Beginning Thursday, the chamber along with several community non-profit groups will start training for The Benefit Bank resource program.
The Benefit Bank uses the power of the Internet to identify state and federal benefits for low and moderate income individuals and families. Trained volunteers guide individuals through a series of questions designed to find the appropriate benefits in a private and secure environment.
Volunteers may also file tax returns for users. Individuals can even use The Benefit Bank to learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program, which helps students with postsecondary education funding. The program’s services are free of charge.
Brenda Gilbert, chamber workforce development coordinator, said the program will help Scotland County take advantage of unused government services.
“The Benefit Bank will add a much needed benefit support program in Scotland County. There is $1.8 billion in work support funds that go unclaimed by eligible North Carolina residents each year," she said. "That’s due to a lack of knowledge on these programs, difficulty filling out the appropriate forms, transportation and other challenges. We’re going to alleviate some of these issues with The Benefit Bank.”
While social services may provide benefits information, lines to see counselors are often long and benefit seekers are unprepared.
Gilbert said the Benefit Bank network will help to alleviate those issues by giving residents information about benefit qualification guidelines. In addition, participants will know what kinds of paperwork and information they’ll need to begin the process.
“The services our providers offer will help to increase the take-home money for low income people and displaced workers,” Gilbert said. “Benefits will help keep them afloat until they can find stable, long-term work. This has a positive impact on our local economy as people will have a little more to spend at our local businesses.”
The chamber is not alone in offering the service. Organizations that work with unemployed or low-income citizens are joining forces to offer a network of providers. According to Gilbert, the Scotland Community Health Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, Church Community Services, Northview Harvest Ministries Restoring Hope Center and the Rockingham District Partners in Ministry will offer Benefit Bank services. The Laurinburg Housing Authority and American Red Cross will also participate by offering the “Quick Check” service, which is a streamlined application that gives estimates on benefit eligibility.
There will be two training sessions; one on Thursday on how to best determine benefits, and one on Friday to discuss filing tax returns online.
Each session will be at the Richmond Community College Purcell Building at 201 Atkinson Street. Non-profits and churches that would like to participate are encouraged to call Gilbert for more information at 276-7420.
“It’s hard to ask for help sometimes, but life situations change, and this gives people a good first step in a private environment,” Gilbert said. “Many people can qualify for some kind of benefit. This has been a real ministry for me to help give people a leg up on getting back into the workforce.”
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