Improving access to programs: EarnBenefits is coming!

[Roger Senserrich - CAHS]

Starting February, CAHS and three partner organizations will start rolling out a very powerful new tool to help low-income families become more self-sufficient: EarnBenefits Online (EBO). EBO is web-based application that helps case managers and intake workers screen clients for ten benefits simultaneously, allowing them to have quick access to more services.How does EBO work?For a client, EBO will look like the following.1. Sit down with the case worker and describe their household situation: income, family members, assets, housing situation, etc.2. The case worker will introduce the information on the computer as they talk, and hit a button.3. EBO will give a list of all the benefits the client (or a member of the household) can apply to, as well as information on where he needs to go and what he needs to bring.4. The case worker can then hit "print", and EBO will fill an application with all the information automatically and give it to the client, so he can bring it to DSS or the appropiate agency.The whole thing is completely transparent, very easy to use and fully automatized; the eligibility requirements are all handled by EBO. The software is web based, so the only thing the worker needs is a computer with Firefox and an internet connection - and a printer with plenty of paper!EBO will screen for SNAP, Husky, TANF, SAGA, EITC, WIC and Medicaid, amongst other benefits, when fully deployed. Think on the amount of time clients and case workers will safe.Who is going to offer this service?CAHS is proud to announce our partners for Greater New Haven:Junta for Progressive Action (GNHC profile)Christian Community Action (GNHC Profile)Catholic Charities / Centro San José (and someone should help me convince them come to GNH Community!)Starting February, this fine sites will be screenings for benefits using the EBO software. If you give me a desk and a computer with an internet connection, I will be doing screenings furiously too; so drop me a line if you need this service. Contact them (or myself) for more information of availability and referrals - we are still working out the details, so suggestions, encouragement and ideas are more than welcome.Interested in EBO? Want to help?We are still looking for sites and partners. If you think your case workers will get a lot of use of this tool, please drop us a line! Tracy Helin is the person to talk to in this regard; I am available for questions as well.We really want this to be useful, so please, talk to us! We want to screen people, we want to help them get benefits. We want to help!Join us at the EarnBenefits GNHC Group