Ashtabula County Families Are Missing Out On Help They Can Receive

Each year more than $1.6 billion in tax credits and public benefits go unclaimed by families in Ohio.  More than 95% of these are federal funds that do not come to Ohio families unless claims are made.  When claimed, these funds can have a significant positive impact on the finances of families and on the local economy.

The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) is a web-based computer program that helps low and moderate-income families find tax credits and public benefits for which they may be eligible due of their low income.  Some of those benefits are:

      -WIC

      -Free and reduced school meals

      -Food stamps

      -Home heating assistance

      -Medicaid

      -Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Additionally, the Ohio Benefit Bank will file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for families who have a college or college bound student in the household.

The Ohio Benefit Bank has assisted families in claiming over $100 million in tax credits and benefits, most of which are spent in local communities.

Encourage families to check their status with an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor at Catholic Charities (992-2121) or Community Action (997-1721 or 211).