The Ohio Benefit Bank

The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) is an internet-based income enhancement program that provides free access to public benefits and tax credits for low- and moderate-income families. By maximizing tax refunds and reducing a family's household costs, OBB can increase the available cash on hand and strengthen the ability for people to move toward self-sufficiency and stability. The trained counselor navigates the screens and types the client’s responses. When all the questions necessary to fill out the application have been answered, the system generates the forms, fully populated, for the client to review. The completed form is printed for submission or submitted electronically where available.

Billions of dollars in public funds go untouched each year because applying for state and federal benefits such as food stamps or Medicaid is confusing, intimidating, time consuming or embarrassing. Additional billions in tax credits are also left unclaimed due to lack of knowledge. The OBB removes these obstacles, bringing people closer to stability and self-sufficiency.

The following Lutheran Social Service locations offer The Ohio Benefit Bank.  Please call for an appointment.

• The four LSS food pantries and the mobile food pantry

• The Good Shepherd

If you would like to become a trained OBB counselor, please call 614-443-5130.  No special skills are required; just a heart for service and a desire to help those less fortunate.