What is
The Ohio Benefit Bank?
We know that applying for benefits can be a confusing, time consuming, and difficult experience. At the same time, the resources you are trying to access can make a real difference in your life. The Benefit Bank simplifies the process - making it easier for you to access the programs you need to be healthy and secure.
The Benefit Bank is a free, counselor assisted program.
You will sit with a trained counselor who helps you to enter information into a computer system. When all the questions necessary to fill out the application or tax return are answered, Benefit Bank software helps to identify benefits you may be eligible for and generates the completed forms for you to review and print or electronically submit. The Benefit Bank can help you to: Estimate potential for receiving benefits and credits
· File tax returns
· Apply for public benefits
· Learn about the Economic Stimulus Payment
Earned Income Tax Credit
According to the United Way of Hancock County, $25 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) returns go unclaimed in Hancock County alone. If you work, but don’t make a lot, you may be eligible!
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit. To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return.
Find out if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by answering some questions and providing basic income information using the EITC Assistant.
Your EITC eligibility can also be determined at one of our upcoming free tax clinics.
Please note that the EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments.
Do you want to help people with low to moderate incomes in your community file their taxes for free?
Volunteer!
As a volunteer, you will be helping to save low to moderate income families the cost associated with paying to have their taxes prepared and possibly helping them to receive the Earned Income Credit. Rather than paying to complete their tax return, families can use their money to buy groceries, pay medical expenses, or assist with childcare.
If you have reading ability along with basic math and computer skills, you can help. Prior tax experience is valuable, but not necessary - as our free training program equips volunteers with the knowledge and tools they need to participate in one of our tax clinics and help people file their taxes at no cost. This is a great opportunity for college students, retirees, corporate groups, or anyone looking to improve or share their skills! If you would like more information on volunteering in your community, contact Erin Rodabaugh today at 419-423-3755 ext. 205 or erodabaughcac@thewavz.com.
Do you need help? Do you want to volunteer at a tax clinic? Would the organization you work with like to get involved?
To learn more about The Benefit Bank or tax-related volunteer opportunities in Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot, or Putnam County, contact:
Erin Rodabaugh, Ohio Benefit Bank Coordinator
HHWP Community Action Commission
122 Jefferson Street
PO Box 179
Findlay, Ohio 45839
E-mail: erodabaughcac@thewavz.com
Phone: (419) 423-3755 ext. 205 or (800) 423-3996
The Benefit Bank is a free web-based service designed to help you get all of the benefits and tax credits you may be eligible for. These are resources that can make a real difference in your life or in the lives of your community members in need.
Erin Rodabaugh Ohio Benefit Bank Coordinator erodabaughcac@thewavz.com