The Cuyahoga County Benefit Bridge program is for people who see their public assistance decrease significantly when they earn more money, which is often called “hitting a ‘benefit cliff’." This program supports them to safely get past the cliff so they can eventually manage their family budget without public assistance.

Are you in a position where an increase in job wages has led to:

• A decrease in public benefits including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Childcare Assistance Program? which has led to:
  • A lower total amount of money your family has to pay bills? which has led to:
    • A feeling of discouragement, and you think it’s just easier to go back on public assistance?

The Benefit Bridge program might be right for you! It helps people get out of the challenging cycle of poverty FOR GOOD.

The Benefit Bridge program lasts 18 months and helps you:

• Maintain employment
• Move into a higher paying position
• Have sufficient, stable income to consistently meet your basic needs

Advantages of the Benefit Bridge Program

• Personal Success Planning
  • Work very closely with your Success Coach and a team of other coaches who specialize in whatever areas you may need help with
• Financial Wellness
  • Gain knowledge about personal finances, create and follow monthly budgets, and work with financial advisors on debt removal, financial planning, and other financial issues
• Earned Cash Incentives
  • Earn thousands of dollars if all employment and performance benchmarks are achieved
• Supportive Services
  • Receive a variety of services and work supports to smooth the transition over the benefit cliff, stay employed, meet your goals, and make your self-sufficiency journey easier.

Selection Criteria and Program Requirements

Individuals must meet certain criteria to be selected for the Benefit Bridge program since this is not an entitlement program. After enrollment, in order to stay in the program, you will be required to complete tasks related to your goals.

Important information about completing an application for the Benefit Bridge program:

1. All application questions must be answered for the application to be accepted
2. The Benefit Bridge program is not a public benefit entitlement program. It is voluntary, and the participant must be chosen as a good fit for the program