Solutions for Progress and The Benefit Bank: A Community-Based Approach to Individual Self-Sufficiency

Abstract

Summary

To assist low- and moderate-income individuals in an era of rising housing, food, energy and healthcare costs, federal, state and local governments provide billions of dollars in public assistance. Unfortunately, those in need are often unaware of their eligibility status or the availability of benefits, unfamiliar with the application process, or unable to access the Internet to claim benefits. In addition, many individuals face discrimination and barriers in claiming benefits that they are eligible for. Nationally, over $55 billion in tax credits and other public funds goes unclaimed by eligible individuals every year. In Pennsylvania alone, about $1.5 billion of public funds goes unused. If claimed, the additional income provided through federal tax credits, home energy assistance, Medicaid coverage and other means-tested public assistance programs could significantly improve the quality of life for our nation's poorest families.

Recognizing these barriers, Solutions for Progress (SFP), a Philadelphia-based public policy technology firm, developed The Benefit Bank®, a social innovation that has dramatically expanded access to benefits. The Benefit Bank is a licensed software program that provides universal access to a broad range of public assistance benefits. It was launched in January 2002 in Philadelphia as a pilot program identifying what individuals needed and connecting them to available benefits. In 2005, the current version of TBB was released. The software is now available throughout Pennsylvania and in eight other states.

The latest version of TBB allows individuals to determine their eligibility and apply for federal and state tax rebates, healthcare subsidies, food and energy assistance, and higher education loans. Individuals may access a single application, free of charge, either online or at a partnering nonprofit organization in their state. Partnering nonprofits, which have traditionally included food pantries, community and faith-based organizations, homeless shelters and job training programs, actively promote the service to potential clients, state legislators and funders to ensure that all who are eligible for available benefits receive them.