At the April 23 meeting, the Lucas County commissioners took the first step toward establishing a pilot benefits bridge program that helps both Lucas County families and businesses reach economic success.
Public benefits ensure thousands of people in the community in economic distress can access food, health care, child care and housing. According to the commissioners, the assistance also makes it possible for individuals to find and maintain employment.
Workers who receive benefits must often choose whether to accept a pay increase or to hold on to the health care or food assistance they need to make ends meet. This is called the benefits cliff–when an individual or family experiences a decrease in public assistance benefits because of an increase in earnings, yet the increase in earnings is not enough to cover the benefit loss.
“We should not discourage people from accepting a raise or pursuing a job that pays a higher salary. That is counterproductive to our goal of helping residents achieve long-term economic stability,” Commissioner Lisa Sobecki said. “I am excited to launch this pilot program in Lucas County so that we can provide a path to self-sufficiency without unnecessary hardship.”
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services established a Benefit Bridge Employer Pilot Program with select county JFS departments chosen to participate.
Lucas County was not among the communities selected for participation, but the commissioners believe it is critical to address the issue locally to help residents succeed.
They voted to solicit proposals from agencies who can operate an 18-month benefit program in Lucas County. The commissioners hope to have the program up and running in July.
“Families who earn too much money to qualify for public assistance but not enough money to make ends meet without it, face tough decisions every month. One unforseen cost–a medical emergency or an unexpected car repair–can send a family into crisis,” Commissioner Pete Gerken said. “This pilot program will allow us to provide support and resources to working families while they adjust to reduced benefits because of increased earnings.”
The benefits cliff often leads not only to an individual’s continued dependency on public assistance, but it also can make it difficult for area employers to fill positions. The program will offer supports like peer mentorship, financial literacy training and supplement lost benefits, but it also will offer incentives for advancement in one’s career.
“This program is ultimately about economic prosperity, both for the individuals and families who this will help but also for our local businesses who want to hire good workers and promote from within,” Commissioner Anita Lopez said. “I’m looking forward to partnering with our business community to make this happen.”
The commissioners will work with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce to promote the benefits bridge program and to identify area employers interested in participating.
