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New program helps low-income receive benefits Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008 By Rob Moritz Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - Ten people received help in applying for federal benefits Tuesday at the new Benefit Bank of Arkansas before an afternoon grand opening. "It was really touching to be here today and get people signed up," said Georgia Mjartan, executive director of Our House, a shelter for the working homeless where the Benefit Bank of Arkansas is located. "We have families, a single father, a single mother, individuals who are signing up and really getting to experience this benefit. One of those seeking help was Phil Hawkins, a middle-aged man who has no insurance and has kidney troubles. "Whatever I can get," Hawkins said when asked which benefits he was trying to get. Specifically, he said he hoped to qualify for Medicaid. The Benefit Bank is a $1.4 million program aimed at helping people such as Hawkins get benefits they may be eligible for but don't know about, said Stephen Copley, a member of the Arkansas Interfaith Conference. Every year Arkansans pass on about $28 million in state and federal benefits for which they are eligible because they don't know they exist, Gov. Mike Beebe said during the grand opening ceremony. "This is an example of the private sector ... coming together with our Department of Human Services and advocates for people who are struggling every day, the working poor," the governor said. "This will help connect people with resources," Copley said, noting that benefits available include the Earned Income Tax Credit, food stamps, ARKids First child health insurance and heating and cooling assistance. The Pulaski County office is among program sites also planned for Hempstead, Izard, Mississippi, Montgomery, Phillips and Washington counties. Offices will be located in a variety public facilities, including churches, health clinics, county offices, community centers, libraries or any public place where a computer and Internet access is available, Copley said. The counties were selected based on population and their location so the program would be available to as many people across the state as possible, Copley said. Services will be available in the evening and on weekends in addition to weekdays to make it more convenient for people who have a difficult getting off work during the day. Beebe said the program will be evaluated next year to determine if it should be expanded. Similar versions of the program are currently operating in Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kansas and the District of Columbia. The program also is available in Texas to help people with their taxes. Last year, John Brisco, director of development for the New York City-based National Council of Churches, said people who enter the program average about $4,500 in additional benefits annually. The program is being funded with $1.4 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, covering both the initial setup and the first year of operation, the governor said. ------- For information call 1-877-375-0709. |
