse/ReportPortal/
▪▪ “Activity Reports at a Glance” document on the Report Portal page:
https://secure.thebenefitbank.org/html/training/reports_at-a-glance.pdf
- 54 -
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
740-353-5121 937-378-6041 800-840-5711 513-241-1064
Licking
call 211
740-349-8606
888-895-2790 740-344-7401
Allen
call 211
419-227-2586 888-228-2120 419-222-7946
Logan
937-592-2886 937-404-9203
937-599-5165 937-325-8715
Ashland
call 211
740-622-9801 800-589-8141 855-738-2067
Lorain
call 211
440-245-2009
440-323-5726 call 211
Ashtabula
call 211
440-997-5936 800-935-0242 855-738-2067
Lucas
call 211
419-242-7304
419-213-8999 call 211
Athens
call 211
740-767-4500 800-762-3775 800-385-6813
Madison
call 211
740-852-3511
800-852-0243 call 211
Auglaize
419-739-7717 419-227-2586 419-739-6505 419-222-7946
Mahoning
call 211
330-747-7921
800-548-7175 330-747-2696
Belmont
call 211
740-695-0293 740-695-1075 call 211
Marion
call 211
740-387-1039
740-387-8560 call 211
Brown
call 211
937-378-6041 937-378-6104 513-241-1064
Medina
call 211
330-264-8677
800-783-5070 855-560-0850
Butler
call 211
513-868-9300 800-582-4267 call 211
Meigs
740-446-2442 740-367-7341
800-992-2608 800-385-6813
Carroll
call 211
740-922-0933 330-627-2571 855-560-0850
Mercer
419-739-7717 419-227-2586
419-586-5106 419-222-7946
Champaign call 211
937-772-9164 937-484-1500 937-325-8715
Miami
937-335-8410 937-339-1431
937-440-3471 937-335-7921
Clark
call 211
937-323-6461 800-516-3463 937-325-8715
Monroe
304-232-4625 740-723-2388
800-472-1602 740-472-0365
Clermont
call 211
513-732-2277 513-732-7111 513-241-1064
Montgomery call 211
937-341-5000
937-225-4148 call 211
Clinton
570-748-7856 937-382-5667 937-382-0963 513-241-1064
Morgan
call 211
740-373-3745
740-962-4616 800-385-6813
Columbiana call 211
330-424-7221 330-424-1471 330-747-2696
Morrow
call 211
740-387-1039
419-947-9111 call 211
Coshocton
call 211
740-622-9801 740-622-1020 call 211
Muskingum call 211
740-453-5703
800-242-0029 call 211
Crawford
call 211
740-387-1039 419-562-0015 call 211
Noble
740-439-2667 740-723-2388
800-905-2732 740-732-2388
Cuyahoga
call 211
216-696-9077 216-987-7000 855-738-2067
Ottawa
call 211
419-898-3688 call 211
Darke
937-547-1272 937-341-5000 937-548-4132 937-548-2595
Paulding
419-399-8240 419-784-5136
800-342-0160 419-222-7946
Defiance
call 211
419-784-5136 800-342-0160 call 211
Perry
call 211
740-767-4500
800-551-3551 800-385-6813
Delaware
call 211
740-369-3184 800-899-3180 call 211
Pickaway
call 211
740-477-1655
740-474-7588 call 211
Erie
call 211
419-626-4320 419-626-6781 call 211
Pike
call 211
740-289-2371
740-947-2171 513-241-1064
Fairfield
call 211
740-653-4146 800-450-8845 740-687-0500
Portage
call 211
330-297-1456
330-297-3750 855-560-0850
Fayette
call 211
740-335-7282 800-845-3272 call 211
Preble
call 211
937-341-5000
937-456-6205 call 211
Franklin
call 211
614-252-2799 614-233-2000 call 211
Putnam
419-523-4505 419-423-3755
800-523-5799 419-222-7946
Fulton
call 211
419-784-5136 800-344-3575 call 211
Richland
call 211
419-626-4320
419-774-5400 855-738-2067
Gallia
740-446-2442 740-367-7341 740-446-3222 800-385-6813
Ross
call 211
740-702-7222
740-772-7540 call 211
Geauga
call 211
440-354-2148 800-209-7590 855-738-2067
Sandusky
419-334-2720 419-334-8911
419-334-3891 call 211
Greene
call 211
937-341-5000 800-361-4450 call 211
Scioto
740-353-5121 740-354-7541
740-354-6661 513-241-1064
Guernsey
740-439-2667 740-723-2388 740-432-2381 call 211
Seneca
419-448-4357 419-334-8911
419-447-5011 419-222-7946
Hamilton
call 211
513-569-1840 513-946-1000 513-241-1064
Shelby
937-492-2101 937-507-9341
937-498-4981 419-222-7946
Hancock
call 211
419-423-3755 419-422-0182 419-222-7946
Stark
call 211
330-454-1676
330-452-4661 855-560-0850
Hardin
419-675-1860 419-423-3755 800-442-7346 419-222-7946
Summit
call 211
330-376-7730
330-643-8200 855-560-0850
Harrison
call 211
740-922-0933 800-960-7820 740-942-8886
Trumbull
call 211
330-393-2507
330-675-2000 330-393-1565
Henry
call 211
419-784-5136 888-844-6449 call 211
Tuscarawas call 211
740-922-0933
330-339-7791 855-560-0850
Highland
call 211
937-393-3458 937-393-4278 513-241-1064
Union
call 211
937-642-4986
937-644-1010 call 211
Hocking
740-385-1389 740-767-4500 855-726-5237 800-385-6813
Van Wert
call 211
419-784-5136
419-238-5430 419-222-7946
Holmes
call 211
740-622-9801 800-971-7979 855-560-0850
Vinton
740-591-6279 740-384-3722
740-772-7540 800-385-6813
Huron
call 211
419-626-4320 800-668-5175 call 211
Warren
513-932-3987 937-341-5000
513-695-1420 937-425-4636
Jackson
call 211
740-384-3722 740-286-4181 800-385-6813
Washington call 211
740-373-3745
740-373-5513 800-385-6813
Jefferson
call 211
740-282-0971 740-282-0961 call 211
Wayne
call 211
330-264-8677
330-287-5800 855-560-0850
Knox
call 211
740-622-9801 740-397-7177 740-397-4801
Williams
call 211
419-784-5136
419-636-6725 call 211
Lake
call 211
440-354-2148 440-350-4000 855-738-2067
Wood
call 211
419-334-8911
419-352-7566 call 211
Lawrence
call 211
740-532-3534 740-532-3324 800-385-6813
Wyandot
call 211
419-423-3755
419-294-4977 419-222-7946
- 55 -
419-334-8911
www.ohiofoodbanks.org
www.ohiobenefits.org
101 E. Town St., Suite 540 Columbus, OH 43215
Counselor Support eMail: [email protected].
Counselor Support Website: support.ohiofoodbanks.org
Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-648-1176

The Ohio Benefit Bank Benefits Guide

Transcription

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