Bridge to Benefits

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What is Bridge to Benefits?

Bridge to Benefits is a multi-state initiative by Children's Defense Fund Minnesota to increase awareness and participation in public work support programs and federal and state tax credits. The project relies on an online screening tool that helps determine potential eligibility for these programs. Work support programs and tax credits were implemented by federal and state governments to help low-income workers meet basic needs. Yet, in Minnesota, thousands of eligible families are not participating in these programs or calming the tax credits that could provide increased economic stability for their families.

What are the goals of Bridge to Benefits?

The goals of CDF Minnesota's Bridge to Benefits project are to:

· Increase awareness and participation in seven public work support programs and two tax credits; · Improve economic stability wand well-being of low-income families by connecting them to work support programs that help meet basic needs; · Promote healthy child development; · Help families navigate complicated public program enrollment processes; · Assist service providers by fuming a "network of support" to ensure families receive the help they need; · Strengthen communities by bringing in more federal and state dollars through the increased number of families who are participating in public program and tax credits.

What programs are included in Bridge to Benefits?

Although there are many different types of public program, CDF Minnesota focuses on the programs that benefit low income, working Minnesota families. These include: Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care, Minnesota Care, Child Care Assistance Program, Energy Assistance, Food Support, School Meal Program, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Working Family Credit (WFC).

Why focus on public work support programs and tax credits?

Living in poverty has devastating effects on a child's development. Research confirms, however, that even small increases in a family's income - as little as $370 a month - can have positive impacts on children's cognitive, social and behavioral development outcomes. Participating in public programs puts money in the pockets of low-income families, benefiting their economic, social, and physical health.

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155 ~ OAKDALE STREET OWATONNA, MN  55060 (507) 455-2991

A primary sponsor